“What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.”
(1 Corinthians 9:18)
In eternity past, God intricately designed the path by which fallen man might be reconciled to his Creator. This spiritual pathway is rich with provisions—what we know as the means of grace. These are the instruments God sovereignly chose to convey the benefits of Christ to His people, that those once far off might be brought near (Ephesians 2:13).
Among these means is the ministry of the Word, exercised through men like Paul, whom Christ appoints and ordains to serve the body of Christ. These under-shepherds are charged not only with proclaiming the gospel to the lost but also with the continual care and ministry of sanctification of those brought into the fold. They are to baptize, to disciple, and to steward the flock of God entrusted to them.
These duties unfold through the teaching of Scripture, the leading of prayer, the administration of the Lord’s Supper, and the pronounced blessing of the congregation. Central to this ministry is the Lord’s Day—a divinely ordained time for corporate worship, mutual edification, and reverent hearing of God’s Word. This practice is a vital means through which grace is imparted to God’s people.
For this reason, believers must actively seek out and engage with faithful churches where the Word is rightly preached and the sacraments properly administered. It is our privilege and duty to align ourselves with such assemblies. There, under the care of faithful ministers, we participate in the worship of God and grow in grace together. As one commentary puts it, “We are encouraged to listen, understand, and adhere to the guidance of these spiritual leaders. Unity, love, and peace should be the pillars upon which our faith community stands, ensuring we remain harmonious and supportive of one another.”[1]
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:18 display the heart of a true minister. Though called and empowered by Christ, he demands no material reward. His joy is to make the gospel known freely, to fulfill his calling with integrity, and to wield his authority not for personal gain but for the edification of the church. This self-denial speaks volumes about the nature of Christ’s ministry reproduced in His servants.
And as members of Christ’s body, we are participants in this holy work. We are to strive to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord, and to live as those who have been shaped by the very means God has appointed for our salvation and sanctification.
Contemplation:
- The Essence of Leadership. Reflecting on the ordained roles of Bishops and Pastors, I am reminded of the immense responsibility they bear in guiding us through the disciplines of the Christian faith. Their dedication to completely concerning themselves with the spiritual needs of each of God’s children is truly commendable.
- The Sanctity of the Lord’s Day. The Lord’s Day is to be honored as a day of reflection, communion, and connection with our God and who we are in Him. The peace that accompanies this day serves to draw me closer to my Heavenly Father as I spend time meditating on the truths of His Word.
- The Role of the Congregation. While our spiritual leaders guide us, the responsibility of fostering a nurturing faith community falls upon all believers. Every member plays a part in ensuring that the church remains a haven of love, understanding, and support.
- The Selflessness of Service. The heart of Paul for ministry as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:18 reminds me to be more aware of and thankful for the selfless nature of those who dedicate their lives to sharing God’s Word. Their reward for bringing souls closer to God is a joy that will last for eternity.
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord my God, I come to You with a heart full of need, asking for grace to grow through the means You have appointed. You are wise in all Your ways, and I confess that without Your provision I would remain stagnant in soul and cold in heart. But You have ordained a way—through Your Word, through worship, through the ministry of faithful shepherds—for Your people to be built up. And so I pray, use these means in my life for Your glory.
Strengthen and uphold my pastor and every minister of the gospel who proclaims Your Word in sincerity and truth. Keep them from discouragement, from pride, and from error. Let them not preach for the praise of men but for Your pleasure. Let them not serve for gain but for Christ’s sake. Let their example be holy, their doctrine sound, and their hearts aflame with love for You and Your people.
And Lord, I ask You to stir in me a holy hunger for Your truth. Don’t let me treat the Lord’s Day as common or neglect the gathering of the saints. Help me come with reverence, expectation, and joy. Make my heart teachable, my ears attentive, and my soul ready to receive all that You have for me. And let the preaching of Your Word take deep root in me.
Help me cherish the sacraments as Your appointed seals of grace. When I come to the Table, let me feed on Christ by faith. When I see baptism, let me remember my own union with Christ in death and resurrection. Let these signs point me ever back to the gospel of free grace in Christ.
Teach me to serve my congregation, to love and build up my brothers and sisters. Guard my tongue from division. Guard my heart from bitterness. Give me grace to walk humbly, speak kindly, and love sacrificially. Make me useful in my local church. Show me where I can be of help, how I may bless, and whom I may encourage.
Above all, Lord, grow me in grace. Let my love for Christ deepen, my knowledge of truth expand, and my likeness to Jesus increase. May I not be lukewarm, but fervent and fruitful. Cause me to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and to be filled.
I ask all these things because You are a gracious God who delights to give good gifts to those who ask. Increase in me a longing to know You, to love You, and to reflect You more each day.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 Corinthians 9:18:
2 Cor. 11:7; John 1:17; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:24.
[1] John Armstrong, Secret and Family Prayers with Brief Helps for the More Devout Receiving of the Lords-Supper And Better Observation of the Lords-Day, (Cambridge: printed by J. Hayes, for the author, 1677), 91.
