Read 1 Corinthians 9:1–18
What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel
I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in
preaching it.
1 Corinthians 9:18
The unsaved world is convinced that most preachers are involved in
“religious rackets” to take money from innocent people. No doubt
there are people who “use” religion to exploit others and control them.
But we must make sure that nothing we do in our own ministry gives
the impression that we are of their number.
A wrong attitude toward money has hindered the gospel from
the earliest days of the church. Simon the magician thought he could
buy the gift of the Holy Spirit with money (Acts 8:18–24). Ananias
and Sapphira loved money more than the truth, and God killed them
(5:1–10).
For eighteen years, Dr. H. A. Ironside served as pastor of Moody
Church in Chicago. The first time I heard him announce an offering,
he said, “We ask God’s people to give generously. If you are not a
believer in Jesus Christ, we do not ask you to give. We have a gift
for you—eternal life through faith in Christ!” He made it clear that
the offering was for believers, lest the unsaved in the congregation
stumble over money and reject the gospel.
Something to Ponder
How can money propel the cause of the gospel? How can it become
a hindrance?