Paul Surrenders His Rights

I Corinthians 9:11–18
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At the busy dental office where I work, one patient was always late. Once when I called to confirm an appointment, he said, “I’ll be about 15 minutes late. That won’t be a problem, will it?” “No,” I told him. “We just won’t have time to give you an anesth … More

Motives

Different people serve God for different reasons. We know that there are definitely some motives that people have for serving God that are unacceptable. Jesus made it clear that striving for position and popularity are unacceptable motivesfor ministry. Greed is also an unacceptable motive for serving God, “not greedy for money, but eager to serve”. The question is, what are acceptable motives for serving our Lord? Paul gives us three levels of motivation for serving the Lord (vv. 16-17). Not all levels are equal as being acceptable before God, but each is legitimate according to Paul. In this passage Paul shares three motives for serving the Lord:

1. Fear of disobedience (v. 16) - Paul says that there are no grounds for boasting in the fact that he is a preacher of the gospel. His preaching came about not because of his choice initially but he says, “necessity is laid upon me”. Here he is obviously speaking of God’s call upon his life on the road to Damascus. Fear is the lowest level of motivation, but we should tremble at the thought of disobeying God’s voice.

2. A sense of duty (v. 17) - There is something to be said for duty. While this is not the highest motive, and the most desirable motive for service to Christ, it is an acceptable motive. Sometimes it’s simply our duty to God that keeps us going when we don’t feel like it. Jesus dreaded the cross in Gethsemane, but he remained loyal to the Father and His plan. Remember he “endured” the cross. Sometimes we too must “endure” when serving simply because God has entrusted us with a responsibility.

3. Willing service (v. 17) - This is the highest and holiest motive for serving our Savior. Paul said, “If I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.” To serve God willingly is to serve Him because we love Him.

Application

It is my desire to serve the Lord with His Spirit of Love and with the highest of motives. But may I not forget the other two motives when love fails.

I Corinthians 9:11-18 (English Standard Version)

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