[:en]THE RIGHTS OF AN APOSTLE (vs. 1-27)
When some Corinthians questioned Paul’s authority and apostleship, he defended by saying that the personally saw and talked with Christ and was called by Him.
Paul had the right to hospitality, to be married and to be paid for his work. But he willingly gave up these rights to win people to Christ.
When Jesus sent out the 72, he said: “The workers deserves his wages” (Luke 10:13). Paul reiterated this command when he said: “The Lord has command that those who preach the gospel should received their living from the gospel” (v. 14). Therefore, we have the responsibility to care for our pastors, teachers and Christian workers and see to it that they are fairly and adequately compensated.
Paul used his gift of preaching free of charge for God’s glory. He did not use his right to be supported because he has a reward in heaven. For the sake of the gospel, he made himself a slave to everyone, to become like a jes, to be under the law, to become like one not haveint the law, to become weak,m in orrder to bring them to Christ. “He had became all things to all men so that by all possible meanr, he might save some” (vs. 19-22). “I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings” (v. 23)
Runing a race requires strick traing in order to get the prize. Christian life also needs heard work, self-denial to run a race towards heaven. We need discipline of prayer, Bible study and worship to equip us to run with vigor and stamina. We have to train diligently to obtain spirutal progreess. With the goal of pleasing God, we shall get a crown that will last forever. That is why we must live what we preach.[:]