How much does the Gospel cost you?

1 Corinthians 9:15-18 (NLT)
¹⁵ Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. ¹⁶ Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! ¹⁷ If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. ¹⁸ What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.

We have just heard from Will discussing Chapter 8 and the "right to party". Then we heard from Ralph discussing Chapter 9, verses 1-14 and the Paul's authority to be an apostle and expect to be paid. Now we see 9:15-18, and Paul essentially says that although all these rights are his, he gladly takes advantage of none of them.

As I contemplate on this week's text, I find myself asking some rather interesting questions:

• What does the Gospel cost me?
• How serious do I take my Christian calling?
• Am I ever content in keeping the truth to myself?
• What are my motives for helping in ministry?
• Do I find pleasure in sharing Christ with people?

Paul said that he was "compelled" to share the Good News (vs. 16). Do you ever feel compelled to share Christ?