By Sam Nobles
Support for the Minister
Continuing the discussion from
chapter 8 about the improper use of one's liberty in Christ, Paul now uses
himself as an example of how he was willing to exercise restraint even when it
came to the liberties he had as an apostle of Jesus Christ. In this chapter
Paul will explain that he had the right to have a wife and be supported in the
preaching the gospel, but he chose not to take that route so no one could
accuse him of boasting (v.1-14).
“Christian ministry is like fighting a war, taking care of a vineyard, tending
a flock, and cultivating a field.”i
(v.7-11). Those who do these things work hard
and are paid without the thought of them being in it for the money. Paul’s
argument was that the same should be true of the Christian minister. It is not
wrong that we have people who make their living by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
Ministry is a Calling
Paul
told the Corinthian believers that he didn’t take full advantage of his liberties
because his desire to see others saved was greater than his desire to be paid (v.15-23). Ministry can never be more important than the
people for whom the ministry is for. Any preacher worth his salt is willing to
preach the gospel free of charge when the opportunity arises. It is sad to me
that so many wolves in sheep’s clothing have infiltrated God’s flock and
instead of feeding the flock they are fleecing the flock. Don’t judge every
minister by the bad ones. There are still God-fearing, Bible preaching, Jesus
sharing ministers out there who are more concerned with people than their
paychecks.
Everyone Should Participate
Paul was also aware of the reality
that discipline was a necessary quality for him, as much as anyone else to live
a meaningful Christian life (v.24-27).
“The Christian life is like a race. It requires self-discipline. It calls for
strenuous effort. It demands definiteness of purpose.”ii Every believer should live their Christian
life like they are training for a big event which only has one winner. If that
were the case, each believer would take their disciplines seriously, pray
fervently, fast often, witness with abandon, and read the Word unceasingly.
[1] Warren
W. Wiersbe, Be Wise, New edition (David C. Cook, 2010).
[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Second
Edition, ed. Arthur L. Farstad, 2nd ed. edition (Thomas Nelson, 2016).
Scripture to Claim:
“I
do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its
blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:23 ESV)
