Paul spends the first part of 1 Corinthians 9 proving he has every right to be supported by the church. Soldiers, farmers, and shepherds all live off their work, the Law says not to muzzle the ox, and the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel get their living by the gospel. Supporting those who teach God's Word is God's design, not optional generosity. But the interesting thing is that though Paul proves he has this right, he doesn't use it. He doesn't want anything to get in the way of the gospel.
