Calling to Preach

Proclaiming the Gospel

1 Corinthians 9:16–18 (NRSV)

16 If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. I come here today to preach this message after following the call in my life to do so. Many will say that my reward is the payment received for being your pastor and I will admit that that is very important to my family and their lives, but Paul explains that his desire is to do it at no cost. First of all Paul claims woe to him if he does not proclaim the gospel.

Now in the verses above Paul does not say that he is not to be rewarded or that he does not deserve compensation, but that he would never boast about his reward nor should he. The reward that Paul receives is the very right that he claims in his call to preach. Do you feel today that it is a privilege to share the gospel with the community? Paul is really saying that he has earned the right to be supported by those he is called to but that his true reward is in the preaching. Your reward is also found in the message of the Good News. 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NRSV)

19 For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. Paul now claims his freedom but also tells us that he has chosen to be a slave to those to whom he is called. This is where I want to be today. This is what I want you to know today—That I am binding myself to you as a preacher called to you to share the Good News. To follow you into the community to preach the Good News, not so much with words but actions. 1 Corinthians 9:20 (NRSV)

20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. Paul has managed his life so as to conform somewhat to the world so he can win them to the Lord. This statement from Paul should bring each of us to the understanding that we are in the world but not of the world. We must, I must, go into the world where God’s people are and bring them to Jesus. This is my call. I invite all to join me in making this our mission.

1 Corinthians 9:22–23 (NRSV)

22 To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

What should we do with the message today from Paul? We should no that if we want to reach the world we must be in the world. If we are going into the world we must prepare ourselves for battle. Prayer is where we will find vision. Prayer is where we will find God. Prayer is where we will find strength. I invite you to join me as we disciple each other, pray for each other, and prepare ourselves to love the world as Jesus loves the world.