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Bible Doctrine 101, Antonio Luna Street, Laoag City (2026)

26/08/2026

“WHEN FELLOWSHIP BECOMES A FAILURE”
1 Corinthians 11:17–22

The church can gather together and yet fail to function as a true fellowship when selfishness, division, and disregard for others prevail.

Church fellowship is more than being in the same room, singing the same songs, and sharing the same meal. True fellowship means caring for one another.

Paul told the Corinthians that their gatherings were not helping them spiritually. In fact, their gathering was doing more harm than good. They were together physically, but they were divided spiritually. They were satisfying themselves while others were being neglected.

The problem was not that they gathered. The problem was how they gathered.

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 11:17–22 KJB
17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

I. THE GATHERING WAS HARMFUL

They Gathered, But Did Not Help
Paul says plainly:
“ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.” — v.17
They were gathering, but their gathering was producing the opposite of what fellowship should produce.
Practical lesson:
We should not measure a church fellowship merely by attendance. We must ask, “Are we helping one another?”
A gathering can be full, yet fellowship can be empty.
Gather to bless, not to distress.

II. THE FELLOWSHIP WAS DIVIDED

They Were Together, But Not One
Paul says:
“when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you.” — v.18
Their physical togetherness could not hide their spiritual divisions.
True fellowship does not mean that everybody has the same personality, preference, or position. It means that believers learn to care for one another instead of competing with one another.
Division exposes what is really in the heart.
Practical lesson:
Do not come to church asking, “What can I get?”
Come asking, “Whom can I help?”
A divided heart destroys united fellowship.

III. THE SELFISHNESS WAS SHAMEFUL

They Satisfied Self, But Shamed Others
Paul describes their behavior:
“every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.” — v.21
Some were enjoying themselves while others were being neglected. Their selfish behavior was so serious that Paul asked:
“or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?” — v.22
They were treating the gathering as an opportunity for self-satisfaction rather than mutual service.
That is the great danger of fellowship: we can be present without being considerate.
Practical lesson:
Before enjoying our liberty, preferences, food, position, or convenience, we should consider how our actions affect others.
Serve one another, rather than satisfy only yourself.

Imagine a family sitting around one table. Everyone brings food, but each person eats only what he brought. One person has plenty, another has almost nothing, and nobody cares.
Technically, they are eating together—but they are not really sharing together.
That was the problem in Corinth. They were gathered in one place, but their selfishness had destroyed the spirit of fellowship.

CONCLUSION

The tragedy of Corinth was not that they failed to gather.
They gathered—but they gathered wrongly.
They were:
• Together, but harmful.
• Together, but divided.
• Together, but selfish.
Church fellowship is not simply being together. It is caring together, serving together, and considering one another.
Paul later gives the proper attitude:
“Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:33 KJB
The goal of fellowship is not: “How can I satisfy myself?”
The goal is: “How can I serve others?”
Remember:
Gather to bless.
Unite, not divide.
Serve, not self-satisfy.
When selfishness takes over, fellowship becomes a failure.

26/08/2026

“FOLLOW THE PATTERN, NOT JUST THE PERSON”

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 11:1–16

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJB)
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Introduction
People naturally follow people. We copy their words, habits, clothing, attitudes, and even their way of living. But Paul gives us an important principle: do not simply follow the person—follow the pattern. Paul did not say, “Follow me because I am Paul.” He said, “Follow me, even as I also am of Christ.” His life was worth following because his life was patterned after Christ. In this passage, Paul teaches that Christian liberty is not freedom to ignore God’s order. Our liberty should never erase God’s order.

I. FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE — NOT JUST THE PERSON

“Follow me, even as I also am of Christ.” — v.1
Paul presents himself as an example, but Christ remains the standard.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJB)
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
The Christian life is not simply about copying personalities. A preacher, teacher, parent, or Christian friend may be a good example—but Christ is the ultimate pattern.
Paul could say, “Follow me” because he first said, “as I also am of Christ.”

Practical lesson:
Before we ask, “What does this person do?” we should ask, “Does this follow the pattern of Christ?”
Follow the example, but measure it by Christ.

