Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 9:16–18
Though God allowed Paul to boast in being able to honor the Lord in his service to Him as he shared Christ in the city of Corinth, God led Paul to share this in 1 Corinthians 9:16–18: “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” First, God had Paul clarify that preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ was not something he could boast about, for he knew God had called him to do it. God even had Paul say how awful it would have been for him if he had chosen not to obey God’s call on his life. When any Christian refuses to obey God’s commands, that Christian will not be at peace, for God lovingly disciplines His disobedient children (Hebrews 12:5–11) so that all walk in right fellowship with Him. God also had Paul mention that because he knew this was what God called him to do, he knew he had been entrusted with a holy stewardship. Finally, God had Paul share how he loved the opportunity God had given him to preach without charging anyone. May we all serve our Lord with the same attitude.
Challenge & Application
Why did Paul say he could not boast about preaching the gospel of Christ?
Why is it important for every Christian to see the incredible privilege of serving our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!