Jordan Byrd
Holy Wholly - Sanctified Unity, 1 Corinthians 9
Have your experienced the frustration of trying to light birthday candles with matches? Where you rush to light as many candles as you can with one match before it goes out. With a match, there is only so much fuel. And once it goes out, there is nothing left to keep the flame going. Whereas, if a lighter is used to light the candles, there is fuel to keep the flame going. A match has a limited purpose. Whereas, a lighter has a longer-lasting purpose. With a match, the reward is that a candle is lit. And if the candle goes out, that is the extent of the match’s purpose. Whereas, with a lighter, the reward can be that a candle is lit; but even if the candle goes out, the lighter can still keep a flame ignited for other candles, or a fire-pit, or fireplace, or sanitizing an instrument, or unfreezing something, or sealing a nylon rope, or light a torch, or use as an emergency signal, or many other purposes. The point is that the match form of ignition is limited in it’s purpose. whereas, the lighter form of ignition is wide-ranging, and lasting in it’s purpose.
What ignites your purpose? What motivates what your life is about? What keeps you on that path, even if there isn’t an immediate reward?
What keeps you caring for, providing for, and going through the range of emotions in dealing with developing children in your home? Is it the legacy they will provide you? Is it the retirement care they will afford you? Is it to maintain the image of having a picture-perfect-idealized family for social appearances? Or, is there something else that ignites purpose in caring for children?
What keeps you learning? Is it just because the law requires you to go to school? Is it just because you need a diploma? Is is just because you need a degree? Or, is there something else that ignites purpose in learning?
What keeps you maintaining a home (whether you own or rent)? What keeps you maintaining that space? Is it just to have a dry, warm place to live? Is it just to have a place for your stuff? Or, is there something else that ignites purpose in having a home?
What keeps you having a vocation? What keeps you active and working each day? Is it just to get money? Is it just to cover expenses? Is it just to make it to the next level of the company? Is it just to make it to the next income level? Is it just to provide for a few worry-free years of retirement. Is it just to provide for a good time this weekend? Or, is there something else that ignites purpose in having a vocation that you take-up each day?
What keeps you living? What keeps you eating, sleeping, and treating your body (regardless of age)? Is it just to not be in pain? Is it just to exist? Is is just to get the most days you can out of life before death? Or, is there something else that ignites purpose in living another day?
What keeps you participating in Jesus’ church? What keeps you gathering for worship? What keeps you meditating on God’s word? What keeps you sacrificially giving of your time, talent, and resources? What keeps you serving those, who aren’t biological family? Is it just something to do? Is it just to be enlightened? Is it just because you have family or friends who participate? Is it just because it’s tradition or habit? It it just because it’s a historic legacy to maintain? Or, is there something else that ignites purpose in participating in Jesus’ church?
What ignites your purpose?
Many of the purposes just referenced, aren’t bad or evil. But, they're limited in scope. They’re limited in the range of their impact. A multi-generational family and multi-generational can be good things. But those are only rewards for a limited number of people. An education can be a good thing. But it’s reward is limited, if it only benefits yourself. A house and job can be good things. But their reward is limited, if it only benefits yourself. Participating in Jesus’ church is a good thing. But the reward of participating in it, is limited, if it only benefits yourself.
In a world separated from God's life revealed in Jesus, we often seek fulfillment in lesser purposes that can't truly satisfy. And pursuit of lesser forms of purpose leaves us frustrated and wanting. Like trying to light a bunch of candles with one, limited match. These lesser forms of purpose leave us wanting a purpose that’s greater and longer-lasting. A purpose that doesn’t flame-out. A purpose that can last through the ups-and-downs of life. And the more we, and other people have pursued lesser forms of purpose as the greatest degree of purpose – falsely and distortedly convincing ourselves that maybe this, or this, or this purpose – will ignite a lasting purpose. But, it’s a viscous cycle, that turns-in on itself. Each flame of purpose burning-out, one after another.
