July 27
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ENDURING ALL THINGS TO BRING OUT THE GOSPEL
8 I am not just asserting these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does the Law not say these things as well? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking entirely for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing in the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. – 1 Corinthians 9:8-14
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In Deuteronomy 25:4, God commanded “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” According to David Guzik commentary, “This law simply commanded the humane treatment of a working animal. In those days, grain was broken away from its husk by an ox walking on it repeatedly (usually in a circle). It was cruel to force the ox to walk over all that grain, yet to muzzle him so he couldn’t eat of it.”
Why did Paul bring out this Mosaic law mentioned in Deuteronomy 25:4 in his letter to the Corinthians? It seems that he was explaining that this wasn’t literally about oxen, but an illustration of how we need to work in a perspective of hope. That we need not abuse those who are actually bringing us sustenance for our bodies, soul and mind, but instead, support them so they can continue the work they were designed to do. In other words: if we are benefitting and growing from a church or a community or family of believers, we ought to give support to the ones who are actually looking after our growth.
In verses 11-12, Paul raises a question regarding the validity of those who work for Christ’s kingdom, to also expect material compensation. After all, they are still human and have physical needs as well. Paul said that he had all the right to claim support from them, but he didn’t use this right to ensure that it won’t hinder them from hearing the Good News.
In verse 14, he explains the right of the workers of God to be compensated as well because they are proclaiming the gospel. They are working for God’s kingdom here on earth, it is only right to be paid for what they have worked for.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think some don’t understand that workers for God needs compensation too?