1 Corinthians 9:7, The Matter of Just Compensation

1 Corinthians 9:7 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?

Here are three questions that beg answers in the negative! Which soldier serves at any time at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends the flock and does not feed on the milk of the flock? For the shepherd to feed on the milk of the flock he tends, it is perfectly legitimate and natural for the servant of Christ to be a partaker in the work in which he engages. The Lord is a just paymaster, The Apostle Paul believes that a worker was “worthy of his hire” (1 Timothy 5:18). [Zodhiates]

Zodhiates again summarised well concerning the lessons:

(1) Compensation is the normal plan of work and reward.

(2) Paul uses the illustration of a soldier expecting to receive adequate provisions when he enlists and serves in the army. He is not expected to provide for himself. As one enlists in the army of Christ, he is expected to serve and will be compensated accordingly for his work so that it will not be inhibited.

(3) The farmer labours under the expectation that what he plants will grow and yield its fruit. He is to partake of that fruit, which will benefit others as well (Luke 12:13-21).

(4) The shepherd who tends his sheep partakes of the milk that the sheep produces, bit not selfishly and exclusively.

(5) There is a definitive interaction between planting and reaping, both on earth and in heaven. It is to remembered that the born-again believer belongs to two kingdoms; that of earth, which is physical, and that of heaven, which is spiritual (Matt. 6:19-21).

Amen.