In contrast, God’s word reveals good news that this is not the way to lasting and wide-ranging purpose. What we encounter in 1 Corinthians 9 is the apostle Paul’s testimony of discovering a lasting, impactful purpose as part of God’s mission. God’s mission to rightly order lesser forms of purpose under the Lordship of Jesus. God’s mission of all people redeemed to experience abundant life in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9 is Paul’s testifying to the good news that he discovered in Jesus. That guiding all people to abundant life in Jesus is the most-lasting and impactful purpose he’s experienced. 1 Corinthians 9 shows us Paul’s experience of Jesus being what ignites his overall purpose in life, work, and existence – Paul’s experience of Jesus igniting an eternal purpose – a purpose that impacts all people – and not just himself, and his own well-being.
Jesus ignited Paul’s purpose. What ignites your purpose?
Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky are credited for saying, “Leadership is disappointing your own people at a rate they can absorb.” (Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky)
Author, Todd Bolsinger, expands this further by saying, “Disappoint people too much and they give up on you, stop following you and may even turn on you. Don’t disappoint them enough and you’ll never lead them anywhere.” (Todd Bolsinger)
As a parent, I’ve had to develop this skill. The skill of disappointing my kids at a rate they can absorb. Recently, there was a situation that my kids were looking forward to have happen. And the situation fell through. While not disappointing my kids can be a good purpose overall. In this situation, doing anything to “not disappoint them” was not going to be the greater purpose. Telling them the truth in a way they could handle for their age, is the greater purpose I had to lean into. Disappointment is a reality in a world where truth exists. If we distort truth, we’re going to be disappointed when negative consequences result. Similarly, if we live by according to truth, those who don’t want to accept truth, are going to be disappointed. This is similar to the situation that Paul finds himself in in 1 Corinthians 9.
Paul is addressing a church in Corinth whom was comprised of people from various backgrounds: Jewish expats, Grecians, Roman citizens, and other subcultures. Two of these cultures presented distinct perspectives and expectations for a leader, like Paul.
1 Corinthians 9:1-12; Deuteronomy 25:4
Jewish customs and culture provided precedent for a religious leader, like Paul — to receive financial support from the religious community for his work as a preacher of God’s word (see 1 Corinthians 9:1-12; Deuteronomy 25:4). Paul also ties this to Jesus’ own words in Luke 10:7, where Jesus sends out 72 disciples to proclaim, or preach the good news of God’s kingdom, and as these workers go, they are to eat and drink whatever they give you, “for the worker deserves his wages….” (Luke 10:7)
Similarly in Matt. 10:9-10, Jesus sends out 12 disciples to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, and he tells them, “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. (Matthew 10:9-10)
From Jewish priests receiving food from the process of offering sacrifices in the temple, to even an ox being fed from the grain that it is grinding-up for humans to make bread, and the original disciples of Jesus receiving support for themselves and their families – for their work in preaching the good news of Jesus – Paul being called to a similar role by Jesus is confident that he has precedent to also receive financial support for his work of preaching the word of God to the Corinthian church. And if he received such, he would not be going against the guidance of God’s word. This Jewish perspective and expectation, relied on a communal support and buy-in for the work of the leader.
The Grecian/Corinthian perspective and expectation for financial support for a leader, like Paul was different. Greek, Corinthian: philosophers, public orators, or thought leaders, similar to the role Paul had among Corinthian followers of Jesus, would often find financial backing by a private benefactor. A wealthy person or family may hire such a person to speak on their behalf, or give them insight and guidance. While this provided a direct benefit for the benefactor, it would limit the benefit that others could receive from this person’s guidance. Specifically, there would be a conflict of interest. A philosopher or orator would be tempted to say what needs to be said, to keep receiving their funding.
Think of a politician approaching re-election, and being tempted to say what needs to be said, just to get re-elected. Or think of the company that’s tempted to make decisions that benefit it’s investors, over the good of its customers.
