05/29/2022 – Day 091 – 1 Corinthians 9 – 10 // “Pay for the Ministry” and “Danger of Falling”
I’m going to my Halley’s BIble Handbook for an assist:
“Chapter 9. Pay for the MInistry
… But so far as is recorded, Paul took pay from no Church except Philippi. In Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica, he supported himself by working at this trade. It was his life principle, so far as he could to Preach without pay (16 – 18)…
Chapter 10: 1 – 13. Danger of Falling
Paul had just spoken of exerting himself to the utmost, lest he should be a Castaway. That reminded him of the same danger to Christians generally. They had better take their Religion seriously. Most of those who were delivered out of Egypt never got to the Promised Land. The Temptations that caused them to Fall by the way side were very much the Same Temptations that the Corinthians were facing (7 – 8), Lustful Indulgence. If they would strive wholeheartedly, with resolute determination, to overcome, as he was doing (9: 25-27), God’s promise of protection is sure against any temptation (13).”
Salvific faith is a gift from God. I would submit that sanctification is a gift as well from God, the indwelling Holy Spirit. God asks us to participate.
If we do not strive wholeheartedly, with resolute determination, to overcome, it is a sign that we haven’t been converted yet. See Jesus’ parable of the seed that must be planted in good soil to grow. The works do not save us, it just points to our faith or lack of it.
Soli Deo Gloria!