Continued from yesterday …..
This is why Paul could say, “what things were gained to me, these I have counted loss for Christ…” (Phil 3:7). Paul understood that genuine leadership in the church is possible only through humility.
Let us take a moment to look more closely at Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 9:15–18, a vivid picture of godly leadership is presented. Before verse 15, Paul clearly states that a servant of the Lord has the right to live by the gospel, and he reminds us that the Lord Himself taught this. This is an undeniable truth found in Scripture.
However, immediately after affirming this truth, Paul begins to describe a different practice—his own. At first glance, it may appear that Paul acted differently from what Scripture permits. But why does he intentionally point this out?
Paul’s encounter with Jesus was unlike that of the other disciples. He encountered the resurrected Christ. He was also taken up to the third heaven—an experience no one else in the Bible explicitly describes. Through these revelations, Paul came to deeply understand that all glory belongs solely to the King of Heaven.
Because of this, Paul states that he never took anything for himself from the gospel, nor did he expect to. His motives in preaching were unmistakably clear. He had received a revelation that what he received freely from the Lord must also be given freely: “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matt 10:8)
If the gospel had been merely a personal means of making a living for Paul, he would have expected compensation. But it was not.
This perspective is radical, especially in today’s context where many preach as a profession. There is nothing inherently wrong with making a living through ministry, and there is nothing wrong with wealthy believers supporting ministers. Yet motivation matters deeply.
Look at Paul’s concluding statement: “So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the message at no cost to you.” What a powerful declaration! This reflects complete trust in the Heavenly King—our Father God. Otherwise, we tend to rely on our own efforts, time, and financial investments.
Paul knew that the joy and pleasure he received from preaching the gospel far outweighed any earthly benefit. In the secular world, payment often creates obligation—an expectation to perform, to please, to earn honor. When someone is paid, there is often a subtle calculation: I am giving this much, therefore I deserve this much.
This is not written to criticize or diminish anyone, but to present the truth. It is not something I write without conviction or practice, but something rooted in the Word of God.
In 2 Corinthians 12:14, Paul says, “I don’t want what you have—I want you. After all, children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.” Did you notice that? This is the heart of spiritual leadership—the heart of a spiritual father in the local church.
Even in the secular world, healthy parents do not depend on their children’s income to live. Of course, elderly parents may need care and support. But our God is not one who grows old—“the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.” (Hebrew 13:8)
“A righteous store wealth for his children” (Proverbs 13:22). When parents—spiritual parents included—walk in godly wisdom and truth, they store up for their children. This suggests that there is no necessity for spiritual fathers to rely on support from their sons, daughters, or believers. Then, like Paul, a righteous spiritual father can confidently say, “I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.” (verse 15)
The key lies in whether we look at a single verse in isolation or maintain a balanced view of Scripture. Perhaps this is one reason God often appointed leaders—elders, prophets (in the old covenant), and figures like Moses—when they were already mature in age. By then, they had experience, stability, and the ability to provide for themselves and others.
To further support his practice, Paul also mentions Titus, who followed the same path(verse 18). This shows that Paul’s example was not isolated but embraced by his co-workers and spiritual sons.
Yes, Jesus said, “for a worker is worthy of his food” (Matthew 10:10). Yet Paul and others like Titus chose not to exercise that right. Instead, they trusted the Lord alone.
This is not written to condemn anyone, but to highlight the choices one makes in leadership.
Let anyone hear what the Spirit of God says. Amen.