II. RESPECT THE ORDER — DON’T REVERSE THE ORDER

“The head of Christ is God.” — v.3
Paul now explains the principle of headship and order.
1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJB)
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
God is a God of order. His order does not mean that one person is more valuable than another. Rather, God has established different roles and relationships.
Even Christ willingly submitted Himself in His earthly ministry to the will of the Father, yet Christ is fully God.
Therefore, Christian liberty should never become an excuse for rejecting God's order.

Practical lesson:
We honor God when we respect the responsibilities and distinctions He has established.
Respect the order—don’t reverse the order.

III. HONOR THE DISTINCTION — DON’T BLUR THE DISTINCTION

“For a man indeed ought not to cover his head…” — vv.7–10
Paul then applies the principle to the conduct of men and women in the church. The passage discusses the head covering, while also emphasizing the distinction between the sexes and their God-given relationship.
1 Corinthians 11:7–9 (KJB)
“For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.”
Paul grounds his instruction in God's creative order, not merely in human culture or personal preference.
Yet Paul also brings balance:
1 Corinthians 11:11–12 (KJB)
“Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.”
The distinctions are real, but they do not make one superior to the other. Both are “in the Lord,” and all things are of God.

Practical lesson:
We should honor God's distinctions without using them to dishonor one another.
Honor the distinction—don’t create confusion.

Imagine a marching band entering a field. Every member has a different position. One carries the drum, another carries the flag, another plays an instrument. If everyone decides, “I want to do my own thing,” the performance becomes disorderly.

The problem is not that they are different. The problem is that they refuse to follow the pattern.
Likewise, God has given us different roles and responsibilities. Christian maturity is not demonstrated by removing every distinction, but by faithfully fulfilling the place God has given us.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 11:1–16 teaches us that Christian conduct is more than following a person. It is about following a godly pattern.

I. FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE — not just the person.
II. RESPECT THE ORDER — don’t reverse the order.
III. HONOR THE DISTINCTION — don’t blur the distinction.

Paul's words remain the key:
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
So let us use our liberty wisely. We are free to serve God, but never free to erase God's order.
Follow the pattern, not just the person.
Honor Christ, respect His order, and let our conduct bring glory to God.

23/08/2026

“LIBERTY WITH RESPONSIBILITY”
1 Corinthians 10:23–30

Christian liberty is a wonderful blessing, but liberty is never an excuse to live without concern for others. In this passage, Paul deals with a practical question: What should a believer do when he has liberty in something that may affect another person?

Paul gives us three simple principles: What is lawful must also be helpful, our liberty must consider others, and our conscience must remain thankful before God.

I. CHOOSE WHAT IS PROFITABLE — Not Merely Permissible
“Liberty asks, ‘Can I?’ Wisdom asks, ‘Will it help?’”

1 Corinthians 10:23 (KJB)
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”

Paul does not say that everything is automatically good simply because we have liberty. The question is whether our choice is expedient—helpful, useful, and edifying. Christian liberty should build people up, not simply satisfy ourselves.

Practical question:
Before exercising liberty, ask: “Will this help me and others spiritually?”

II. CONSIDER THE OTHER PERSON — Not Merely Yourself
“Liberty is not selfish; liberty is selfless.”

1 Corinthians 10:24 (KJB)
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.”

Paul then applies this principle to eating meat:

1 Corinthians 10:25–26 (KJB)
“Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.”

The believer did not need to become suspicious or unnecessarily troubled about ordinary food. The earth belongs to the Lord.

But when another person's conscience entered the situation, love required consideration.

1 Corinthians 10:28–29 (KJB)
“But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?”
The issue was not simply “What am I free to do?” but “How will my liberty affect another?”

III. USE YOUR LIBERTY RESPONSIBLY — With THANKFULNESS
“Enjoy your liberty, but guard your testimony.”

Paul makes it clear that liberty itself is not the problem. The problem comes when liberty becomes a stumbling block or damages another person's conscience.

1 Corinthians 10:30 (KJB)
“For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?”

The believer can enjoy God's blessings with thanksgiving. But Christian freedom must always be exercised with wisdom, love, and responsibility.

