The Devotional - 1043 - Foot Steps in First Corinthians, ongoing

The Devotional – 1043 – Foot steps in First Corinthians, ongoing

The last breath of the volunteer has long ago dissipated in the vastness of the world around us. No one desires to work or provide a service without being compensated in some way. It seems we say thank you and instead of your welcome, the volunteers hand is out to receive something. Even a stipend is required for the expense of travel or clothing; someone should have to pay and someone should receive a payment. 

CHALLENGES & COMMENTS – 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Now it is easy to be misleading when writing and I know that unconsciously I am guilty of that in that I simply write and do not think about how the reader perceives what I say. Simply put, “if I understand it, you should too!” I know “bah humbug” to that. I am seeking to be better at this, but I think that one could write a lifetime and not be understood at all, thus I should be content with what is understood by you who read. Yes I am content and yes again… thank you for reading.

The apostle Paul and Barnabas are not seeking a pay raise in this section of 1 Corinthians, and if I were to say anything at all about this, it is that the apostle was quite capable of maintaining a good income for himself and Barnabas; remember he was a “Tentmaker” by trade and from scripture we could determine he was a very capable tentmaker who could easily have been in high demand; even like some good construction workers today.

The gospel includes the whole counsel of God, and Paul speaking to the elders at Ephesus says that he did not shun or avoid teaching the whole counsel of God to them (Acts 20:27) and then in Philippi he says that he knew how to live humbly (without) and that he knew how to live in prosperity (with plenty) Philippians 4:12. So what is the reason for the apostles’ critical words here in 1 Corinthians 9? Well more of his reasoning is developed in the remaining verses of the chapter, but here in today’s section we see at least this one thing.

In verse 16-18, we read a few convincing words that effects everyone who ministers in the Living Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, FOR NECESSITY is laid upon me, yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel”. For if I do this willingly I have a reward, but if against my will, I (yet or still) have been entrusted with a stewardship (responsibility). The reward that the apostle seeks is not material therefore it is always without charge.

Now this may set up strange in one’s mind with “How does that work” since it is necessary that our preachers and teachers of the Word of God are to be compensated? The question is as old as time itself and all of us shun the thought of what could be said when compensating those preachers and teachers who deserve a wallet with something in it. (Not all do)!

Those of us who sit under the ministry of a church leader ought to be looking for SPIRITUAL edification, such as found in Philippians 4:1-9 and those who provide this SPIRITUAL benefit should prosper from the SPIRITUAL results, Philippians 4:10-20, there is more to say on this so we will look at this on the next day. The LORD will prosper those accordingly.