Daily Devotions and Bible Readings
1 Corinthians 9:1-18–What you Need to Know
What is best sometimes trumps our own personal rights particularly in our Christian duty. Christian duty is determined by the Scriptural descriptions of Godly living. Foremost in this discussion is our duty to love God and serve Him and Him alone. Secondary, yet with great importance, is our duty to live in loving, compassionate relationships with other human beings. As you read these first 18 verses of 1 Corinthians 9, see if you can capture the gravity of these truths in relationship to words chosen in the passage.
The illustration Paul used in pressing this point is more than sufficient to open the windows of truth. Paul believed that everything we do is for the glory of God and to be shared in the community of faith. The one who has more is to share with the one who has less. It made perfect sense to Paul that those who serve to preach and teach the Gospel deserved a share of the material goods of other believers who had occupations that produced financial gain. His exposition has been used heavily in the church to teach us to give to her ministries and pay certain staff members. It has also been understood to teach us that we should provide well for our church staff as well as missionaries around the world.
Understanding the responsibility of the church and the rights of church staff members and missionaries to share their financial resources with one another, provides a great backdrop to teach us that sometimes we must forfeit our rights for the benefit of others. Basically, Paul refused to take
pay for which he was entitled in order to gain an unquestioned platform to teach and preach the truth of the Gospel. Instead of taking a salary for the mission work of the Corinthian church, Paul made and repaired tents to fund his ministry. In addition, we know he received offerings from churches who chose to give. However, he had not asked the Corinthian church to contribute to his financial needs although he had every right to do so. For Paul, it was better not to take the money than to discredit himself among those who would make public accusations against him that he was only in it for personal gain.
This passage has much for us to consider in our relationship to others. Are their rights that we demand that actually diminish our standing with others preventing us from sharing the Gospel? Are their circumstances that might arise in the future that might damage our opportunity to be a valid witness to others if we assert our rights and lose sight of our responsibilities?
Prayer Challenge:
As you consider your prayer list today, pray for those who are in authority over you. Pray for their physical well being, pray for their walk with Christ and their relationships to their own families. If you are in a position of authority over others, be sure to pray for them and their families as well.
Ministry Challenge:
Think about someone in your Life Group that you might need to make a special effort to contact today. A note of encouragement or a fresh baked desert might be in order. You might also want to consider some time together with them this week. Perhaps a round of golf together, a few hours drowning minnows in the name of fishing, sharing a meal together, or just some time on the phone would open up the windows of Christian fellowship and ministry.
Mission Challenge:
Pray diligently today for the effectiveness of our Vacation Bible School and as you participate, seek to be sensitive to the attitudes of the workers and children looking for opportunities to minister the Gospel of Christ.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
