Connect 1 Corinthians 9:18 with Jesus' teachings on serving others. \The Heart of 1 Corinthians 9:18\ - 1 Corinthians 9:18: “What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.” - Paul’s “reward” is the joy of giving the gospel without cost—removing every barrier so others can hear and believe. - He refuses financial entitlement, choosing voluntary self-denial to place the needs of others first. \Jesus Models the Same Heart of Service\ - Matthew 20:26-28: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” - John 13:14-15: After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus says, “You also should wash one another’s feet… I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” - Mark 10:45 and Luke 22:26-27 echo the pattern: greatness equals serving; true reward is found in self-giving love. \Key Parallels Between Paul and Jesus\ • Free of charge – Jesus healed, taught, and ultimately gave His life “without money and without cost” (cf. Isaiah 55:1; Romans 8:32). – Paul mirrors that generosity by preaching without fee. • Voluntary self-emptying – Philippians 2:5-7: Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” – 1 Corinthians 9:12: Paul “endured everything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” • Focus on eternal reward – Hebrews 12:2: Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” – 1 Corinthians 9:23: Paul does “all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.” \The True Reward\ - Not monetary gain, but souls reached and God glorified. - Matthew 6:4: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” - Serving without earthly payment guards the heart from pride and keeps the message pure. \Walking It Out Today\ - Offer help, teaching, mentoring, or hospitality without expecting return; point people to Christ, not ourselves. - Lay aside personal rights when they might obscure the gospel—time, convenience, preferences. - Celebrate unseen acts of service; God notices even a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name (Matthew 10:42). \Summary\ Paul’s determination to preach freely in 1 Corinthians 9:18 echoes Jesus’ own life of sacrificial service. Both show that true greatness and lasting reward are found in humbly giving ourselves to others for the gospel’s sake. |
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