Paul launches into an appeal for his Apostolic calling to be recognized. He does this early in his ministry, but in later writings he has a different humility. It must have been frustrating for Paul, on some level, to always be suspect in his ministry. I understand this a little, as conservative evangelicals are treated as less than equal in the Conference where I am a member. It can cause a bad attitude if it is ones focus, but Paul learns to focus on the source and reason for his ministry - Jesus Christ. I am trying to grow up into that same realization and focus in my ministry - after all, I am not serving people, but I am serving Christ.
In recognition of his calling Paul says he has been made a slave to all, so that he might win more of them. Paul continues with a litany of approaches he embraces in order that some might be saved. The chapter ends with Paul reminding us that many run the race but only one can win the prize. I read the last two verses of chapter 9 as a challenge and as a word of encouragement, "So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified." 1 Cor. 9:26 & 27 NRSV.
We are in a very serious eternal life or death conquest friends. We need to deal with it in all seriousness and put our best effort in to the calling we have received. What change could I make today in my ministry or in my personal life that would bring more to know Jesus?
About Me
- Pastor Bill
- I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ, a happy husband, father and grandfather!
7 comments:
As Christians I think we need to treat our spiritual conditioning as Olympic athletes treat their physical conditioning. As Paul writes in verses 22-25 "Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize." 1 Cor. 9:22-25 Wow, the way I understand this is that we are all training for the same race that we are simultaneously running at the same time. What gives me the most hope is that there is more than one winner. Anyone willing to except the savior as their own can win. As a marathon runner and mountain climber I spend a lot of time focusing on my nutrition and physical conditioning. I am embarrassed to say that I don't spent anywhere near the same amount of time on my spiritual nutrition and conditioning as I do on the physical. Hopefully I can develop the discipline to balance my training.
Tim, Good post. You are right . You will need to be spiritually conditioned and fit as you head off to Cornell. We will pray for you as you prepare to run that gauntlet.
Pastor, Did Barnabas and Paul not accept financial support from the early Christians or were they not offered support. In either case why not?
Thanks, I can use all the prayers I can get.
Hey Tim,
Good comparison. I had a friend when I was in High School - he was the best athlete in RFA. Every afternoon when he went to work out, he would take his Bible. After punishing all takers either in sparring or their game of choice, he'd sit and read his Bible for his spiritual workout. he chose to do this in the gymn as a witness - and it bore fruit!
Bill
Hi Darlynne,
These verses from 2 Corinthians cahpter 11 seem to indicate that Paul did receive support from some of the other Christian churches, "7 Did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I proclaimed God's good news to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for my needs were supplied by the friends who came from Macedonia." 2 Corinthians 7-9 NRSV, and other texts like these in chapter 9 indicate that he was not always supporeted by the folks in the town he was in. His "tent making" has come to be a catch phrase (as you know) for pastors that work a secular job to support themselves while they preach.
I have several friends that are financing their ministries in similar ways. One friend works 40+ hours a week and pastors a new church plant. Another receives money from friends and sponsor churches as he plants a church in another town. While I was in Africa the pastors there all work full time and were amazed that our society is so rich that pastors can be supported by congregations.
Sorry, I got a bit long winded there!
Bill
Wow great chapter, great follow up posts, what's left to say?
Paul was really humble, and really on fire for what he was doing. We know, as people, that pastors don't usually go into ministry for the money. It's a lot of work, school and all, then the actual work of being emotionally attached to so many people as a disciple in the church, and praying for all of them honestly and whole-heartedly. Sounds like a dream job, but I know it isn't easy. Doesn't it seem like we're able to focus more when we don't need to worry about the money aspect?
Paul did a darn good job and made tents-guess we're capable of a lot as people! If only we could be a fraction as successful as Paul in our ministry.
But you're right - we do need solid spiritual conditioning. If we don't have it, our faith will sweat like we do in a hot car when you don't have air conditioning. Thinking about it like that - maybe it puts a little bit of "heat" under putting your faith in the back seat...right? I'm amazed at your story of your friend, Bill. That is quite the testimony. I've read my bible at School, trying to make myself conditioned for Jesus before I try to get smart, and it has definitely helped, as well as started many conversations!
Still think Paul's pretty cool!
24.5!
Marshall Bailey
I struggle with Paul's "All things to all people" - sometimes I understands what he means and strive for that. Sometimes that seems so unhealthy. Burnout-recipe. What's a healthy way to be all things to all people? I guess Paul means he doesn't put up separations or walls of difference between himself and those he seeks to serve.
Post a Comment