What Exactly Does It Mean to Be an Heir of the Promise?

Welcome to Day 17 of our 60-Day Challenge! But before we tackle today’s question, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question from Day 16: Did the early Christian church have a paid or unpaid ministry?

This one might surprise you, especially in today’s world, where many pastors and ministers make a full-time living—sometimes even big bucks—from their roles in the church. But what does the Bible say about this? Let’s dig in.

Paul’s Perspective: Preaching Without Charge

To start, let’s look at what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:18:

“What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.”

Paul makes it clear that his reward wasn’t financial. Instead, he found joy and fulfillment in sharing the gospel freely, without burdening others. He even worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) to support himself while preaching.

Paul wasn’t condemning financial support for ministry entirely (he also wrote in 1 Timothy 5:18 that “the laborer is worthy of his reward”), but he chose to set an example of service without financial expectation. His focus was on ensuring the gospel was accessible and authentic, free from the appearance of personal gain.

How Does This Relate to Christ’s Restored Church Today?

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this principle of unpaid ministry continues. Here’s how it works:

1. Local Leadership Is Volunteer-Based
   At the local level, leaders like bishops and stake presidents serve voluntarily. They don’t receive any payment for their service. Instead, they maintain their regular jobs—whether that’s as a teacher, a welder, a doctor, or a business owner—and dedicate their time to the church as an act of faith and love.

2. No Professional Clergy
   The church doesn’t have a professional clergy or full-time paid ministers at the local level. Instead, members of the congregation are called to serve in various roles temporarily, often balancing their church responsibilities with family and career.

3. Training Through Service
   Unlike many denominations that require formal theological training for pastors or ministers, church leaders in the restored gospel receive guidance and training while serving. Their qualifications aren’t academic—they come from their faith, dedication, and willingness to serve.

A Modern Example of Ancient Principles

This approach is a reflection of the early Christian church, where believers worked together to serve one another and spread the gospel. By relying on volunteer leaders, the church follows Paul’s example of sharing the gospel without charge.

It also emphasizes an important principle: ministry is about service, not status.

When leaders serve without financial compensation, it reinforces the idea that their work is driven by love for God and others, not by monetary gain.

Why This Matters Today

Let’s be real for a second: Money can complicate things. When ministry becomes a career or a business, there’s a risk of it feeling more transactional than spiritual.

By keeping ministry unpaid, the focus remains on Christ and His teachings. Leaders are motivated by their faith and their desire to serve—not by a paycheck.

This doesn’t mean that paid ministry is inherently bad, but it does challenge us to think about how finances impact the way the gospel is shared.

Takeaway: Serving for Love, Not Gain

Paul’s words remind us that the gospel isn’t a commodity—it’s a gift. And while supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry isn’t wrong, his example and the principles of the restored gospel show us that unpaid ministry can foster authenticity, humility, and a stronger focus on Christ.

It’s a powerful reminder that ministry, at its core, is about serving God and others, not building wealth or status.

What’s Next? Question 17

Here’s your next big question to ponder: What does Paul mean when he says we can become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ?

You can find the answer in Romans 8:16-17—and trust me, it’s a topic worth exploring!

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. How do you think unpaid ministry impacts the way the gospel is shared? Does Paul’s example still resonate today? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep this dialogue alive.

And if this blog helped you see things in a new light, share it with someone who might find it meaningful. Together, we can continue spreading the good news of the gospel.

Until next time, God bless!

Transcription:

     Hi, my name is Joe Cirillo with Gospel First, and thanks once again for your decision to follow me on this exciting journey to find Christ restored church in our day. But before I give you question number 17, did you get the answer to question 16? Now many pastors get paid big bucks to be pastors when Paul says we should minister for free.

Did a church have a paid or unpaid ministry? Now 1 Corinthians 9, verse 18 says, What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. The Lord's church does not have a professional clergy or ministry. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, individuals do not enter the priesthood as a form of employment.

Most of the day to day ministering occurs of a local level, where leaders serve without any form of payment for their temporary volunteer work. They also do not receive formal training to prepare for their roles. For example, a bishop typically serves for about five years while maintaining his regular occupation.

Whether that's an accountant, welder, business owner, or something else. Question number 17. What does Paul mean when he says that we can become an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ? Well, you can find the answer in Romans chapter 8, verse 16 to 17. And as usual, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Now, I hope you've enjoyed this episode of Gospel First Lesson and have found it inspiring. For more insights on God's plan of happiness for you, you can visit our website at gospelfirst. net. Now, I'd love to hear from you, so please leave your questions or comments in the comments section of this video.

Also, you can help me spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ by hitting the like, subscribe, and share button. Together, we can make a difference. So, until next time, God bless.