1 Corinthians Chapter 9

1 Corinthians Chapter 9

For people who work in the fields and labor to reach people who have yet to hear the gospel this is still an issue that is dealt with even in our day and time. When the church complains as this one did in verse 9 about the workers taking along their wives, needing food and clothing. This was an issue Paul felt he needed to address and yet he doesn't make the needs the focus of his letter. Isn't it interesting how he really focuses on the his call and the way he lives out that call. How he talks about the plowman and makes the point and then moves into if he serves voluntarily or against his will, how he is all things to all people, and then the final one is how he runs the race.

what spoke to you ? Where are you today? I'll share where I am but to be honest I can be in all these areas during any given day !~

The verses that really has my attention are these:

9:17-27

but verse 17 really is my where I will ponder this morning.

Let me start in 16, " 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"

This is a really good chapter to read and really study it! I would challenge you to take some time and really read the word and study it. Paul hits some really tough issues that we face in our work to reach the lost. Again, the issue for me at this point in my life and work is verses 16-18

Do I do this work voluntarily or against my will? there is a difference in this to Paul and he saw himself as a steward of the gospel. He speaks about this often in all his writings. I'm still really working through this and I have to admit that there are days I have willingly volunteered but for the most part I feel it is against my will. Which is truly where I want to be, a true steward of the gospel.

The work we do is not easy, there was a day it was fresh and new but lately it has become difficult. So as I read this morning it is my desire to finish the race I've been asked to run and to finish it well.

Lord I thank you so much for allowing me the chance to serve and for all the friends I have Lord I pray for them as they serve you as well! Lord, Paul wrote he was all things to all people so that he might save some. I pray Lord that we would be these kinds of servants who are all things to all people so that some might be saved and serve you!

Lord be with the ladies this day and if they are struggling to serve with a heart that is glad, I pray Lord you would bring someone into their lives that they could encourage or Lord someone who will encourage them. I pray Lord that they will keep their eyes on you and not allow their situations, the events of the day, the mood at the moment, rob them the opportunity to run their race well!

Bless us this day Lord and give us opportunities to share the Hope we have in YOU!

I pray this in Your name,
Jesus Christ!
amen.............................