Above and Beyond for the Gospel

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-23 Theme: Paul went far beyond the norm or the average to assure he would win the rewards of the gospel. Key verses: “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” (v. 11-12) “If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” (v. 17-19) “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. What God said to me: Dwayne, this explanation by Paul is so far removed from the thinking and attitudes of many of my children that it goes right over their heads. A more carnally minded and less passionate person might wonder why Paul would voluntarily pass up the opportunity to be supported by the Corinthian church and why Paul would voluntarily not marry like the other apostles. Clearly Paul did not condemn any of these actions or expectations. So what was the purpose? Well, if you read carefully you can see that Paul made it very clear. He did not want anything to hinder in the slightest way him preaching and living the gospel. His life was so absorbed in that one mission that he was willing — yea wanting — to give up anything that might be in the least either competing or perceived as competing with his main purpose and passion in life. Oh, how I long to see that kind of love and determination in more of my servants. Dwayne, I blessed you with the church you are now in, where you are compensated well for your ministry among them. However, would you be willing to give up that salary and continue to work there if it meant being more effective and more persuasive for my gospel? Are you willing to say like Paul, “I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast”? That is what set Paul apart as one of my choicest servants. I am not asking you to no longer receive what is rightfully and needfully yours in my Kingdom. I am simply asking you if you are willing to. Keep a close and constant check on the real attitude and motives of your heart. What I said to God: Woe is me, Lord, for I am undone. You cut deep into the very thoughts and intents of my heart today. Am I in fact willing to give up my cushy job and share the gospel simply for the gospel’s sake — not receiving any reward for myself other than the knowledge that the gospel is being preached most purely and powerfully? How much do I really love the gospel? How much do I share it when I’m not being paid? Actions speak louder than words. Do I show through my daily life that I love the cross of Christ and the Christ of the cross enough that I will settle for nothing less than my all poured for it and for Him? And do I love others as myself and as Christ has loved the church? I’m afraid I’m in no danger of being called a Paul in that regard. Oh God, change my heart.