Day 64
Today’s reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
Surrendered Rights, Kingdom Gain
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Surrendered Rights, Kingdom Gain 〰️
Reflections
Love is sacrifice, and God demonstrated this through the cross. Jesus is our ultimate example. He gave up His divine privileges and humbled Himself to become human. He willingly set aside His rights for our sake. If He had chosen not to come down and die for us, He would not have been wrong, yet He did it out of love. But it doesn’t stop there—Jesus commanded us to do the same (John 13:14-17). We cannot truly be like Him without embodying humility and sacrifice.
One of the most powerful aspects of Paul’s letters is that even if a specific issue he addresses does not directly apply to us, the underlying principle can still shape how we live. The principle carried over from chapter 8 is this: we must learn to deny ourselves for the greater good of the gospel, motivated by our love for God’s people. While you may not have to give up your right to be paid for ministry, you can sacrifice your personal time and comfort to evangelize. You may have to deny yourself certain pleasures to help others. Yes, you may be struggling to make ends meet, but the person seeking your help may not even have enough to eat, and God may be calling you to sacrifice for them. This kind of love—selfless, sacrificial, and driven by a higher purpose—is what sets us apart from the world.
Study Questions
Why did Paul choose not to receive financial support from the church at Corinth, despite having the right to it?
How are you honoring and supporting those who feed you spiritually? Do you believe your support is proportionate to their labor over you?
Identify other scriptural references where a similar message about financially supporting spiritual leaders is communicated—in the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the early church. Use a concordance or cross-reference guide for assistance.
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” 1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV
