1 Corinthians 9:12,14-16 - If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ…In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
1 Timothy 5:18 - For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
Acts 9:1-2,4 - But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem…And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Jeremiah 20:9 - If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
Application:
· Does my giving (or lack of it) deprive God’s servants of adequate wages?
· Do I love others? Am I ready to surrender my rights for those I love?
· Do I belong to the Way? Jesus is the Way.
· To persecute the church is to persecute Christ, for the church is His body.
· Is His Word in my heart like a fire? Do I hold it in?
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
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