RIGHTS FOR APOSTLES
1 Corinthians 9
Vv. 3-6: “This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don’t I have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?”
Godly Freedom devotion called those who follow Jesus, His disciples. Our job description, as Christian disciples, is the same as Jesus’, found in Isaiah 61:1. While this may overwhelm believers, it is really quite an honor. God is calling you to participate in His kingdom as His chosen apostle (a-POS-sel means same thing as disciple, follower, believer, student).
There are too many lost people in this world—that God wants in His family—for us not to do our part! Our job is to love one another like Jesus loves us (John 15:12). The Bible was given to teach God’s kids, so that we may share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Not every disciple of Jesus, you and me, is like Paul. He preached the gospel of Christ to people far and near 2,000 years ago. The ninth chapter of 1 Corinthians outlines preachers’ wages.
Eight-year old Benjy asked his mom, “What’s Pastor’s day job?”
“Taking care of the congregation in our church IS his day job” Benjy’s mom replied. “What else would you have him do?”
“Well, how does he earn money for food, gas for his car, and rent for his home?”
Pastors and priests are paid a salary and usually provided a home. They are responsible for the congregation’s spiritual health. They visit the sick, pray with those who’re faced with terrible problems, and assist those in need. They tend their flock (congregation) in many areas too large and varied to list. They copy Jesus as the “Good Shepherd,” John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
Although Jesus willingly died to redeem us from our sins, pastors and priests aren’t called to die for us. Jesus, as God’s Son, was the only One who lived a sinless life. The Father’s payment for people’s sins could only be paid by a perfect sacrifice. That’s why Jesus had to die. Pastors and priests sacrifice themselves by being on call 24/7.
Take Home Nugget
“Oh, I get it” Benjy said. “Like when I was in second grade he visited me in the hospital, he was working....Does he ever get vacation?”
Faith is what prompts Christians to do
Things like feeding starving people bread.
Faith is more than a teaching or two,
Faith is actively alive, not dead.
J.D. Griffith
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