Streamglobe Devotional

STREAMGLOBE DEVOTIONAL Broadcast 4864 Topic: Honor and the Blessing Click here for the audio version: streamglobe.org/aud4864 1 Corinthians 9:11 (NKJV) If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? When the Apostle Paul ministered among the Corinthians, he understood the environment in which they lived. Corinth was a major and prosperous city, and its culture included various public speakers and teachers who could make a living through their speaking and influence. Because of this environment, the Corinthians may have been understandably cautious about religious teachers whose messages seemed to be connected to financial gain. Paul was therefore careful not to allow money to become a hindrance to the spread of the Gospel among them. Although he had the right to receive material support from those he ministered to, he sometimes chose not to exercise that right. Instead, he worked with his hands, including making tents, to provide for his needs. This does not mean Paul never received financial gifts from believers. For example, he acknowledged the material support he received from the Philippians (Phil. 4:15-16). His decision concerning the Corinthians was therefore not a rejection of the principle of supporting those who minister spiritually. Rather, he was demonstrating that the Gospel was more important to him than his personal financial rights. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul helped them understand an important spiritual principle: those who minister spiritual things to God’s people have a legitimate right to receive material support from them. He explains this principle extensively in 1 Corinthians 9:4-15. We see an illustration of this principle in Genesis 14:18-20. Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, ministered a blessing to Abraham, and Abraham responded by giving him a tenth of everything. Abraham understood that spiritual ministry should be honored with material substance. This principle is not about paying for spiritual blessings or buying favor from God. Rather, it is about recognizing the value of spiritual ministry and honoring those whom God uses to minister His Word and grace to us. Go into today remembering that you should honor those who faithfully minister spiritual things to you. One practical way to do this is by supporting them materially according to your ability. When done with the right heart, this becomes one way of honoring God who sent them. Prayer: Lord, give me a heart that recognizes and honors those who faithfully minister Your Word and spiritual things to me. Help me to support the work of the Gospel generously and with the right motives. Teach me to honor those You have sent to bless and build Your people. May everything I give advance Your Kingdom and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen. —SD Abraham If you wish to start getting Streamglobe Daily, click here to join our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/E65dqaVf0Zl6Z5t5v1qCws Bible In 1 Year: II Kings 21-25 Audio Bible Link: streamglobe.org/4864 Streamglobe is interdenominational. Kindly share this devotional and let's touch lives together. Listen to streamglobe Radio here: streamglobe.org Get our Android App here: streamglobe.org/android Get our iPhone App here: streamglobe.org/apple