Scripture

Preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

Observation

Those who work in the Temple receive their meals from the offerings and sacrifices. In the same way, those who preach should be supported by those who benefit from it. Paul never claimed these rights because he was compelled by Christ to preach the gospel.

If he was doing it on his own initiative, he would expect payment. This opportunity to preach is its own reward.

Paul is a free man, but he became a slave to all in order to share the gospel.

In a race, everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. Athletes are disciplined in their training. So Paul disciplines his body like an athlete, in order to not fall short in his ministry.

Application

When good calls a person to a ministry, it becomes an obsession that they just can’t help but do it. Whether it is evangelism, healing, pastoral ministry, worship leading, or children’s ministry, you just do it because God compels you.

That is not to say that it is forced. No, it is love for God and for people that makes us want to do the ministry.

If I we’re not allowed to preach, I think I would die of frustration, unless God told me to stop. The word is inside you and it has to get out.

Somebody once said that if you find a job that is your passion, you will never have to go to work again. God plants a passion in all of His people, and it is our job to turn that passion into serving Him.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to discover the passions, gifts, and callings that you have placed in me. Amen.