1 Corinthians 9:16-19
16. For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!
17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the Gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the Gospel.
19. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. KJV.
DEFINITIONS
Dispensation -c) stewardship
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I Am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen KJV.
We have been given this great commission to teach all nations. Not all of us are going to stand in front of a congregation or assembly of people but we are still called to teach all what we have been taught by the Lord personally in our life. Whether we have an audience of 1 or 1000 we are just as accountable. That 1 can easily turn into 1000.
Therefore, our life must be a never-ending example to others. It is not just the words that come out of our mouth but the walk that we walk. We are still accountable for our words. They have power. Our hearts must be cleansed from all that has had us bound up for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
You can bet the world is always waiting for a professing Christian to fall and mess up so they can point the finger and gloat. We must always be on guard. If we follow the Lamb, He will always lead us into safety. We do not force our own way but wait for His leading. He will make the way clear to us if we are praying and asking Him to do so. We may have to wait longer than we want. He always knows the best timing.
The scripture in 1 Cor.9 is saying that we have been given this stewardship. This means He has given us His property to take care of on this earth until He comes back. We are to have the right motive in doing so. We are not to do it for monetary gain even if we are given an offering. We are not to do it for the praises of man.
Why are we doing it? We are to do all things as unto the Lord. (Col.3:23) That is our reward. There is such a wonderful knowing that gives us His favor, knowing that we are pleasing in His sight, that nothing else can give.
We are so very accountable of what we preach and teach. There will be a fire of judgment that will test all for the day of the Lord will disclose it and declare it. (1Cor.3:13-17)
We will be judged on a higher standard than others. He will not let us bring harm to His sheep by teaching an easy Gospel or false doctrine. We are so very accountable to Him. We must be continually in His presence learning from our mistakes. We always will make mistakes, but it is what we do with these mistakes that make or break us.
We must go to our upper room and wait for the Power from on High to fall upon us before we set out to preach. He will prepare us. We are not to go before we are ready. We need the Power within us to fight the enemy who will definitely try to stop us. The last years of Paul were spent with him preaching with boldness and openly without being hindered. Help us Lord to follow you always and preach to all so You can come and take us home to You!
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