Our Daily Scripture – 7/20/25 (Sunday)

SCRIPTURE:  1 CORINTHIANS 9

MEMORY VERSE:

“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14)

THE RIGHTS OF AN APOSTLE (vs. 1-27)

  1. They have the right to food and drink. (v. 4)
  2. They have the right to take a believing wife along with them. (v. 5)
  3. They can reap a material harvest from those they have sown spiritual seeds. (v. 11)
  4. They have the right of support from the flock. (v. 12)
  5. They have the right to get their food from the temple and share in what is being offered in the altar. (v. 13)
  6. They should  receive their living from the gospel. (v. 14)

Paul described the Christian ministry as follows:

  1. It is like fighting a soldier fighting in a war. (v. 7a)
  2. It is like a farmer cultivating a vineyard, (v. 7b)
  3. It is like a shepherd tending a flock. (v. 7c)
  4. It is a stewardship in which the servant must be faithful (v. 17)
  5. It is like a runner who must undergo strict training and follow the rules to get a prize. (vs. 24-27)

Paul did not use any of the rights of an apostle.  He preached the gospel voluntarily with a reward.  And the reward is this:  that in preaching the gospel he might offer it free of charge, and so not make use of his rights in preaching it. (v. 18).  Paul was free and belonged to no man but he made himself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible.  To the Jews, he became like a Jew, to win the Jews.  To those under the law, he became like one under the law, so as to win those under the law.  To those not having the law, he became like one not having the law so as to win those not having the law.  To the weak, he became weak, to win the weak.  He had become all things to all men so that by all possible means, he might have some.  He did all for the sake of the gospel that he may share in its blessings.

In a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize.  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Paul said, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will be disqualified for the prize.  Paul’s greatest desire was to win the lost.

THOUGHTS:

Paul willingly gave up all his personal rights to win people to Christ.   He had the desire to do what God wanted by using His gifts for God’s glory.  Are you motivated like Paul to win people to Christ by honoring God with your gifts?

Paul urged the church to pay their Christian workers.  We have the responsibility to care for our pastors, teachers and other spiritual leaders.  It is our duty to see that those who serve in God’s ministry are fairly and adequately compensated.

IMPORT PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY:

  1.  Find common ground with those you are associating with. (v. 20a)
  2.  To have a humble attitude towards others. (v. 20b)
  3.  To accept people as they are. (v. 21)
  4.  To show love and concern for the weak. (v. 22)
  5.  To look for opportunities to share the gospel to them. (v. 23)

Purpose and discipline are essential to win a race.  Paul used this illustration to explain that the Christian life requires hard work, self-denial and ample preparation to reach our goal of heavenly reward.  We need prayer, Bible study and worship to equip us in running our Christian journey with vigor and stamina.  Train yourself diligently to attain spiritual progress.  Set your goal to please the Lord by self-denial in order to receive the eternal and imperishable reward.