If you are running a race, run to win. Paul also says the Ox is worth feeding. Take a look.
1 Corinthians 9: Paul Surrenders His Rights
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?
2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3 This is my defence to those who would examine me.
4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink?
5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?
7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?
8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?
9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned?
10 Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the ploughman should plough in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.
11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?
14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.
16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.
18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.
21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Things to think about…
1. Paul’s whole point in 1Cor 9 is that those who preach the gospel should live by it. There must be wisdom with all of this of course. Some churches are so small they cannot afford to keep a pastor. Such was the case when I first came to Chuwar. Spurgeon used to receive food and produce from his first pastorate as the church was quite poor. This is all the church could afford. The Lord has blessed with the gospel and outreach of the church. Paul is saying in this chapter that if you benefit from the teaching or other ministries of the church and therefore you are obliged to support the ministers of the church. I don’t mind being compared to an ox, 1Cor 9:9. If you are being fed by my crushing out of the grain, please consider what keeps me and the other ministries of the church going. Moo!!
2. Let’s make sure we are not wasting our time on this earth. Be like the well-trained runner or boxer, 1Cor 9:24-27. Paul says he is not running to lose. He is running to win the prize. Just like a boxer, he doesn’t want to hit thin air, he wants to hit the face of his opponent. That’s how you win. Let’s hit the face of sin and Satan with good bible knowledge and a holy life in the Spirit, in order to win our prize.
3. We live in an age where there is a lack of self-discipline. Paul says that he disciplines his body and brings it under control lest so that after preaching to others, that he does not become disqualified, 1Cor 9:27. Be disciplined in your calling as a Christian – read God’s word regularly, pray, go to church and spend time with God’s people, serve in a ministry that suits your gifting.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Ric Benson has started the Life Groups at church 6:30pm and will be looking at the life of Christ in the church.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group after Sunday mornings café time. Open discussion around difficult topics and defending our faith is the focus.
Prayer Points
1. Those who are considering baptism.
2. The family of Vyleen White – especially her poor husband, Victor, as well as their children and grandchildren. Think of her granddaughter who was a witness to the tragic events. Lord Jesus heal and comfort. Bring a peace only available through You.
3. Pray for of Kids@Church, Life groups and church community days.
4. The conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. Praise for the peace of Jesus to reign.
5. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Thankyou for the encouragement of last Sunday’s message on Sex and others relationships. It seems many needed to hear the message.
2. Encouraging ministry at the combined Baptist churches at Beacon on Sunday night.
3. Tad is recovering well. Continue to pray for Glenys as she gains use in her left arm.
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Life Groups Wednesday night at Church – 6:30pm. New Christians and Young Adults – Sunday after church.
2. Members meeting after the service – 25th Feb 2024.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 17. Of what were our first parents made? A. God made the body of Adam out of the ground. He formed Eve from the body of Adam.