Articles
It Is My Right - 1 Cor 9
It Is My Right - 1 Cor 9
Our problem with individualism and personal ‘rights’.
The idea of personal rights was recognized by Paul: “Do we not have the right… “ (1Cor. 9:4, 5, 12). Yes, he did, and so do all of us. Such rights give us liberty to act but they do NOT demand that we exercise such. There are times when it is not right to exercise our rights. Hence, Paul would explain that even though he had these rights, he did not exercise/use them (1Cro. 9:15, 18).
The problem of being a stumbling-block –
This is not about doing something that another disagrees with, nor that with which others become agitated or upset with you about. Louw Nida defined this word: “that which provides an opportunity or occasion for causing someone to sin—‘that which causes someone to sin’ or ‘that which provides an occasion for someone to sin.’” Thus in 8:10 Paul speaks of that which would embolden one to commit idolatry, and thus in verse 11 to destroy a brother. Doing so is to not only sin against a brother but to sin against Christ (vs. 12). Jesus consistently warned against such action on the part of disciples (see below -- Matt. 13:41; Luke 17:1-2; Matt. 18:6-9; etc.).
The relationship with personal rights and stumbling-blocks.
Unlike our Bill of Rights, we as brethren have no document that enumerates such ‘rights’. This often leads to self-proclaimed rights, which then are exercised regardless of the fallout. It is this last scenario that is indeed wrong. We were called to serve and not be served. Paul’s example was to forego HIS rights in order to safeguard the spiritual health of brethren. He did not exercise such rights IF it would put a stumbling-block in the spiritual path of his brethren. Such was the example of Paul that we should imitate (1Cor. 11:1). Such was the mind of Christ that we are to develop (Phil. 2:1-5). Not all rights are to be exercised at all times.
The solution stated:
At least twice, Paul states the principal of exercising such rights. First: “9 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9). Second: “13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13).
As disciples of the Lord, we dare not demand and exercise our ‘rights’ IF by doing so we cause (encourage, embolden, provoke) brothers to sin. Are you more concerned about your rights than the spiritual well-being of others?
Hugh DeLong
