NOTES for Co1 9:16-19
It is very important for the apostle Paul to emphasize that he is doing only what he must. How pleasant it would be to say that we do more than is required, that we overfulfill the spiritual plan, so to speak... The problem is that this never happens. Proclaiming the Gospel seems to us, if not heroic, then at least an act worthy of every respect. But Paul says no. It is simply a duty—and if I have fulfilled my duty, then everything is in order, and nothing more. This can be applied not only to proclaiming the Gospel but to any ministry. It then follows that we can never overfulfill the plan and earn a reward from God... We cannot. And this is His great mercy. Everything He gives, He gives out of love. And from us He expects only acts of love in return—selfless love, like His love.