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"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.

1. A servant of the Lord

a) A bond-servant.

b) One entrusted with a ministry (a steward, an apostle).

2. One bound to the Lord

a) As a prisoner (literally)

b) As a believer (spiritually)

3. His heart and mind

a) Filled with the Spirit of God.

b) Filled with the Word and Love for the Lord.