The Work of The Lord

Based on 1 Corinthians 9-10, Psalm 39

"Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?"
1 Corinthians 9:7.

When you work for God, work is NOT just work! As stated in the Scripture above, there is always a benefit or payment to our normal work, so how about the work of The Lord? In God, we also reap ETERNAL benefits when we sow in God's business!

I truly love that Paul not only shares his passion, but WHY he is so passionate. It draws so many people in to the work of The Lord when we see why & how God works through Paul, and Paul is letting us know God can work through us too! It's not just us working it's God! It's His strength! That's why Paul was able to say, do and endure so many things.

"For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?" 1 Corinthians 9:9.

Scripture says no one should muzzle an ox doing his work. He is obediently following commands, so why muzzle him on top of that? But then, take a look at Psalm 39:

"I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me."
Psalms 39:1.

Someone else may not have the ability to "muzzle us" or "quiet us" doing God's work, but that's because our job is not only the work of The Lord, but to have self-control! If we are non-offensive in what we do, as we studied last post, there's no reason why we should be muzzled by this world! If we know when to stay silent, then we will also know when to speak!

So, instead of being offensive & spreading God's message of salvation & hope in a way that doesn't relate with others, let's try Paul's strategy:

"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
1 Corinthians 9:22.

Be relatable, but not too relevant! Relate to the world (find common ground) but don't become like the world (compromising the faith). People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care about them! (That one was from our Purpose Institute Bible College class!).

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." 1 Corinthians 10:31‭-‬33.

Paul's passion for Jesus passion & the eternal benefit of his work led him to seek the profit of others and not himself, all so people could be saved! How awesome is that!

Oh, and here is a relatable tidbit to the Old Testament (because seeing the connection is important as we move back & forth!):

"And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;" 1 Corinthians 10:2.

Baptism happened by Spirit & water in a special way in the Old Testament, just like in the New! God always had a plan for His Spirit to move & for the water to wash & cleanse us, it just looked a little different back then! But...it's all a part of the work of The Lord!