Post by Woody Williams on Feb 10, 2006 8:05:39 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- I Corinthians 9:12-16
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If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more?
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure
anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of
Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple
service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the
altar share in what is sacrificed on the altar? In the same way, the
Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their
living by the gospel.
But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this
so that they may be applied in my case. Indeed, I would rather die
than that-no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! If I
proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an
obligation is laid on me, and woe betide me if I do not proclaim the
gospel!
Devotional
----------
Paul never made money preaching the Gospel. He was a tent maker and
plied his trade for financial support. He is not against the preacher
being paid serving people with the Gospel. He just did not personally
do that, even though it was his right. He felt under obligation or
compulsion to preach the Gospel. He felt the call that strongly and
was amazed at God's grace that completely. Paul's self denial is an
inspiration and not a new law.
Prayer
----------------
God, I thank you for the call you have given me. Amen
----------
If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more?
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure
anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of
Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple
service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the
altar share in what is sacrificed on the altar? In the same way, the
Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their
living by the gospel.
But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this
so that they may be applied in my case. Indeed, I would rather die
than that-no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! If I
proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an
obligation is laid on me, and woe betide me if I do not proclaim the
gospel!
Devotional
----------
Paul never made money preaching the Gospel. He was a tent maker and
plied his trade for financial support. He is not against the preacher
being paid serving people with the Gospel. He just did not personally
do that, even though it was his right. He felt under obligation or
compulsion to preach the Gospel. He felt the call that strongly and
was amazed at God's grace that completely. Paul's self denial is an
inspiration and not a new law.
Prayer
----------------
God, I thank you for the call you have given me. Amen