January 2, 2005

WHAT IS MY REWARD?

1 Corinthians 9:1-15

"Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not you my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you, for the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord. My answer to them who cross-examine me is this. Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister as a wife, as well as the rest of the apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord? and Cephas" (1 Corinthians 9:1-2).

   Some have thought Paul's questions and defense of his apostle-ship indicated a change of subject, but that is not at all the case. He is demonstrating his God-given power (authority) as an apostle to be supported by his converts, the Corinthians. Yet he had used none of these powers, even thought they were in full accord with both social order and divine appointment.

   The Lord had ordained, "that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel..." yet "I have used none of these things (reasons he should be supported) that it should be so done to me: for it were better for me do die, than that any man should make my boasting void" (9:15). Paul was continuing his theme from earlier chapters in this very letter how believers should willingly suffer loss and sacrifice their liberty rather than stumble weaker brethren or bring reproach on the name of Christ. Paul did anything and everything to further the gospel of Christ and avoid blemish of any kind.

   He remonstrated "What is my reward?" Just as he had admonished others to consider the weak and forego their rights and do nothing which could be twisted to dishonor Christ or His gospel, so had Paul ordered his own life and conduct. "When I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power (apostolic authority to the full) in the gospel" (9:18). And not only in the matter of his financial support, but in every circumstance and every situation, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker with it" (9:22). Paul's life was, and ours should be, so ordered that we run the race to receive that "incorruptible crown."

Ivan L. Burgener