Daily Reading // 1 Corinthians 9:1-18
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
1 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV) But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it [would be] better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.
Paul had rights that he didn’t use.
Paul makes a strong argument about rights he has that are based on biblical laws and principles - the law of Moses, the practices of the temple, and even current practices of the Lord’s apostles and leaders. These are strong arguments.
Having affirmed his biblical rights, Paul then says he won’t use those rights. He will lay them down for the sake of his ministry.
There is a big difference between not doing something because you can’t and not doing something because you can but choose not to. A big difference.
Paul understood fully the freedom and benefits given to him by virtue of the gospel. He chose to give them up.
It is far more common to seek rights, demand rights and even abuse rights, not to lay them down. I should learn from Paul that just because you have rights doesn’t mean you should use them.
A right relinquished is an offering to the Lord.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, You have purchased so much for me. I would have no rights without You. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
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