What Then is My Reward?
In 1 Corinthians 9:18, Paul writes, “What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” Paul speaks here about his personal choice to forgo a right he could claim as an apostle—the right to financial support from those he ministers to. He could have asked for help, as was the custom for teachers of the gospel, but he deliberately chose not to so that his ministry would be as free and unencumbered as possible.
Paul’s motivation in ministry is clear: it was never about financial gain or personal benefit. He was driven solely by the desire to spread the gospel and to make sure nothing would hinder the message of Christ. By not accepting compensation, he ensured that no one would ever question his motives or think that he was preaching for money. His goal was always the free and untainted communication of God’s truth, with no strings attached.
Paul’s willingness to make such a sacrifice shows the depth of his commitment to the gospel. It wasn’t about what he could gain; it was about what he could give. His ministry wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. He understood the eternal significance of the message he carried and was willing to sacrifice his personal rights to make sure that nothing would stand in the way of reaching people with the good news of Jesus Christ.
In Philippians 4:11-12, Paul says, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” This reinforces Paul’s mindset that contentment is not dependent on earthly circumstances. Whether he had plenty or little, his focus was on serving Christ faithfully. His reward was in the gospel itself, not in material gain.
Paul’s choice to serve without charge also reflects his heart to avoid creating stumbling blocks for those who might otherwise be hesitant to hear the gospel. He knew that any appearance of using ministry for personal gain could tarnish the message of Christ. In Romans 14:13, he reminds believers, “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.” Paul’s decision was, in part, about ensuring that no one would be distracted from the truth by the possibility of financial motives.
Ultimately, Paul found his reward in the gospel itself. The joy of sharing the good news, seeing lives changed, and building the kingdom of God was worth more to him than any earthly compensation. As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” For Paul, his treasure was found in the eternal rewards of faithfully serving Christ, not in temporary material things.
Paul’s example challenges us to examine our own motivations in ministry and life. It’s easy to become distracted by the pursuit of money or recognition, but Paul’s attitude reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from what we gain in this world, but from faithfully serving God and sharing His message with others. Whether in abundance or need, our reward is in Christ, and that is more than enough.
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
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