A true reward

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. Beloved, put God first, always, always, always.

Primary Text

“What then is the [actual] reward that I get? Just this: that in my preaching the good news (the Gospel), I may offer it [absolutely] free of expense [to anybody], not taking advantage of my rights and privileges [as a preacher] of the Gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9v18 (AMP)

“What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.” 1 Corinthians 9v18 (NLT)

Paul here and in previous verses is saying that even though “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” 1 Corinthians 9v14 (NIV), he doesn’t exercise this right. What then is his reward? The pay he receives from sharing the gospel is to be able to offer it free of charge to anybody, and not use the rights and privileges he has as a preacher of the Gospel. Hallelujah. After Jesus called the twelve disciples, and “gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10v1, KJV), He sent them to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (v6). He told them “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (v7-8). That is without pay they received the power to heal and set free, they should give it freely and without pay. However, He also told them “Take no gold nor silver nor [even] copper money in your purses (belts); And do not take a provision bag or a wallet for a collection bag for your journey, nor two undergarments, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the workman deserves his support (his living, his food).” (Matthew 10v9-10, AMP). That is for the work they were doing, they deserved to be supported. Amen.

Supplementary Text

““Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Don’t take any money in your money belts – no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.” Matthew 10v8-10 (NLT)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word. We give You all the glory. Father we thank You for the privilege to be called Your own and to know You. We pray that as freely as You have given to us, we will give to others. We pray as well that we will be a blessing to Your ministers in Jesus name we pray, amen.