Devotional 1 Corinthians 9: The Sustenance of the Worker in the Gospel Reflection on 1 Corinthians 9: Paul's apostolic defense, the biblical principle that the worker is worthy of their wages, and the value of spiritual labor. Topics: Devotional, New Testament.

Devotional 1 Corinthians 9: The Sustenance of the Worker in the Gospel

Today’s devotional is found in the book of 1 Corinthians, chapter 9, and this was what happened.

Synopsis: In this chapter, Paul defends himself against some members of the church of Corinth who criticize him for not being an apostle and believe he should not earn his living from preaching the gospel.

Observations

These were my observations.

1. Every worker is worthy of living from their labor. This was the message Paul conveyed to the Christian brothers and sisters in Corinth. Even though he does not demand or ask people to pay for his work out of obligation, since he preaches the gospel of Jesus freely and willingly as a duty that all Christians share. That said, Paul is entirely correct. For from the moment Adam and Eve sinned, the earth was cursed and humanity was subjected to labor for everything we need and want in life (Genesis 3:17–19). In other words, everyone must work to earn their bread. Paul criticizes the Christian brothers in Corinth because they have no problem paying those who help them with their material needs, but they think they should not support those who help them with their spiritual needs (e.g., Paul and Barnabas)—which is even more important than their material condition (1 Corinthians 9:11–12). Furthermore, Jesus said that the worker is worthy of their wages when He instructed His apostles to spread His gospel (Luke 10:7). And Paul was, even though some did not consider him one at that time, an apostle of Jesus. Therefore, he also deserved his support. In our day, unfortunately, there are still people who think that servants of God should have another job for their livelihood. As if being a faithful servant of God who sows and waters cursed ground were not work worthy of wages. But it is people with these beliefs who shirk their responsibilities in the church (e.g., tithes, offerings, etc.), thinking they are doing right when they are doing precisely the opposite. For the Lord God warned those who force their neighbor to work for nothing and do not pay them for their labor (Jeremiah 22:13). Therefore, we must do our part as Christians by keeping and observing God’s commandments, statutes, and precepts. That is, we must give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21).