Day 24 - 1 Corinthians 9:1-12

9 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? 2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle.

3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 4 Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? 8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? 12 If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.

Terrie's Comments:
Every part of God's work is important.  We each have a part to play.  Consider that even if you lead someone to Christ there were workers who had a part in it both before that happened and there will continue to be workers to disciple them and help bring them to maturity after it happens.  We all work together and we all have the same goal... to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ.  

I love verse 12 "We would rather put up with anything that be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ".  That is something to think about for sure... 

Tori's Comments:

This makes me think of missionaries who support themselves through working. It is more of a personal connection to me, because that is what I plan to do myself.  I was originally going to go with a mission board, but the idea of sucking funds from other missionaries when I could easily support myself didn't sit right with me.

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!