Paul gives up his rights . . . Do we? (1 Corinthians 9:11 - 27) Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, arent we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? If you support others who preach you, shouldnt we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right, We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. Dont you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings? On the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preached the Good News Should be supported by those who benefit from it. Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast (ipamarali at ipagmaingay) about the preaching without charge. Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can Boast (upang ipagmalaki ito) about. I am compelled (Utos ng Diyos ito) by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didnt preach the Good News. If am doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, For God has given me this sacred trust. What then is my pay? It is an opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. Thats why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News> Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. BUT I DO NOT IGNORE THE LAW OF GOD; I OBEY THE LAW OF CHRIST. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weaknesses, for I want them to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Dont you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All the athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 20:25:39 +0000
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