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!
I Corinthians 9:14-16
In the past year or so I've been really interested in the idea of preaching the gospel to oneself. This seems to me to be evidence that Paul does it on a regular basis. The sweet part about proclaiming the Gospel to others is that we are reminded of the truths contained in it. There are many Gospel truths that have rocked my world in the last week, month, year, etc. And when I proclaim these truths to others, its just as good for me too because I am reminded of them.
Side note: I have a sick (short) book that has just rocked my world when it comes to preaching Gospel truths to myself. Probably the most helpful book I've read outside the Bible. Let me know if any of you are interested in this.
Also what this text tells us is that the Gospel should be free from pride. The central theme of the Gospel is the work that Christ has done for us. If we are to boast at all in it, it would be taking away from that central theme. Pride and the Gospel are totally at odds with each other.
One more section of scripture that stood out to me was 10:32-11:1.
...just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
I Corinthians 10:32-11:1
This was really helpful for me. At first glance, one would think that Paul is a total cheeseball. Then it points to me being a cheeseball. "I try to please everyone in everything I do..." Yeah Paul, you and I both seek to please people. However, here's the difference. Whereas I'm looking for people to approve of me and think better of me, Paul isn't seeking his own advantage. Rather, he is seeking to please them in order that he might have influence with them so that they may accept the Gospel he proclaims and be saved. I was really convicted of this, a lot of times I try to justify my people pleasing with attempts to share the Gospel, but more often than not, I'm only looking to make myself look good. This was good for me to read. What do you guys think?
