DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. [REFLECTION] Do you have any further questions or thoughts about Sunday’s passage?
2. [ECCLESIOLOGY]
- How does this passage call the Church to treat its ministers?
- How can this passage be abused by Christian leaders?
- What motivations does Paul give for supporting the proclamation of the Gospel?
3. [RIGHTS & RIGHT] Paul says in verse 12 that he and others did not “make use” of their right to be supported by the Corinthians, so that the support/cultural connotation of it would not be an obstacle to the Gospel.
- How does this sacrifice connect to the way he called the Corinthians to live in 8:1-13?
- How can rights and freedoms be practiced and enjoyed in ways that are not right? What is the ethical root of practicing them properly?
4. From Neal, because I think he phrased these so well!
- Paul willingly sacrifices something he is entitled to for the sake of the gospel. How does his example reflect the self-giving love of Jesus (Phil 2:5–8; 2 Cor 8:9)? How does remembering what Christ willingly gave up for us change the way we think about our own freedoms?
- Is there an area in your life where God might be calling you to willingly lay down a right or freedom for the good of someone else?
