Paul Surrenders His Rights
November 18, 2020
Commentary
Different people serve God for different reasons. We know that there are definitely some motives that people have for serving God that are unacceptable. Jesus made it clear that striving for position and popularity are unacceptable motivesfor ministry. Greed is also an unacceptable motive for serving God, “not greedy for money, but eager to serve”. The question is, what are acceptable motives for serving our Lord? Paul gives us three levels of motivation for serving the Lord (vv. 16-17). Not all levels are equal as being acceptable before God, but each is legitimate according to Paul. In this passage Paul shares three motives for serving the Lord:
1. Fear of disobedience (v. 16) – Paul says that there are no grounds for boasting in the fact that he is a preacher of the gospel. His preaching came about not because of his choice initially but he says, “necessity is laid upon me”. Here he is obviously speaking of God’s call upon his life on the road to Damascus. Fear is the lowest level of motivation, but we should tremble at the thought of disobeying God’s voice.
2. A sense of duty (v. 17) – There is something to be said for duty. While this is not the highest motive, and the most desirable motive for service to Christ, it is an acceptable motive. Sometimes it’s simply our duty to God that keeps us going when we don’t feel like it. Jesus dreaded the cross in Gethsemane, but he remained loyal to the Father and His plan. Remember he “endured” the cross. Sometimes we too must “endure” when serving simply because God has entrusted us with a responsibility.
3. Willing service (v. 17) – This is the highest and holiest motive for serving our Savior. Paul said, “If I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.” To serve God willingly is to serve Him because we love Him.
Application
It is my desire to serve the Lord with His Spirit of Love and with the highest of motives. But may I not forget the other two motives when love fails.
1 Corinthians 9:11– 18 (NET)
11 If we sowed spiritual blessings among you, is it too much to reap material things from you? 12 If others receive this right from you, are we not more deserving?
13 Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple eat food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar receive a part of the offerings? 14 In the same way the Lord commanded those who proclaim the gospel to receive their living by the gospel. 15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing these things so that something will be done for me. In fact, it would be better for me to die than—no one will deprive me of my reason for boasting! 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I am compelled to do this. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward. But if I do it unwillingly, I am entrusted with a responsibility. 18 What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel I may offer the gospel free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights in the gospel.
Illustration: AUSCHWITZ and the Cross
The name AUSCHWITZ brings terror and grief to the hearts of many people. It is the sight of an infamous Nazi death camp where 4 million Jews died during World War II. A half ton of hair is still preserved. The showers that once sprayed poison gas still stand. That’s what Jesus did for you and me. You see, I am a sinner held prisoner by Satan, and the “wages of sin is death.” My name has been called, and so has yours. We are all sinners deserving to die. Jesus leaves heaven and comes to this earth to die on a cross for me.