CONCLUSION

Paul's message is simple:
I. CHOOSE what is PROFITABLE.
II. CONSIDER the OTHER PERSON.
III. USE your LIBERTY RESPONSIBLY.

Christian liberty is not simply the freedom to say, “I can do this.” It is the maturity to ask, “Is this helpful? Will this edify? Will this affect another person's conscience?”
Liberty without responsibility becomes selfishness.
Liberty guided by love becomes a testimony.
So let us enjoy what God has graciously given us—but let us use our liberty wisely, thankfully, and responsibly.

22/08/2026

“WAS THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION THE SAME THEN AS IT IS TODAY?”
The Object of Faith in Different Dispensations

There is an important question that every Bible School student should carefully consider:
Was the message by which people were saved before Christ died exactly the same message we preach today?
If the answer is YES, then we must honestly answer this question:
How could Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection have been their object of faith when the disciples themselves did not yet know that He must rise again from the dead?
Consider what Scripture itself says.
John 20:9 (KJB):
“For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”
That statement is very clear.
They knew not.
John did not merely say that they misunderstood the resurrection. He specifically said that they did not yet know the Scripture that Christ must rise again from the dead.
Therefore, we must be careful not to place the full revelation that we possess today into the understanding of people who lived before that revelation was given.

I. GOD HAS ALWAYS REQUIRED FAITH, BUT THE OBJECT OF FAITH WAS REVEALED ACCORDING TO GOD'S PROGRAM

From Genesis to Revelation, faith has always been necessary.
God's character does not change. Neither does the principle that man must believe what God has said.
But we must understand something very important:
Biblical faith is not believing something that God has never revealed.
True biblical faith is trusting what God has revealed.
Therefore, the principle of faith remains consistent, but the content or object of faith can differ as God progressively reveals His will and purpose.
For example, Noah was commanded to build an ark because God revealed that judgment by flood was coming.
We cannot say:
“Noah should have believed in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.”
Why?
Because that was not yet revealed to Noah as the message he was given.
Noah believed what God had revealed to him.
Genesis 6:17–18 revealed the coming judgment and God's covenant concerning Noah.
Thus, Noah's faith was based upon God's revealed Word to him.

II. THE OBJECT OF FAITH THROUGH DIFFERENT PERIODS

It is helpful to see this pattern throughout Scripture.

1. ADAM — FAITH IN GOD'S WORD

God gave Adam a specific command concerning the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Object of faith:
God's revealed command and promise.
Adam could not believe Paul's Gospel because Paul's Gospel had not yet been revealed.

2. NOAH — FAITH IN GOD'S WARNING AND PROMISE

God told Noah that judgment by flood was coming, and Noah acted according to God's revealed Word by preparing the ark.
Object of faith:
God's revealed warning concerning judgment and His provision of deliverance through the ark.

3. ABRAHAM — FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISE

God gave Abraham specific promises concerning his seed and the blessing that would come through him.
Object of faith:
God's revealed promises concerning Abraham, his seed, and the blessing God promised through him.
Genesis 15:6 says:
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
Abraham believed what God had revealed to him.

4. ISRAEL UNDER MOSES — FAITH IN GOD'S REVEALED COVENANT

Under the Mosaic economy, Israel was given a covenant, law, priesthood, sacrifices, ordinances, and promises.
Object of faith:
God's revealed covenant, commandments, sacrificial system, and promises to Israel.
This revelation should not automatically be equated with the Gospel later revealed through Paul.

5. THE EARTHLY MINISTRY OF CHRIST — FAITH IN THE MESSIAH AND THE PROMISED KINGDOM

This is where the subject becomes especially important.
John the Baptist preached:
“Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
— Matthew 3:2
Christ also preached the message concerning the coming Kingdom.
Israel was being called upon to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and King.
Peter therefore confessed:
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
— Matthew 16:16
Christ responded:
“Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona...”
— Matthew 16:17
This shows that the disciples' faith was centered upon the identity of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, within the prophetic and Kingdom program revealed to Israel.

