Daily Devotions
September 29th, 2011 by Pastor Solley1 Corinthians 9:16-17 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 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.
Notice the will, the free will of Paul. “For if I do this thing willingly”. Man has a free will to decide what course of action he or she will take. This passage speaks directly of service for the Lord. God had something for Paul to do, Paul was a chosen vessel of the Lord according to Acts 9. But Paul had to decide to obey, it was his decision. God is all powerful, but Paul had a free will. This same truth applies to salvation. Man has a free will that he must exercise. God wants all to be saved, Jesus died for all, Jesus said He would draw all men unto Himself. But man has to decide. What of the will of man then? Can it be changed? Yes it can. One can say no to salvation over and over again but then be moved by conviction of the Spirit and the witness of the Word of God and come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Man has a will and the Christian in serving the Lord is to try and do all he or she can to change that will of the lost. Moved by the Spirit of God we are to be an example and witness to the lost. As we start our day this morning we are to put ourselves in the hands of God, allow Him to move us and use us in winning the lost to Christ. Are you willing today to be used?