The Corinthians had asked the apostle Paul specific... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

We have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:12

The Corinthians had asked the apostle Paul specific questions concerning their Christian liberty.

Some questions dealt with are not urgent for every Christian in every age. However, the apostle's advice is based on spiritual principles, and it is useful and important that we should recognise and observe them. A Christian has, for example, complete liberty to marry (cf. ch. 7). On the other hand, there is a superior standpoint: service for the Lord that is in no way hindered. In certain cases it may therefore be advisable to renounce our liberty for the Lord's sake.

In chapter 8 it was a question of eating meat that had previously been offered to idols. It was nothing other then normal meat. But there were believers who had not yet attained this "knowledge". Paul did not wish to mislead them to acting in a way that troubled their conscience through his own example. He therefore recommended that abstinence in view of the other's conscience was preferable.

Paul had been called to the ministry by the Lord Himself, but some disputed his right to "live from the gospel" (ch. 9:14). In this case, too, he considered renunciation better than giving them a reason for an accusation.

Being strong in the faith does not consist in exploiting our Christian liberty to the full, but being prepared to abstain, if the propagation of the gospel or the spiritual growth of believers demands it.

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 2:10-17 · 2 Timothy 1:1-8