III. BUT WHAT ABOUT CHRIST'S DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION?

This is the critical issue.
If Christ's death, burial, and resurrection were already clearly established as the object of faith for the disciples before Calvary, why did Christ repeatedly have to tell them about His coming death and resurrection?
Consider Luke 18:31–34.
Jesus told the twelve that He would go to Jerusalem and that:
“all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.”
He then explained that He would be:
“delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:”
He further said:
“And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.”
But what was the response of the disciples?
Luke 18:34 says:
“And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”
We cannot simply ignore that verse.
The Scripture says:
“They understood none of these things.”

IV. MATTHEW 16 SHOWS THE SAME PROBLEM

In Matthew 16, Peter made an extraordinary confession:
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
That was a great confession of faith.
But when Christ began to explain His coming suffering, death, and resurrection, Peter reacted very differently.
Matthew 16:21 (KJB):
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
What did Peter do?
“Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.”
Matthew 16:22
Why would Peter react this way?
Because his understanding was centered upon Christ as Messiah and King, not upon a clear understanding of the completed Calvary Gospel that we preach today.
This raises an important question:
If the death, burial, and resurrection were already clearly understood as their object of faith, why did Peter reject Christ's prediction of His death and resurrection?

V. JOHN 20:9 GIVES US THE ANSWER

After Christ's resurrection, Peter and John went to the sepulchre.
They saw that the tomb was empty.
Then John records:
“For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”
This statement should not be minimized.
They knew not the Scripture.
The resurrection had already happened, but they had not yet understood that Christ must rise again from the dead according to the Scripture.
Therefore, we should be very cautious about saying:
“The disciples before Calvary believed the same Gospel we preach today because they already had Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as their object of faith.”
The biblical record does not support such a simple conclusion.

VI. THEN PAUL RECEIVED A DISTINCT MESSAGE

This is where we see a significant transition.
In Paul's ministry, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ were not merely historical facts.
They became the central content of the Gospel committed to Paul.
Notice Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (KJB):
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Notice the words:
“I also received.”
Paul received a message, and he delivered that message to others.
And the message was unmistakably clear:
CHRIST DIED.
CHRIST WAS BURIED.
CHRIST ROSE AGAIN.
There is also a specific doctrinal emphasis:
“Christ died for our sins...”
This is the Gospel Paul declared in his ministry.

VII. THE OBJECT OF FAITH IN PAUL'S MINISTRY

In the present age, we do not tell a sinner to follow Israel's Kingdom message in order to receive salvation.
We do not preach:
“Repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Neither do we tell a sinner to keep the Mosaic Law in order to obtain eternal life.
The Gospel we preach today centers upon what Christ accomplished for us:
His death, burial, and resurrection for our sins.
Paul says:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...”
— Acts 16:31
And Romans 3:24 says:
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
The sinner today rests upon the finished work of Christ, not upon personal merit, religious performance, law-keeping, or Israel's Kingdom ordinances.

VIII. THE IMPORTANT LESSON: FAITH DOES NOT CHANGE, BUT GOD'S REVELATION DOES

This is one of the most important principles for every Bible student to understand:
Faith has always been necessary.
But that does not mean that every generation received the identical revelation.
There is progressive revelation throughout Scripture.
As God's revelation unfolds, more truth is made known.
Therefore, we should never assume:
“Whatever we know today must also have been fully understood by everyone who lived before us.”
No.
The proper question is:
“What had God revealed to them at that time?”
And then:
“What has God revealed to us today?”

IX. WHY THIS MATTERS IN BIBLE STUDY

This subject is not meant to embarrass anyone.
It is an invitation to study the Scriptures carefully.
If we do not know something, it is perfectly acceptable to say:
“I do not know yet. Let us study it.”
That is much better than forcing a conclusion that cannot be supported by Scripture.
Bible School is not about teaching us how to win arguments.
It is about teaching us how to see what the Bible actually says.
Our goal is not to make Scripture fit our system.
Our goal is to allow Scripture to correct our system.