Paul is caught between these two expectations, as a leader of the church in Corinth. Does he insist financial support from the church, knowing that the pooer followers of Jesus could dismiss his message, thinking he’s just bought off to say what the wealthy followers of Jesus want him to say – causing further division among the body of Christ (between the poor and wealthy)? Or, does Paul give-up his right to financial support from the church, so that the word of God can have no road-blocks from being heard and shaping to the life of both poor and wealthy followers of Jesus? Paul is faced with a decision to discern which purpose is greater: his financial provision – his well being, or the well being of all people, poor or wealthy, to have the opportunity to encounter the good news of Jesus, that leads to abundant life?
For Paul, Jesus is so much his Lord and source of life – that participation in his mission to redeem creation – sparks and fuels Paul’s drive and purpose, beyond any other force (greater than the pull and lure of financial benefit and comfort). Paul is so convinced of Jesus as Lord, and the change agent that the world needs for it’s brokenness, that Paul will do anything to help guide any person to the abundant life in Jesus, that he personally has experienced. God’s activity in Paul’s life has transformed Paul to find the God’s mission so compelling, that he will participate in it, without immediate benefit to himself. 1 Corinthians 9:16, “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)
Jesus’ impact on Paul’s life is what continually ignites Paul’s passion and purpose – to help others encounter jesus, even if there’s no immediate reward or benefit to Paul. Even if people don’t respond to Paul’s preaching, the mission of God will keep his purpose ignited – to guide the next person to encounter Jesus. Jesus ignited Paul’s purpose. What ignites your purpose?
From the age of 7 through my high school years, I competed in men’s gymnastics. I receive a decent number of trophies, medals, and ribbons, throughout those years of competition. As great of an achievement as those trophies, medals, and ribbons were, do you know where they are now? In an old, boarded-up, water-heater closet in the back of the closet of my child-hood bedroom at my parents house in Ohio. Winning those trophies, medals, and ribbons was meaningful to me at the time. But, their meaning and value is limited. Those accomplishments and rewards lack the power to give me purpose and meaning in other areas of my life – for my day-to-day job; for my marriage; for my parenting; or for my participation in the body of Christ.
Toward the end of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul shifts to the imagery of athleticism and discipline. In 1 Corinthians 9:25 references a crown that a winning runner in an ancient Grecian athletics competition could receive. The original version of this crown was made of dry, wild celery. Later, it was made of pine. But, the imagery of a crown of greenery, that will eventually rot or dry-out – that is not long-lasting – paints the picture of Paul’s comparison. Paul’s comparison that a reward of this value could ignite purpose for athletes to train for hours upon hours, and endure all sorts of cost to themselves; and, if that little value could spur that kind of purpose and sacrifice, how much more would the greater value of God’s mission – could ignite purpose and sacrifice, to see the reward of people of all backgrounds experiencing abundant life in Jesus. The hope of this world experiencing a world made right by Jesus, is of greater value than any other reward can bring. The rewards of comfort and financial gain – for Paul, were limited, compared to the lasting reward of a world made right by Jesus. Participating in God’s mission is what ignited Paul’s purpose, even at sacrifice to his comfort and financial support from others. Paul was willing to do a side-job, tent-making, to enable him to still participate in God’s mission of all people finding abundant life in Jesus.
Jesus ignited Paul’s purpose. What ignites your purpose?
In a sense, the weight of this passage is harder on someone like me, or anyone else preaching and proclaiming God’s word. It prompts me to evaluate the purpose for which I preach.
Am I preaching a certain message, because it won’t ruffle feathers and not jeopardize people getting angry and not giving? Or am I preaching a certain message because I’m convinced of the truth of God’s word, no matter how disruptive it’s guidance may be? According to Paul, I should have the confidence of God’s word to support my preaching of God’s word, that, declaring the truth of God is worth compensation from the church body. Because, that is the realty of how we minister’s are supported through the faithful and generous and sacrificial giving of the church body, to whom we help guide to encounter abundant life in Jesus, through the preaching of God’s word. I’m grateful that this body is by and large, surrendered to God’s mission, and faithful and generous and sacrificial in it’s giving. That pattern, is in keeping step with the precedent set-forth in God’s word, and you should be commended for that service to God’s kingdom. So, I, as a preacher, have to ask my self, “does the mission of God ignite my purpose in making God’s word known?”
