Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:15

Thursday, September 15, 2016

[In talking about others having the right to be supported in their ministry, the apostle Paul says of himself,] "But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast [of being self-supporting]."
— 1 Corinthians 9:15
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Paul was careful not to take support from the Corinthians even though it was his right as a minister of the Gospel. Instead, he knew their problems with generosity and showed them a greater example of living for Jesus without obvious and instant rewards. Often, we must show our values before others share them with us. Paul was a master at reading the needs around him and living in a way that was an example. He then would call them to follow his example as he followed the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1). By not receiving support for his ministry, Paul demonstrated to them that they needed to make a living with their own hands and be responsible (1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:11). Let's commit to following Paul's example and live with integrity before others.

My Prayer...

Father God and Almighty Lord, please give me the courage and integrity to live my principles in a way that is a blessing and an example to others. Bless me, dear Father, with a life that makes a mark on others for your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 15, 2016

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 148:14
"The dispensation of the old covenant was that of distance. When God appeared even to his servant Moses, he said, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Problem People'
"Dear Precious One, Yesterday's note focused on valuing each person in the Father's family. There are, however, some in the family who seem to be..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon:
"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Skip Points of Grace' (Acts 19:8-10)
"[In Ephesus, next] Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. But some...."

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:15 — [In talking about others having the right to be supported in their ministry, the apostle Paul says of himself,] "But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast [of being self-supporting]."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse