1st Corinthians 9:19
“For though I am free from all,
I have made myself a servant to all,
that I might win more of them.”
“For though I am free from all”
Paul has no problem with what others
may think of him, because he knows only God's opinion matters. I
think this is what he means when he says he is free from all. Up to
this point he has been speaking about how a pastor or missionary has
every right to ask for compensation for the work they are doing. But
Paul worked to provide for himself. He knew he had every right to ask
compensation for living expenses while he stayed among the
Corinthians, but he wished to bring them the gospel free of charge.
Here is a valuable lesson, even though he had every right he would
not make use of it. Instead he became a servant of all that he might
win more.
Application
I am free from what other may think of
me, I know where I stand in Christ. But here's the thing I can
pervert that by making it an excuse to be rude. Or unintentionally
turn people off to the gospel by it. There is a healthy balance. In
Paul's case he avoided the appearance of a swindler and false teacher
by paying his own expenses instead of asking the Corinthians whom he
was preaching to for support.
This opened the door even wider to
share the gospel.
How I can I do that? I am here because
of gracious support from others. I can be faithful in my studies for
one, and seeking to serve and show Christ's love for two. For three I
can be avoid unnecessary spending. I have been a bit carefree up to
this point as far as that is concerned. Not crazy but I've been a bit
overly snacky.
Therefore my practical application for
this coming week is that I will not buy any snacks until Saturday the
5th of March. The only exception being if the class or
woman’s study goes out together for a meal, that I would otherwise
miss.
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