Abuse of Power

1 Corinthians 9:5

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

Just because you have the power to do something does not mean you have the right to do it. God gives the believer free choice to do what they choose to do, but with the power of free choice comes great responsibility to use that power to do right. Paul says two times, Have we not power to…. Paul understood he had the power to do what he wanted to do, but he did not want to abuse that power. The abuse of the power to do what you want without considering the effects of that choice has hurt many people and the cause of Christ. With the power of free choice, some principles must be established in one’s life so that they don't abuse that power. Let me share five principles that can help you not to abuse your power of free choice.

First, will your decision or action hinder the Gospel? Paul said in verse 12, Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Paul understood he could do what he wanted with his power of free choice, but that freedom is abused if it hinders the Gospel from reaching someone. You have the power to live your life, but it is wrong if it hinders you from getting the Gospel out to others. You have the power to take a vacation, but if your vacation conflicts with a big day your church is trying to have, you have abused your power. You can take any job you want, but if that job keeps you from soul winning, then your power of free choice has hindered the Gospel. Any decision or action that hinders the lost from getting saved should not be done even if what you are doing is not wrong.

Second, is your decision or action a stumblingblock to others? 1 Corinthians 8:9 warns, But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. Any action you do that would keep someone from growing in the LORD or cause someone to sin is a wrong decision. I am not to do something that would encourage someone to do wrong or cause them to stumble in the faith. You are responsible to be sure that your actions never cause a weaker believer to do wrong.

Third, is your decision or action an abuse of power? Paul was careful in verse 18 not to abuse his power in the Gospel. You should never do something that would hurt another. You may have the power to hurt others, but you are not to abuse that power. You should never use your position to hurt others. We are to use our power to build people and not use it to have people serve us. Using your power to serve others is the purpose for which God gave you that power of free choice.

Fourth, will your decision or action build others in Christ? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:23, that he would use his power to edify people. Everything you do should be done to build someone else. If what you are doing does not make someone a stronger believer, then what you are doing is an abuse of your power of free choice.

Fifth, will your decision or action bring glory to God? In 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are commanded to do all to the glory of God. You must always make sure that what you are doing is not for your glory, but for God’s. God gives us free choice for the purpose of getting out the Gospel, which will result in God getting the glory. Be sure your actions are done so the Gospel is furthered and for the purpose of getting God the glory.