Sunday, April 1, 2012

Would you still work if they didn't pay you? - 1 Corinthians 9-10

Paul's writings in chapter nine of this book aren't ususally addressed much by preachers, pastors and those serving the church in "full time ministry." They can't preach on this section ... it would appear self-serving. Can you imagine a pastor mounting the pulpit and telling the church body he was going to preach on the pay rate for the pastoral position? That is what chapter nine is all about. Paul is addressing the fact that he "could have" taken "material: things from the church at Corinth, if he wanted to. He would be allowed by the principles of the scripture to do so (He points to the fact that the priest of the temple eat the offering of the temple). He would be allowed by the principles of life (the ox eats while he treads the grain; the farmer eats from the field he plows, etc). But, with all these priviledges and points, Paul does not take anything from the church in regard to material needs. But, that does not diminish Paul's work ethic or mission in life. He is called to be a servant of the gospel so he preaches the gospel. In today's modern "full-time-Christian-ministry-mindset" we don't see too many who are full time gospel preachers, much less those who do it without pay. Paul becomes a servant to all men that he might win them to Christ. He is not concerned about "making a living" he is concerned about "making the dead living again." In 9:18 we see that Paul didn't care about his "right" (He had the right to collect material needs from the body). He was concerned about presenting the gospel. He knew his reward was in the hands of the God he served, not the people of the God he served. He was a slave to God for the gospel. That was the only reason he needed. Would we work without pay to fulfill the mission God gave us?

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