What does "not seeking my own profit" teach about selflessness in ministry? The Verse in Focus “just as I also try to please everyone in all things. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of others, so that they may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:33) What Paul Is Saying, Plainly • Ministry is never about advancing myself. • Every choice, adjustment, and sacrifice targets one goal: that many might be saved. • Personal preferences bow to eternal priorities. Selflessness Defined • Laying down rights (1 Corinthians 9:19) • Emptying self-interest (Philippians 2:3-4) • Choosing loss if it means another’s gain (Romans 15:1-3) The Pattern We Follow • Jesus: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) • Paul: “We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5) Why It Matters • Protection from mixed motives—ministry becomes pure, free of self-promotion. • Visibility of the gospel—people taste Christ’s love in practical form. • Unity strengthened—self-forgetfulness diffuses rivalry (Philippians 2:1-2). • Eternal fruit—souls saved outweigh temporary profit (Matthew 16:26). Practical Outworkings Today • Examine motives: Am I serving for recognition or for rescue? • Give up personal comfort: time, resources, preferences adjust to others’ needs. • Relinquish rights: Paul forfeited financial support at times (1 Corinthians 9:12). • Adapt communication: becoming “all things to all” (1 Corinthians 9:22) without compromising truth. • Celebrate others’ advancement: joy when another’s ministry flourishes, even if mine seems smaller (John 3:30). The Promise Attached • God notices hidden sacrifices (Matthew 6:4). • Real influence grows as ego shrinks (James 4:10). • Eternal rewards eclipse temporal profit (2 Timothy 4:8). Closing Takeaway Selflessness in ministry means gladly trading personal advantage for someone else’s salvation. When “my profit” steps aside, Christ’s life shines through, and the gospel runs free. |
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