1 Corinthians 9:17-18<\/p>\n
If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;\u00a0if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.<\/span>\u00a0What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,\u00a0and so not make full use of my rights\u00a0as a preacher of the gospel.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Paul did not want to be obligated to anyone when he preached. When persons are\u00a0obligated, they may consciously or unconsciously alter their message to be more acceptable and pleasing to the audience. The ones who pay the bills (salary) have the power. This can happen in churches. What would a pastor do if one of the church “bosses” came up and criticized a sermon the pastor preached? What goes on in a pastor’s mind? It can create a conflict. Pastors are human, and this could create a temptation to compromise the message.<\/p>\n Paul\u00a0offered the gospel free of charge, which cut any strings of dependency and obligation. He was only obligated to his Lord. His major point in chs. 8-9 is that he willingly gives up what his rights in order not to be a burden to anyone and to be free to follow Christ’s call. This does not fit every situation or person, since many preachers rely on churches for a living. But it serves as a challenge for those who claim certain rights that may cause a barrier for others to come to faith in Christ or to create temptations for those with weak consciences.\u00a0This principle is not just for preachers but for all Christians as we live out our faith through love.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n