1 Corinthians 9:14 (NLT)
“In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.”
Both the Old Testament (Dt 25:4; cf. Lev 6:16, 26; 7:6) and the New Testament (Mt 10:10; Lk 10:7) teach that those who are engaged in proclaiming God’s Word (e.g., ministers, pastors, evangelists) should be supported by those who receive spiritual benefit from the message and ministry (Gal 6:6-10; 1Ti 5:18).
Deuteronomy 25:4 (NLT)
“You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.”
Matthew 10:10 (NLT)
Galatians 6:6 (NLT)
“Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.”
Paul instructs the church to support its teachers materially–with food, money, and whatever good things are appropriate. It is easy to receive the benefit of good Bible teaching and then to take our spiritual leaders for granted, ignoring their financial and physical needs. We should care for our teachers, not grudgingly or reluctantly, but with a generous spirit, showing honor and appreciation for all they have done.
“You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.”
The apostle Paul understood the wisdom of the Lord in this Old Testament verse so he used it in his letter to young Timothy with emphasis.
1 Timothy 5:18 (NLT)
"For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
This command provided that working animals be given sufficient feed (i.e., food) to maintain strength and health. They were to be treated humanely and rewarded for their labor. Even more, people deserve fair treatment for their labor. The New Testament applies this principle to gospel ministers. Those who labor in the ministry or for Christian institutions should be paid reasonable and fair wages.
1 Corinthians 9:9-11 (NLT)
"For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?"
This is also the wisdom of the Lord Jesus for those who spread the good news of salvation to people.
“Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.”
Jesus said that those who minister are to be cared for. The disciples could expect food and shelter in return for their spiritual service. Who ministers to you? Make sure you take care of the pastors, missionaries, and teachers who serve God by serving you.
Paul shared the same spirit of the Lord's word with the believers in Galatia to remind them of their duties in the work of the Lord.
“Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.”
Paul instructs the church to support its teachers materially–with food, money, and whatever good things are appropriate. It is easy to receive the benefit of good Bible teaching and then to take our spiritual leaders for granted, ignoring their financial and physical needs. We should care for our teachers, not grudgingly or reluctantly, but with a generous spirit, showing honor and appreciation for all they have done.
1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NLT)
"Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
It is our spiritual duty to help provide financial and material support for those from whom we receive ministry and instruction (1Co 9:14). To refuse to give support if the means and opportunity are available, is to “sow” (i.e., plant) selfishness and “reap” (i.e., harvest) destruction. The Scripture says,
Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT)
“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.”
In Paul's time, many teachers charged fees for their instruction; many Greek teachers insisted that they and their students should share all things in common, and some groups of teachers and disciples lived communally. In Asia Minor (including Galatia), a fee was exacted from those entering temples. Here Paul urges the Galatian Christians to support their teachers who could provide sound teaching (unlike his opponents).
Paul also considered giving help to teachers as part of Christ's command to share each other's burdens.
Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
"Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
One important way to bear other believers’ burdens is to share in all good things, including financial support, with one who teaches God’s word. After all, teachers and preachers work hard in their ministry.
To give to those who serve in ministry of the Word is a part of doing good “to those who belong to the family of believers” (v. 10). If we are faithful in our support of ministry and in our opportunities to serve and do good to others for the sake of Christ, “at the proper time we will reap” (v. 9) both reward (Mt 10:41-42) and eternal life (v. 8). In this context it is an application of “carry one another’s burdens” (Gal 6:2)
Faithful church leaders should be supported and appreciated. Too often they are targets for criticism because the congregation has unrealistic expectations. How do you treat your church leaders? Do you enjoy finding fault, or do you show your appreciation? Do they receive enough financial support to allow them to live without worry and to provide for the needs of their families? Our ministers deserve to know that we are giving to them cheerfully, gratefully, and generously.
2 Corinthians 9:7-9 (NLT)
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
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Si Pastor Ronald Obidos ay ang Founder/Chairman ng Former Adventist Fellowship Philippines at siya ay isa sa mga aktibong member at ordained Pastor ng Complete in Jesus church.
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