16Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18What 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.
19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To 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 myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having 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. 22To 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. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
apostle. Paul willingly gives up his rights for the gospel
of Christ. He preaches free of charge so as to win all
types of people to the Lord- "I have become all things to
all people."
Paul doesn't give up his identity, his authenticity, but follows Christ as one who exercises self-control like an athlete in training. This passage makes me wonder about all the professional/paid Christians in church and para-church organizations. Paul would say this is right- "those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel"- but I wonder if the church is in part of our culture would be greater if more paid Christians worked outside the church and preached/lived the gospel for free?! Maybe everyone should be a commissioned lay pastor!
Today Please Pray For:
Student Teachers and Off-Campus Interns
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