The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 9:8; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.

In chapter 9 verse 8 Paul continues his talk about what he has done that Israel to this very day has not, and that is to surrender his rights, what ever they may be to GOD. My study Bibles head this chapter as, one "Paul's Use of Liberty" and "Paul Surrenders His Rights." Had Israel done this the world may have turned in another or at the very least a different direction after the death of Jesus and humanity's identity within him. Lets take a look at what Paul has to say.


1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the Law of Moses (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1Timothy 5:18), "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (KJV)

1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? For it is written in the Law of Moses (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and 1Timothy 5:18), "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." (ESV)

1Corinthians 9:8-14 "Anyone who plants a vineyard eats its fruit for free; the Shepherd likewise is not expected to pay for a drink of milk! Or is this just my own idea? if you insist on scriptural evidence, even the Law of Moses certainly had more than oxen in mind in writing this (in Deuteronomy 25:4 and Paul in 1Timothy 5:18); the famer would be wasting his time plowing his field without participating in the harvest. While the oxen were still treading out the corn the farmer joyfully anticipates the bread. Spiritual seed also translates into a material harvest. While others enjoy this privilege why would it seem wrong that we share the same? We have not taken any advantage of you; we would rather suffer lack than insisting on our rights and in the process cause you to be distracted from the gospel of Christ. It is common knowledge that the people engaged in temple ministry eat what is sacrificed there. The same principle goes for those who proclaim the Gospel; and this is not just someone's good idea it is endoorsed by the LORD." (The Mirror)

So even a pastor of peace and grace is entitled to his reward of payment, while here on earth. We shall, the LORD willing continue this in our next visit. Until may you and yours grow steadily in the knowledge of the revelation of GOD in Christ and Christ in you.