The Quiet Glory of Forbearing: A Lesson from Paul’s Example

The Quiet Glory of Forbearing: A Lesson from Paul’s Example

In 1 Corinthians 9:4-18, Paul lays out a compelling doctrinal truth: those who labour in the gospel have a God-ordained right to receive material support. “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (v14). Yet Paul, though fully entitled to this provision, chooses to forbear it. Not out of pride. Not to prove a point. But to preserve the purity and power of the gospel’s witness.

This is not a command for all ministers to follow his exact path, but it is a lesson for every believer to consider the heart behind such a choice. Paul’s decision was not driven by fleshly effort or self-glory. He did not boast in his sacrifice, nor did he use it to elevate himself above others. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me” (v16). His motive was love. His reward was the privilege of preaching Christ without charge, that no earthly entanglement might hinder the gospel’s reach (v18).

A lesson for laymen

While you may not be called to full-time ministry, you are called to the same spirit of voluntary restraint when it serves the gospel. Whether in finances, relationships, or personal liberties, there may be times when choosing not to exercise a right becomes a quiet act of faith. Not to be seen. Not to be praised. But to protect the testimony of Christ and to walk in love toward others.

The Right Way to Learn Knowledge

The Right Way to Learn Knowledge

In the Christian life, it’s easy to think that once we’ve learned a few truths or understood a few doctrines, we’ve arrived at spiritual maturity. But the Bible warns us against that kind of thinking. True growth is not just about knowing facts—it’s about how we carry that knowledge, how we treat others, and whether our understanding leads to humility or pride. One verse that speaks directly to this is 1 Corinthians 8:2, which says, “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” This is not a harsh statement—it’s a loving correction from the apostle Paul, reminding us that knowledge without love and humility is incomplete.

The context of this verse is a discussion about eating meat that had been offered to idols. In Corinth, some believers knew that idols were nothing and that eating such meat was not sinful. They had the right doctrine, but they were using their liberty without thinking about how it affected weaker believers who didn’t yet understand these things. Paul begins the chapter by saying, “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” In other words, knowledge can make us proud, but love builds others up. Verse 2 follows this thought by showing that if someone thinks he knows something fully, he probably hasn’t yet learned how to handle that knowledge in the way God wants.

The lesson here is simple but important. God is not just interested in what we know—He cares about how we use that knowledge. If our understanding leads us to look down on others, or to act without care for their spiritual wellbeing, then we haven’t yet learned the truth properly. Paul is teaching that true knowledge must be joined with love, patience, and humility. In the dispensation of grace, we are called to walk in truth, but also to walk in charity. That means we must be careful not to let our liberty become a stumbling block for someone else. Even if we are right in doctrine, we can be wrong in attitude.

Unity through Humility

Unity through Humility

While writing Philippians 2:2-5, Paul encourages unity by presenting this body of believers an image of the selfless mind of Christ. He writes,

“Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

At the core of unity, is “the same doctrine”. Doctrine, a set of principles that defines the grace life, when believed and maintained through a common understanding of its teachings, will produce unity and harmony. Paul confirms this in his letter to the Corinthians:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” - 1Cor.1:10

It is this same doctrine that promotes unity that Paul uses to instruct the Philippians in humility. If the doctrine in the minds of the saints are the bricks, then humility is the mortar that binds them together in a strong and immovable unity. 

Let nothing be done through strife (conflict) or vainglory (pride and boasting); but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

When Grace Is Not Enough

When Grace Is Not Enough

We speak often of grace. We sing of it, preach it, post it. But if we’re honest, many of us treat grace like a soft cushion—something to fall back on when we stumble, rather than a foundation to stand on and build from. We receive it, yes. But do we respect it? Do we respond?

Paul’s letters are not shy on this point. Grace is not just a theological comfort—it’s a spiritual responsibility. And if we mishandle it, we don’t lose salvation, but we do lose clarity, fruitfulness, and the joy of walking in step with the Spirit.

Let’s walk slowly through three ways Scripture warns us not to mishandle grace. Not to condemn, but to awaken.

1. Frustrating Grace: When We Try to Help God Out

There’s a quiet danger in trying to help grace along. We don’t mean to, of course. But somewhere between our zeal for holiness and our fear of falling short, we start adding scaffolding to the cross. A little law here, a little self-effort there. Before long, we’re measuring our spiritual health by how well we perform, not how deeply we trust. Paul saw this tendency and wrote plainly: “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Galatians 2:21). That’s not just a doctrinal correction—it’s a relational one. When we try to earn what was freely given, we’re not just miscalculating; we’re dishonouring the very heart of the gospel. Grace doesn’t need our help. It needs our surrender.

Doctrine and Discernment (Part Two): The Romans 14 Posture – Grace in the Grey

Doctrine and Discernment (Part Two): The Romans 14 Posture – Grace in the Grey

In Part One, we looked at the Bereans—those noble truth-seekers who searched the scriptures daily to test what they heard. They modelled doctrinal vigilance, spiritual hunger, and a deep commitment to clarity. But Romans 14 offers a different lens. Not contradictory, but complementary. Where the Bereans leaned into precision, Romans 14 leans into patience. Where Acts 17 highlights the pursuit of truth, Romans 14 highlights the protection of peace.

This chapter unfolds in two distinct halves—each with its own rhythm and focus.

Verses 1–12: The Vertical Posture – Conscience Before God

Here, Paul speaks to the individual believer’s relationship with the Lord. The topic isn’t doctrinal error—it’s personal conviction in disputable matters. Things like diet, holy days, dress, alcohol, and lifestyle choices. These are not gospel issues, but they do matter. Why? Because they touch the conscience.

"Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Romans 14:5)

This is not permission to drift into relativism. It’s a call to live with integrity before God. Each believer stands or falls to his own Master—not to tradition, peer pressure, or popular opinion. The risk here is judgement. We must not despise those who abstain, nor mock those who partake. The Lord is able to make both stand.

This vertical posture is deeply personal. It’s about honouring God in your choices, even when those choices differ from others. It’s about being persuaded—not pressured.

Honouring Scripture Over Emotion: Learning from Paul’s Example

Honouring Scripture Over Emotion: Learning from Paul’s Example

In moments of provocation, how do we respond? Do we let our emotions dictate our actions, or do we submit ourselves to the authority of God's Word? Paul’s encounter with the high priest in Acts 23:2-5 offers a powerful example of humility, self-control, and unwavering reverence for Scripture—an attitude we should value and imitate.

Paul’s Immediate Reaction

When struck unjustly, Paul’s first response was sharp: “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” (Acts 23:3). His words carried righteous indignation, exposing the hypocrisy of Ananias, who violated the law he claimed to uphold. Yet, when informed that he had spoken against the high priest, Paul did not defend his initial reaction or justify his anger. Instead, he immediately submitted to the truth of Scripture, quoting Exodus 22:28: “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.”

This swift correction is remarkable. Paul could have clung to his frustration, arguing that Ananias was corrupt and undeserving of honour. But he did not. His commitment to God’s Word outweighed his personal feelings, reminding us that Scripture, not emotion, must govern our responses.

What Lessons Can We Learn From This