Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Free of Charge
Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

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. 1 Corinthians 9:18

Paul starts off with a strong presentation of his rights. But later, he explains why he has not used any of these rights.

In many churches, full-time workers are subtly reminded that because they have chosen the path of ‘full-time’ service to God, they should not expect rich earthly rewards. This rationale is unfortunately often used by the church to abdicate from the responsibility of ensuring their workers are sufficiently taken care of.

While Paul argues strenuously against any abuse of the servants of the Lord, his central message is that there be ‘no hindrance to the Gospel.’ Neither concerns over rights nor arguments for what is ‘enough’ should be the focus; instead, the real concern and focus should be the Gospel.

Paul’s renunciation of his ‘rights’ to material support here is not because he expects his 'rewards-to-be-in-heaven' nor because he 'trusts-the-Lord-to-provide' though both would be true. His stand arises from his singular passion for the Gospel: everything is done so as not to hinder the Gospel.

Paul explains that he is under compulsion to proclaim the Gospel, and because it is not ‘voluntary’ labour (v 17) he cannot expect to be ‘paid’ for it. When the Gospel is given ‘free of charge’ he is free from any obligation to anyone. This is so that he can ‘freely’ become the ‘slave’ to all.

The church needs to re-learn the power of the changeless Gospel. We also need to learn how to be all things to all people.

O Lord, quicken my spirit so I will experience the compulsion to proclaim the Gospel.