But 1 Corinthians 9 applies this principle to more than just the leaders of the church. This principle saturates into the life of the kingdom of God overall. Take parenting. Does Jesus ignite your purpose? Does Jesus ignite your purpose in parenting? Is participating in God’s original mandate in Genesis 1:28; Matthew 28:19-20 – to “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” part of your purpose in having children, and how you plan for your family? Is participating in God’s redemption mandate in Matthew 28:19-20 – to “...make disciples of all nations [including your children here], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” When your kids are driving you nuts, and there isn’t the immediate reward of: peace and quiet or a clean house, does the hopeful reward of your children finding life in their creator and Lord, of greater purpose? Does the mission of God ignite your purpose in raising kids?
Does Jesus ignite your purpose in having a home? Is God’s mission the purpose you have in maintaining a home? Is your home a base-camp for making Jesus known to those around you?
Does the mission of God ignite your purpose in having a home? Or, is your own benefit the purpose?
Does Jesus ignite your purpose in education? Is God’s mission the purpose you have in learning? Is your education a resource and platform to help all people encounter abundant life in Jesus? Does the mission of God ignite your purpose in learning? Or, is your own benefit the purpose?
Does Jesus ignite the purpose of your daily work (retired or not)? Is God’s mission the purpose for your work? Is your work for your benefit; or an outlet for helping all people encounter abundant life in Jesus? Does the mission of God ignite your purpose in working? Or, is your own benefit the purpose?
Does Jesus ignite the purpose of your existence? Is God’s mission the purpose for you living another day? Is God’s mission the purpose that drives your conversations, thoughts and prayers, interactions with family or medical personnel, or your finances? God’s mission is not limited in ways to participate in it. Does the mission of God ignite your purpose in existing? Or, is your own benefit the purpose?
Does Jesus ignite the purpose of your participation in Jesus’ church? Is God’s mission the purpose for why you’re here today? Is God’s mission the purpose for why you sing? Is God’s mission the purpose for why you meditate on God’s word? Is God’s mission the purpose for why you pray? Is God’s mission the purpose for why you give? Does the mission of God ignite your purpose in participating in Jesus’ church? Or, is your own benefit the purpose?
You may benefit directly from parenting, learning, working, having a home, living, and participating in Jesus’ church. But those benefits are short-sighted, compared to the potential impact that’s possible in God’s mission. Parenting, learning, working, having a home, living, and participating in Jesus’ church, may give us purpose for a while. But they’re not designed to give ultimate purpose. God’s word in 1 Corinthians 9 is asking us to consider that an ultimate purpose for our lives is found in participating in God’s mission – in guiding all people to experience abundant life in Jesus. This is a purpose who’s flame will will never go out, as long as we’re continually surrendered to Jesus as Lord.
Jesus ignited Paul’s purpose. What ignites your purpose?
Jesus ignited Paul’s purpose in a less-than-ideal Corinthian culture. What ignites your purpose?
Taste and see; and take a step of faith.
Today, if you’re struggling to find lasting purpose for your life, I invite you to taste and see that Jesus is where you can find that purpose. Taste and see that the mission of God can ignite a purpose that will never wane. Taste and see that participation in the mission of God is the most abundant life you can experience. I encourage you to reach out to me or another trusted follower of Jesus, to help you discern taking a step of faith toward being united to the life of Jesus under the water, in baptism.
What step of faith is God’s Spirit calling you to take to make his mission your purpose?
If you’ve already united your life to Jesus, What step of faith is God’s Spirit calling you to take today? What step of faith is God’s Spirit convicting you about the purpose that you currently pursue for your parenting, learning, working, having a home, living, and participating in Jesus’ church? What step of faith is God’s Spirit calling you to take to make his mission your purpose? If you need ideas for what that step might be, I encourage you to reach out to me or another trusted follower of Jesus, to help you discern concrete ways to step into God’s mission in your daily life. Get coffee, lunch, or make a phone call this week, to get that conversation started.
What ignites your purpose?