I Corinthians 9

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (v19). Paul argued that ministers had the right to “get their living by the gospel” (v14). However, he felt that good stewardship, in his case, was to not make use of his rights (v15). He did not live by entitlement, but by the calling God placed on him (v19-23).  He urged his fellow believers to live out their own callings whole-heartedly, like athletes running for an imperishable prize (v24-25). 

“I do it all for the sake of the gospel …” (v23).  We can sacrifice for the sake of Jesus’ kingdom because we know we have an eternal inheritance.