Devotional Thoughts

1 Corinthians 9:12-15    “If others be partakers of   this   power over you,   are   not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live   of the things   of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for   it were   better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.” As Paul continues to make his defense concerning the support of the ministry, it would seem that some may have called into question his purpose in coming to Corinth to begin with. Since there was an obvious division among the brethren over who was to get the credit for them havi...

1 Corinthians 9:8-11     “Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he   it   altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt,   this   is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things,   is it   a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” In verses four through seven, Paul has laid out his case for his reasonable privilege and authority (power) that he and others who minister spiritual things have their physical needs met. Paul did not exercise this power among the Corinthians so that he might reach those that would otherwise accuse him of laziness or taking advantage. However, he made sure it was clearly understood that his decision not ...

Psalm 113:1-6    "Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.  (2)  Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.  (3)  From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.  (4)  The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.  (5)  Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,  (6)  Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!" As I read this Psalm this morning, my mind drifted to the thought that many of the Psalms begin with the words, "Praise ye the LORD." This one speaks it twice in the first verse and then proceeds to give many reasons why we should constantly be giving praise and honor unto the Lord. We saw yesterday that His name is precious and is to be praised "from this time forth and for evermore." We should be aware of the presence of the Lord fr...

1 Corinthians 9:5-7    “Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and   as   the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?” In the first verses of this chapter, Paul has established his seal as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He has further established that he is the apostle that was sent to the church at Corinth and therefore had both the right and responsibility to answer their questions with boldness in the Spirit. He continues by instructing the brethren concerning their ability and freedom (power) as apostles and ministers (his inclusion of Barnabas points to this). It is not my intention to belittle the faith of those that hold that a minister (whether referred to as priest, bishop, or some othe...

1 Corinthians 9:1-4    “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink?” Paul has addressed many issues that the church at Corinth was facing in that day. He has given advice with the authority of the Holy Spirit, and held the brethren accountable for their actions. Knowing our Adam nature, I can imagine that there were some at Corinth who had the attitude towards Paul of “Just who does he think he is!” Paul is here answering that attitude so common to our nature when we have been rebuked. Although posed as questions, Paul is not really asking as though there were some doubt about the matter. He is directing our attention to who he is and the proof of his claim. He begins with the calling that gives him t...