By the power of Jesus’ blood, we have become children of God, with all the privileges that entails. Those who serve as gospel workers have many rights, including the right to marry and to receive support from the church (4-6, 13-14). Paul, as an apostle who had seen the risen Christ, could have used all these rights, but he firmly decided not to. Instead, he gave up many comforts and endured many hardships so he could continue to offer the gospel free of charge and not hinder its power (12, 18).

Paul unfortunately needed to remind the Corinthians of this because people who peddled the gospel for profit were attacking his ministry to get more followers for themselves (2 Co 2:17). But because of the way Paul lived, no one could accuse him of having any selfish motive for his life of service.

For our own life of mission, we need to prayerfully decide what lifestyle will make our testimony most effective. Above all, our motive in serving the ministry must not be mixed with desire for worldly gain.
Application: Father, thank you for the rights you gave me as a child of God, which were bought at such a high price. Help me serve you with a pure motive so the gospel message from me may have its full power.
One Word: Serve with a pure motive