Monday
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 1 Corinthians 9:1
In this week’s passage Paul is speaking all about his rights. A person’s rights are something that has been spoken about a lot in recent years. So, what is different between our Human rights and our Godly rights. Paul is suggesting that he is being denied his basic rights because of who he is. There are many today who are discriminated against because of who they are, but before God we are all the same. Let us pray that we would be always fair to those around us whoever they might be.
Tuesday
Don’t we have the right to food and drink? 1 Corinthians 9:4
It would appear that Paul is even being denied food and drink, something few of us would say is right, and yet so many in our world today go hungry, even those who work are sometimes on such a low income they cannot afford to feed their families. How can that be right when so much food is consigned to the rubbish tips? Let us pray for a society that ensure everyone has enough food.
Wednesday
Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 1 Corinthians 9:8
Paul asks the question. Are his rights just at the whim of human authority or is this something God has something to say about? The answer is of course the bible teaches us that all should be treated fairly. According to the Bible everyone is entitled to payment for their labour and even those who are on the margins should be able to glean from the harvest fields. Let us pray that we would show compassion and fairness to everyone.
Thursday
If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:12
Again, Paul is emphasising his unfair treatment. That there are those, who even profess a faith, who are treating him unjustly. But even though this is happening it will not prevent him from doing what the Lord calls him to do – sharing the Good News of Christ our Saviour. I wonder if we are always fair to those who serve God, not just our Ministers, but anyone who gives their time unselfishly to serving Christ. Let us pray for Justice and fairness to all Gods people everywhere.
Friday
Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 1 Corinthians 9:13
One of my sons often jokes with me that as a Minister I only work a couple of hours a week. But there are those who sincerely believe that Ministers only do what they can see. And that life must be easy for a Minister. So they don’t deserve much in the way of recompense. Of course, those on receipt of the pastoral care so often given at any time day or night and who are the beneficiaries of prayer know something different. Let us thank God for those who give their lives in service.
Saturday
What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel 1 Corinthians 9:18
Paul acknowledges, as I am sure many who serve God would, that while he has basic needs of food and shelter, which the fellowship should provide for him, his greatest reward does not come in the form of material or tangible things. It is being given the opportunity, the privilege to serve God. Surely there is no greater satisfaction than that of honouring God by the works we do. Let us praise God for the privilege we all have to serve him.
Sunday
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8
As we come to worship let us pour out our hearts to God, who is faithful and just. Who wants the very best for those who follow and put their trust in him. Let us not just worship on the Lords day but everyday in every aspect of our lives. Let us praise God with our whole being, for he has shown us his grace and mercy through his love.
