Bible Reading Challenge #20
1 Corinthians 9:15-18
15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
Paul has just finished writing about the Lord’s command that those who proclaim the gospel may take the right to live by the gospel (essentially, accept money for their gospel work as pastors/shepherds/evangelists like Peter, Barnabas, etc).
Then Paul starts this next section by reminding the Corinthians that he has forsaken his right to do this and tells them why. He tells them that he does it so he is not deprived of his ability to boast.
What!?!?! That doesn’t sound very Christian-like.
But Paul is not boasting in his ability, nor is he even boasting in the fact that he preaches the gospel (he says that is a necessity and woe be unto him if he fails to preach the gospel). Rather, he is boasting that because he works with his hands and slaves away in various jobs, he does not have to take money to support himself for his preaching and that frees him up in his ministry.
All of that is important context, but it is not the main question I want you to consider. I think the main question this passage should make us think about is simple.
Do I care about preaching the gospel as much as Paul did?
Would I be willing to do the more difficult, less popular task to give me a greater chance to make a gospel impact in those around me?
Would I be willing to give up the comfort and ease of parts of my life so that I can share the gospel with more people? I mean, if we are being honest, are we even sharing the gospel with anyone? We struggle to even share the gospel once a week/month/year, when Paul and so many others have gone before us and faithfully picked the harder path because it gives them a greater opportunity to make Christ known. That is challenging me today.
