Text: 1 Corinthians 9:16

Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16 NKJV

MESSAGE

Two questions that people must ask are, one, why was I created, and two, why was I recreated or saved? The answer to the first question can only be gotten by inquiring from God while later is clear. God saved you to help someone else know Him. By design, God designed that Christians should produce themselves. The blessing of fruitfulness in Genesis 1:28 is operational in the life of the newly created man in Christ.

God wants you to be fruitful and multiply. He wants you to simply give birth to spiritual offspring like you through soul-winning. Imagine you go out to tell someone about Jesus and that fellow went and tells someone else, the chain goes and on. That will lead to multiplying the number of Christians.

The fruitfulness is not meant for pastors and evangelists alone but for all. Every one of us must be like Paul who understood that we owe the many millions in our nations who have not heard the gospel the chance to hear.

In our text of the day, Paul describes preaching the gospel as an obligation with great necessity. He literally placed himself under a curse if he does not preach the gospel. We may not have to do that, but we must commit to preaching the gospel.

Unfortunately, many have turned the gospel into a money-making venture. But the attitude of the Apostle is worth emulation. He preaches the gospel without charge. He would not merchandise the gospel like others.

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Philippians 3:18‭-‬19 NKJV

Those who make turn the gospel into a means of enriching themselves must beware because they will only be incurring the judgment of God upon their lives. Such people will end their ways in defeat unless they repent soon.

Are you preaching the word of God? Do you relish the possibility of having spiritual children? This is possible and attainable if you want it.

REFLECTION

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,

Galatians 4:19 NKJV

Going after souls will cost travail in the place of prayer, but you can be sure of Joy when the soul is saved.

PRAYER

Father, please give me the strength and ability to travail for souls and preach your word to them in Jesus’ name. Amen.