CONCLUSION

So, was the salvation message before Christ's death exactly the same as the message revealed through Paul?
We must answer carefully and contextually.
Before Christ: God required faith in the revelation He had given.
During Christ's earthly ministry: the focus was upon the Messiah, His identity, and the promised Kingdom to Israel. Even though Christ revealed His coming suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples, the Scriptures plainly show that they did not yet understand these things as clearly as we do after the resurrection and through Paul's revelation.
In Paul's ministry: the Gospel was clearly centered upon Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for our sins, and this became the central Gospel message entrusted to Paul.

Therefore:
The principle of faith is consistent, but the revealed content and object of faith must be understood according to the revelation God gave in each period.

This is why context, progressive revelation, and careful Bible study are so important.
We must not put into the understanding of people who lived in an earlier period a revelation that God had not yet given to them.
Above all:
Let the Bible tell us what they knew, what they believed, and what God revealed to them—rather than assuming that they knew what God had not yet revealed.

20/08/2026

“THE DISCIPLINED CHRISTIAN”
1 Corinthians 9:24–27

A successful Christian life is built on discipline. Paul compares the Christian life to a race. The goal is not merely to start well, but to run faithfully, live wisely, and finish strongly. But Christian discipline is not simply human strength. It is the working power of the Holy Spirit through a believer who willingly yields to God’s will.
Paul said:
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
—1 Corinthians 9:24 KJB

I. DISCIPLINE YOUR DESIRES

Control what controls you. A disciplined Christian does not allow every desire to become a decision. Paul said:
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
—1 Corinthians 9:25 KJB
We must learn to say “No” to things that weaken our walk and “Yes” to the will of God.
Practical question: What desire in my life needs to be brought under control?

II. DIRECT YOUR DEVOTION

Focus where God wants you to go. Paul was not running aimlessly. His life had a clear purpose:
“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:”
—1 Corinthians 9:26 KJB
A disciplined Christian does not simply stay busy. He stays purposeful—serving God, studying His Word, praying, witnessing, and faithfully doing what God has given him to do.
Don't just run hard—run right.

III. DENY YOURSELF

Yield your will to God’s will. Paul understood that even a servant of God must keep his flesh under control:
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
—1 Corinthians 9:27 KJB
Discipline means saying, “Not what I want, but what God wants.”
Our strength is not enough. We need the Holy Spirit working in us as we willingly submit ourselves to God.
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
—Philippians 2:13 KJB

A runner does not become strong by watching races. He becomes strong by training. He runs when he feels like running—and even when he does not. In the same way, a disciplined Christian does not live only when he feels spiritual. He continues to pray, study, serve, obey, and walk faithfully, allowing God to work through him.

CONCLUSION

The disciplined Christian learns three simple things:
Discipline your Desires.
Direct your Devotion.
Deny yourself.
Christian discipline is not about trusting our own strength. It is about yielding our lives to the Spirit of God and allowing Him to work through us. Grace saves us freely, but grace also teaches us to live faithfully.
Run with purpose. Live with discipline. Finish with faithfulness.

17/08/2026

“ADAPTING WITHOUT COMPROMISING”
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:19–23

Paul had a great heart for people. He was willing to adjust his approach, his habits, and his personal rights if doing so could help lead someone to Christ. But Paul also knew that there was a limit to adaptation: he could adjust his method, but never compromise the message. We may adjust our methods to reach people, but we must never alter the message to please people.

Christianity does not require us to offend people unnecessarily. We should learn how to reach people where they are—but without becoming what they are.

1 Corinthians 9:22–23 (KJB)
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”

I. ADJUST TO REACH — BUT NEVER CHANGE THE TRUTH

Paul adapted himself to different people so he could gain them.

1 Corinthians 9:19 (KJB)
“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”
Paul was free, yet he willingly served. He did not demand his rights when giving them up could help the Gospel.

Practical lesson: We can adjust our language, approach, schedule, and preferences. But we must never change the Gospel to make people comfortable.

Adapt the method—preserve the message.

II. AVOID OFFENSE — BUT NEVER ALTER THE FAITH

Paul understood the people he was trying to reach.

1 Corinthians 9:20 (KJB)
“And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;”

His goal was not to win arguments. His goal was to win people.

