Paul Surrenders His Rights

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 9

 

1 Corinthians 9:17-18

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.

(ESV)

 

In a free society like the United States where there is constitutional protection of one's freedom to speak, bear arms, and practice religion, the thought of surrendering these rights is unthinkable. The theme in the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible translation for 1 Corinthians 9 is “Paul surrenders his rights.” However, Paul is not surrendering his right to preach the Gospel but speaks of his right to receive compensation for his work in ministry. The fact that Paul speaks of receiving compensation for ministry as a right indicates there is nothing wrong with one receiving pay for his or her work in ministry, but Paul has chosen not to receive compensation and, in this chapter, provides his reasons. While it is not wrong for a minister to receive compensation, he or she must make sure they have the right attitude when they minister.

 

The text of 1 Corinthians 9 begins with Paul asking if he is free, an apostle, and one having seen Jesus with the Corinthian believers his workmanship and the seal of his apostleship in the Lord (1 Corinthians 9:1-2). Paul then begins the defense of his apostleship (1 Corinthians 9:3). He begins by asking if he has the right to eat, drink, and take along a believing wife like the other apostles (1 Corinthians 9:4-5). Paul then asks if it is only he and Barnabas who do not have a right to work for a living instead of receiving compensation from ministry (1 Corinthians 9:6). He then reminds his detractors that one serving as a soldier does not do so at his own expense, plant a vineyard without eating its fruit, or tend a flock without drinking some of the milk (1 Corinthians 9:7).

 

Paul is not saying these things by human authority for the law says not to muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain (1 Corinthians 9:8; Deuteronomy 25:4). The law regarding not muzzling the ox is not for the ox’s benefit but the farmer who has a right to receive financial benefit from his crop (1 Corinthians 9:9-10). Those in ministry that sow spiritual seed among their congregation also have a right to reap material things for their work with Paul and Barnabas also having this right (1 Corinthians 9:11-12). Paul and Barnabas have decided to surrender the right to compensation, so their compensation does not become an obstacle to furthering the work of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12). To further support one’s right to receive compensation for preaching the Gospel, Paul reminds them that those working in the temple shared in the sacrificial food and offerings (1 Corinthians 9:13). In similar fashion, those called to proclaim the Gospel have a right to compensation for their work (1 Corinthians 9:14).

 

Paul has surrendered his right to compensation and says he is not bringing up the topic to secure compensation, stating he would rather die than give up his right for boasting (1 Corinthians 9:15). Paul is not only abstaining from receiving compensation but is not boasting about preaching the Gospel without compensation but states he does it because it is a necessity due to the calling he has received from the Lord (Acts 13:44-47; 1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul’s choice to preach the Gospel free of charge is his choice with his reward the presentation of the Gospel and the fruit it produces like those finding Christ in Corinth (1 Corinthians 9:17-18).

 

By receiving no compensation for ministry, Paul becomes a servant to all to win some to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19). In his ministry, Paul becomes all things to all people not by compromising with their sins but by becoming relatable to them while ministering (1 Corinthians 9:20-22). In becoming relatable to others like those in Corinth, Paul has the reward of sharing in the blessing of seeing their lives changed (1 Corinthians 9:23).

 

Paul concludes with a comparison of ministering to a runner running a race (1 Corinthians 9:24). Athletes exercise self-control and discipline for a perishable prize but Paul for an imperishable prize, lives changed for eternity (1 Corinthians 9:25). Paul has a purpose in his ministry and does not minister aimlessly but does so for the eternal reward of seeing lives changed through the grace of God (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

 

Paul preaches the Gospel without compensation so as not to place a stumbling block on the Corinthians by having their contributions to the Church used to pay his wages. Paul views his ministry as a stewardship granted to him in Christ due to his calling to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:44-47). Paul’s boasting is not him reverting to his pharisaical pride which led to his persecution of Christians but his desire to preach the Gospel in fulfillment of his calling from Christ and not for financial gain. Paul preaches the Gospel in the same manner as a runner running a race but not to win a perishable wreath but instead the prize of seeing both Jews and Gentiles saved by the blood of Christ. Paul’s purpose is not for personal gain but for people experiencing a life change like he did on the road to Damascus.

 

My pastor shared something with the congregation that occurred early in his ministry. He asked the senior pastor at the Church in which he worked why he worked in ministry. The answer concerned him for he said it was a living. My pastor learned a valuable lesson which he shared with the congregation that one in ministry must ensure they are not in ministry for personal gain but in fulfillment of their calling from Christ.

 

One in ministry does not minister for Christ, like an employee working for their employer but ministers to Christ as a steward of a high calling from God. When we minister to those in need, Jesus told His disciples they were giving food and drink to Him (Matthew 25:31-40). When we minister, we must remember we are not ministering for the Lord, taking pride in being a worker for the Lord but we minister to the Lord as stewards of the Gospel, out of love for what Jesus did for us.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed to receive Jesus as your savior, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage anyone reading this, involved in ministry, to search their hearts to determine if they are ministering for the Lord as an occupation or to the Lord as a steward of the Gospel. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.