Patterns of Self-Denial
"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 9:18
The Greek cities were filled with transient teachers looking to make a quick dollar in Paul's day. They only worked for a paycheck with no genuine care for the Lord's sheep. Paul defended his authority to receive from the people yet was willing to deny this right. His authority was balanced with discipline. Paul also shared why he was willing to set this right aside. It was for the sake of the gospel. Paul was taking the higher road. His desire was for the message to be free from any hindrances in the minds of those who needed to hear the good news.
It is well known that the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:1-3). Throughout his ministry, he employed his skills not to burden others (2 Thessalonians 3:8). This does not mean he never received any support. He did, on occasion, receive from others and was thankful for the gifts. To the Philippians, he wrote, "Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account" (Philippians 4:15-17). The Apostle Paul received from fellowships when it was given with the right heart. However, when this liberty was questioned, Paul had no issue setting it aside so that others might be saved.
The local church is responsible for providing for the local pastor (Galatians 6:6) provided that the leader is rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). This is why when called to minister, it is vital to spend time in preparation, as Paul did. In the book of Acts, when it was brought to the Apostles' attention that there was neglect towards widows, they did not personally take it upon themselves to go and take care of the issue. Instead, they chose able men to take care of those responsibilities. They knew what their calling was. They said, "we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:1-4). It was then that the Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples grew greatly (Acts 6:8).
They, like Paul, disciplined themselves to stay focused on the only task that mattered, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. May you and I be disciplined and run this Christian race with endurance. May we not be earthly bound but rather heavenly minded and run for those things that never perish. May we share the gospel by setting aside hindrances in order to store our treasures in heaven.
“Whenever we preach, we stand between those two things, between human need and Divine grace. We are the messengers of that grace to that need.”
– G. Campbell Morgan