NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-part 6

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 6
One other observation that we can make from the 19th chapter of Acts is to take notice of special miracles wrought by the SPIRIT of GOD through the Apostle Paul. We learn that many of the sick were healed and others delivered from demon possession by coming into contact with pieces of cloth which Paul had touched. The conduct of the apostles is quite in contrast with the modern day “miracle workers” who wouldn’t miss such an opportunity to extort money from the “believers”. Not only do these modern day prophets of Baal corrupt the gospel but they seek to turn a nice profit in the process by selling prayer cloths, bottles of water, vials of sand and who knows what else under the guise of imparting a blessing thereby. The only “miracles” wrought by these contemporary charlatans is being able to get sane people to give them money. Woe be to those who make such merchandise upon the backs of GOD’s people. Even some who teach relatively sound doctrine have adopted their ways and attach a price to their preaching and teaching in one way or another. It has become acceptable among most churches and “ministries” (so called) to sell their wares like the dime store. Neither Paul, nor any of the other Apostles ever sold anything or charged for something which had to do with the gospel or the manifestations of the gifts of the SPIRIT which were wrought in them.
With this very thought in mind we now take a look at what Paul said to the Ephesian elders as they came to Miletus to visit with him. (see Acts 20:17,18) His main counsel to them was to beware of the fact that false prophets would arise, even of their own number. Secondarily and perhaps related to this very tendency he reminded them that he had not coveted any man’s money nor did he serve among them at any time for money. He made special emphasis of the fact that he labored with his own hands not only to supply his own needs but also for those that were traveling with him.
It seems quite clear from his teaching throughout his epistles that he thought it was proper for those who are ministered to, (having a sense of the value of that which they have received), to be willing to pay those who labored in their midst to teach them sound doctrine. He even uses the Old Testament example of not muzzling the ox that treadeth out the corn in teaching that it is not improper for a man to expect that he should be compensated for his labor. (see I Cor.9:1-13; I Tim.5:17,18) I believe that the scripture clearly indicates that it is proper and incumbent upon the LORD’s people to see that those who thus bestow labor and blessing upon them, through diligent service and ministry, are taken care of in material blessings. It is a shameful thing for a people to receive the labors of a man’s life and despise it or count it a worthless thing by allowing those who bestow such labor to have any lack when it is within their power to supply it. “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? “ (1Cor. 9:11)
So there are two dynamics at work in the teaching of the apostle. When he is speaking to the elders he is admonishing them to provide for their own needs without demanding payment for their services in order that there be no hindrance to the gospel or at the very least instructing them that this is a wise course. In this fashion the critics will be silenced and those who would accuse them of serving for money would have no grounds upon which to build such an argument. On the other hand when he is speaking to those who are the recipients of the labor and diligence of those whom GOD has called to this work, then they must not expect that they are owed such service. To do so is to place a small value upon that which they have received. The spirit of the LORD’s people should be akin to that of David at the threshing floor of Araunah when he said, “Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” (II Sam. 24:24)
Those who have been called to this work should do it as unto the LORD demanding nothing in return. Yea even as Paul said woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel. Do those who are called to this work have any other choice? Those who are ministered to (on the other hand) should gladly be willing to pay for that which they have received as they would anything else that they place a value upon. It is odd that a person would be willing to pay someone to mow their grass or cut their hair; even tipping them beyond the actual cost of the service, yet feel no debt to those who have labored in their behalf to provide sustenance of a lasting kind. I believe that what men spend their money for is a good indicator of that which they value. That which a man places a high priority upon is that which he is always willing to pay for. To bless a man with material things who has provided one with benefit is not a gift unto the LORD rather it is a means of demonstrating the value one places on that which he has received. If nothing of value is received then nothing of value should be expended.
If we see the teaching of Paul as being correct then how should this be carried out? Should a “church” draw up a contract and pay a man a salary in order that he might “serve” them? There is nothing in the scripture to indicate that such an arrangement ever existed in the early church nor that it should in the present time. In the first place the “church” is not an “organization” or “club” which has the power to enter into such agreements or contracts. The church is an assembly of the saints, a gathering together of GOD’s people, so they have no scriptural grounds upon which to “organize” themselves beyond that which the HEAD has directed them to in HIS word, even if such arrangements are “convenient” and orderly. It seems that the way in which this should be done is that each member of the body should supply that which they are able to and according to the value which they have received. They should wait upon no one else to supply that which GOD directs them to provide or withhold as the case may be. It is not necessary that this money be cast into a common treasury but can be bestowed individually as one sees fit. To our own MASTER we stand or fall, we are kings and priests in the earth. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” (Rom 12:17)

(to be continued, DV) mam