Romans 12:18 (KJB)
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

There are offenses we can avoid through kindness, patience, and wisdom. But there are truths we cannot surrender simply because someone may be offended by them.

Practical lesson: Do not create unnecessary offense, but do not remove biblical truth just to gain acceptance.
Be gentle in spirit—firm in truth.

III. SACRIFICE YOUR RIGHTS — BUT SERVE THE GOSPEL

Paul was willing to limit himself for the sake of others.

1 Corinthians 9:23 (KJB)
“And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”

The Gospel was more important to Paul than his personal comfort or convenience.
This is the heart of Christian ministry: not “What am I allowed to do?” but “What will help me reach others?”

A missionary once entered a village where the people were very uncomfortable with his usual way of doing things. Instead of demanding that they immediately accept his customs, he learned their language, ate their food, sat with them, and listened to their stories. He changed many things about his approach—but he never changed the Gospel he preached.
He changed his manner, not his message.

CONCLUSION
Paul teaches us that effective ministry requires wisdom. We do not have to become like the world to reach the world. Neither should we deliberately offend people when offense can be avoided.
Adapt without compromising.
Adjust without abandoning.
Serve without surrendering the truth.

1 Corinthians 9:22 (KJB)
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

The method may change, but the Gospel must remain.

12/08/2026

“GOD CARES FOR THE WORKER”
1 Corinthians 9:7–14

When God calls a man to labor in His work, He does not forget to care for him.
But this lesson is not only about the worker. It is also about the believer who becomes a part of the work.
God has designed ministry so that those who receive spiritual blessings may also participate in supporting the work. And there is a special joy in being a giver and a partaker in God's work.
The happiest people in the work of God are not merely those who watch the work—they are those who have a part in it.

I. THE WORKER SHOULD BE SUPPORTED

1 Corinthians 9:7–9
“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?”

Paul uses the soldier, farmer, shepherd, and ox to establish a simple principle:
Those who labor should receive from the work they serve.
If God cares for an ox that labors, how much more does He care for His servants who labor in spiritual things?

II. THE WORKER SHOULD SHARE IN THE FRUIT

1 Corinthians 9:10–13
“Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?”
Paul says:
“If we have sown unto you spiritual things…”
The minister invests the Word, time, strength, and life into people.
Therefore, those who receive the spiritual blessing can also participate in sustaining the work.
A farmer does not merely watch his field grow. He works because he expects to have a part in the harvest.
Likewise, do not merely enjoy the blessings of the ministry—have a part in the ministry that brings those blessings.

III. THE PARTAKER SHARES IN THE BLESSING

1 Corinthians 9:14
“Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

Notice:
“The Lord ordained.”
Supporting the work is not merely helping a preacher. It is participating in something God has ordained.
Paul expressed the proper attitude:
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”
—Philippians 4:17
That is the greater blessing.
When you give, you are not simply losing something—you are having a part in something.
When souls are reached, you had a part.
When believers grow, you had a part.
When the Word continues to be preached, you had a part.
When the ministry accomplishes something for the Lord, you can rejoice because you helped make it possible.
THE JOY OF HAVING A PART
There is a difference between watching the work and being part of the work.
A spectator watches the harvest.
A worker rejoices in the harvest.
A spectator says, “Look what they accomplished.”
A giver says, “Praise God, I had a part in it!”
That is why the giver can experience a special joy.
The happiest believer in the work of God is often the believer who knows, “I have a part in what God is doing.”

CONCLUSION

This message is not a hint, pressure, or personal request.
It is an opportunity to have a part in God's work.
God cares for the worker, and God uses His people to care for the work.
So don't merely receive the blessing.
Help carry the blessing to others.
Don't merely enjoy the ministry.
Have a part in the ministry.
Don't merely watch what God is doing.
Participate in what God is doing.
Because when you give faithfully, you may not stand in the pulpit, but you can have a part in the preaching.
You may not personally reach every soul, but you can have a part in reaching them.
And one day, you can rejoice knowing:
“I was not only blessed by the work—I was blessed because I had a part in the work.”
God cares for the worker, but He also blesses the believer who willingly becomes a partaker in His work.

Bible Doctrine 101

26/08/2026

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