SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 9:1-18
OBSERVATION:
Paul is being criticized by certain people (possibly leaders) at the church in Corinth, accused of being in it only for their money, being materially and personally motivated.
Paul argues that although he has the right to expect certain things, he didn’t claim those rights so as to not hinder the spread of the message of Jesus.
Paul defends the need to support church leaders so that they can advance the spread of the message, using the OT reference to oxen without muzzles!
APPLICATION:
Is my compensation becoming a stumbling block to the message? or the way I handle my finances? or do people see me as motivated by greed or stuff?
Am I driven by the cause of the gospel above all else? is this my greatest concern?
Why do I share the message, do I have the same sense as Paul, woe is me if I don’t?
God has called me to be His messenger, to speak for Him, to let people know He is real, His message is true, and to let nothing else get in the way of this!
PRAYER:
Lord, to be honest I am not always concerned more about Your message as I am about my own well-being and comfort. Forgive me for forgetting my calling, and help me to be driven by Your purpose and the urgent need to share Your message with others. Amen.
A workman is worthy of his hire, yet those who minister for the Lord live in glass houses. People make petty objections especially when it comes to their salary. The task of the pastor is to proclaim the Good News and the people need to make sure that this is possible without him worrying about the support for his family. The congregation must do that willingly.
It is because of the servant leadership, the servant heart, those proclaiming the gospel, continue to set an example as Paul did. Not to be a stumbling block, the messengers state they are content with their wages since their primary task is to serve the Lord. – the advance of the Gospel. What am I doing to aid the messenger’s comfort and well being so that he may joyfully continue in that task?
Praise God for servant leaders.