Purity of Motive Required in Every Christian Minister
J. Lyth, D. D. 1 Corinthians 9:17-19 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me.… I. WHEREIN IT CONSISTS. 1. A willing service. 2. Without respect to fee or reward. 3. He may receive but must not bargain for it. II. ITS IMPORTANCE. 1. If pure, Christ will reward him. 2. If impure, his service is merely professional and has its reward. III. ITS PRESENT RECOMPENSE. 1. Freedom from all imputation of mercenary motives. 2. The free dispensation of the gospel. 3. The consciousness of his own integrity. (J. Lyth, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. WEB: For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.