“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!”
— 1 Corinthians 9:16
Many believe that preaching the Gospel is reserved for a select few—pastors, evangelists, or missionaries. But Paul shatters that mindset with a powerful declaration: “Necessity is laid upon me.” He speaks not of convenience, but of divine urgency. This is not optional. It is a calling woven into the identity of every believer.
Jesus Himself said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (John 15:16). This speaks not only of purpose, but of legacy—of fruit that abides. Just as the natural man is instructed to “be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28), the spiritual man is called to multiply the kingdom and replenish the earth with truth.
To be born of the Spirit is to be born with the DNA of heaven. And in that DNA is the commission to reproduce. The Gospel we have received is not a private treasure, but a public light. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14)
Paul understood this well. He didn’t preach out of ambition or applause. He preached because he had no other choice. “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” he declared. It wasn’t fear—it was a reverent awareness of responsibility.
When you truly grasp the glory of the Gospel, you will understand that sharing it is not a burden but an honor. You represent heaven on earth. Every conversation, every act of love, every opportunity to witness becomes a moment of eternal significance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of carrying Your Gospel. Help me never to take lightly the calling You have placed on my life. Stir in me a holy urgency to preach, teach, and live out the truth of Christ daily. May I be found faithful to Your purpose, multiplying Your kingdom with joy and boldness. Use me as Your ambassador, that through my life, many will come to know You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
-
Mark 16:15
-
Romans 1:16
-
2 Timothy 4:2
-
Acts 1:8
-
Proverbs 11:30
-
Isaiah 52:7
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
20 June, 2025
The necessity of preaching the Gospel
“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!”
— 1 Corinthians 9:16
Many believe that preaching the Gospel is reserved for a select few—pastors, evangelists, or missionaries. But Paul shatters that mindset with a powerful declaration: “Necessity is laid upon me.” He speaks not of convenience, but of divine urgency. This is not optional. It is a calling woven into the identity of every believer.
Jesus Himself said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…” (John 15:16). This speaks not only of purpose, but of legacy—of fruit that abides. Just as the natural man is instructed to “be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28), the spiritual man is called to multiply the kingdom and replenish the earth with truth.
To be born of the Spirit is to be born with the DNA of heaven. And in that DNA is the commission to reproduce. The Gospel we have received is not a private treasure, but a public light. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14)
Paul understood this well. He didn’t preach out of ambition or applause. He preached because he had no other choice. “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” he declared. It wasn’t fear—it was a reverent awareness of responsibility.
When you truly grasp the glory of the Gospel, you will understand that sharing it is not a burden but an honor. You represent heaven on earth. Every conversation, every act of love, every opportunity to witness becomes a moment of eternal significance.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of carrying Your Gospel. Help me never to take lightly the calling You have placed on my life. Stir in me a holy urgency to preach, teach, and live out the truth of Christ daily. May I be found faithful to Your purpose, multiplying Your kingdom with joy and boldness. Use me as Your ambassador, that through my life, many will come to know You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
-
Mark 16:15
-
Romans 1:16
-
2 Timothy 4:2
-
Acts 1:8
-
Proverbs 11:30
-
Isaiah 52:7
