The Function of the Church

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-10

This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?

1 Corinthians 9:3-5

Some Corinthians were questioning Paul's authority and right as an apostle, so Paul gave his credentials: he has actually seen and talked with the resurrected Christ, who had called him as an apostle (Acts 9:3-18). Such credentials make the advice he gives in this letter more persuasive. In 2 Corinthians 10-13, Paul defends his apostleship in greater detail.

Change is the evidence that God was using Paul. Does your faith have an impact on others? You can be a life-changer, helping others grow spiritually, If you dedicate yourself to being used by God and letting Him make you effective.

As dedicated workers of God, Jesus said that workers deserve their wages (Luke 10:27). Paul echoes this though and urges the churches to be sure to pay their Christian workers. We have a responsibility to care for our pastor, teachers, and other spiritual leaders. It is our duty to see that those who serve us in the ministry are fairly and adequately compensated. Support a proper salary for our ministry and staff.

Reflect

1. What are the rights of leaders and pastors of the church ?

2. What are the responsibilities of the church to their pastors and leaders?

3. Are there material rewards due to them? How about spiritual rewards?

Remember

If we do our part with a clean heart and with a right purpose, each of us will be rewarded for our hard work to God.

Read

1 Corinthians 9:11, 12a, 13, 14; 1 Thessalonians 2:4-8

Pray

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the lives of Your servants who never get tired of fulfilling Your calling in their lives. I pray that You continually empower them and provide for them as they do the ministry that You have entrusted to them. I also ask that You continue to remind me of my role as part of Your church in sharing what You are giving me to them for Your greater glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.