"But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast. For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel."
- 1 Corinthians 9:15-18 -

In our text, Paul is talking about ‘rights’ and how to exercise them. What do we learn? Those who work full-time for the church have the right to financial support. Indeed, there were times when he received such support himself and this freed him up for his work as an apostle. What he is saying is that, in this particular context, he is making a free choice not to rely on others’ support. Why does he do this? First, he has an overriding passion for the gospel. In the Corinthian situation he judges that offering the gospel ‘free of charge’ (v 18) is the best way to commend it (v 12b). Does that same passion for the good news shape our decision-making and way of life?

Second, he’s looking for the heavenly reward which will be his if he does his work as a volunteer (v 17). Might an application be for us to give something of ourselves as volunteers too? If so, it would be a fitting response to our Lord Jesus, who freely gave up his own rights to give us a gospel to believe in and to share.

Prayer: Father, forgive me if I’m overly concerned with power, honor, and status. Open opportunities for me to serve you and others, freely and joyfully.