Daily Devotions
1 Corinthians
"I have been entrusted with a stewardship."
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:17
A GREAT SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Paul had a great sense of responsibility towards his calling from God. Nothing distracted him from fulfilling his calling.
“For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if
against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel,
I may present the gospel of Christ without charge,
that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.”
1 Corinthians 9:17-18
1. Two scenarios viewed
a) “If I do this willingly” (That is, to preach the gospel)
i) The Lord will reward those who serve Him willingly.
ii) Free-will service is in mind.
b) “If against my will” (Literally, “If I do this unwillingly”)
i) Paul remembers his calling from God.
ii) He had been entrusted with the gospel ministry (1 Timothy 1:12-13).
2. What was Paul’s view of the “reward”
His perspective is well worth noting.
a) He was not looking at physical or material reward.
b) His reward (His joy):
i) To present the gospel free of charge.
ii) He would never abuse the authority given to him.
A GREAT REFLECTION OF THE MAN PAUL WAS
What does this reveal about Paul as a minister of the gospel? The following may be observed.