1 Corinthians 9: 16-23
Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am 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. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. 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 blessing.
A Thought
Paul is making it known that the reward he hopes to receive from preaching the gospel is to offer this “good news” freely to to all mankind. Paul has no reason to boast because God has compelled him to preach to the Jews, those under the law and also the weak. Paul became free by receiving the law of Christ; now he has chosen to humbly deny himself by being a slave of the gospel for the hope that everyone might be saved and he might share in its blessing with them.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for all your messengers of the gospel of your Son. We desire to be one of your many messengers to share the “good news” that many may be saved and we can share your rich blessings together. Awaken us by your power to humble ourselves to become what others need to receive your love and grace. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
