NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 12

Paul gets very personal in the ninth chapter of first Corinthians and sets forth probably the clearest exhortation in all of the scriptures concerning the value of the ministry of the word. Paul was always in some measure the Rodney Dangerfield of the apostles. He constantly had to remind some of his absentminded disciples that it was he, an apostle, who was used by the LORD to bring the gospel to them. By his own admission he was not a great orator and did not seek to curry favor with those under his ministry. He preferred truth to popularity. Many of those who claim to be preachers of the word in our day would do well to follow his example. He could never be accused of scratching itching ears.
One of the reasons that he was forced to continually remind his disciples in various locations of his apostleship is that there was no lack of those (who came along when he was away), seeking to build a following of their own by using his foundation and perhaps calling his “credentials” as an apostle into question. Sadly there are many, today, who are involved in “ministries” of one type or other who do basically the same thing, and in many cases for the same reason that many did in those days, which was for money. (see Tit. 1:11)
It is difficult for a preacher to deal with the subject which he does here without coming across as desirous of other men’s riches. Had he not set the example which he did of making it a practice to provide for his own needs (see v. 12) it would have been even more difficult if not impossible. This difficulty seems to have vanished in great measure today as the vast majority of Christendom has opted to make preaching the word more of a profession than a calling. Many “preachers” receive a salary and benefits just like they would in any secular job. Numbers of so called ministers shamelessly ply their hearers for “love offerings” and “seed gifts”. Most feel it is their right and privilege to live in relative ease and many define that as outright extravagance. I believe Paul would be appalled at this state of affairs should he be able to visit the present day.
Evidently there were many among these Corinthians who placed a very small value on the ministry of the word such as Paul provided. He reminds them that any man who labors for another man’s benefit is worthy of being paid for that service. No one should expect that they are entitled to receive benefits and blessings from another’s efforts and labor and not be expected to reward those labors. He sets forth the fact that a man who expends such effort for their benefit (especially when they willingly and gladly receive it) has a right to expect that those ministered to should place as high a value upon his labors as those who minister are willing to impart of themselves.
It is shameful when men do not value the blessings which others bestow upon them in material things, how much more when those blessings are spiritual in nature. Paul says “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (1Cor. 9:11) How could someone claim to value spiritual blessings and yet withhold such blessings as they are able to bestow (of a material nature), in appreciation for those who ministered these things to them? It must never be that those who have given of their lives to feed the flock of GOD with spiritual food, should ever be in want of their material needs because of a lack of due diligence on the part of those who have received the fruit of their labors.
Paul says, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1Cor. 9:14) Now we need to notice that he is addressing himself to those who are receiving the blessings of preaching and not to those who are called to the ministry of preaching. Many gospel preachers have used this passage of scripture as though it is setting forth a mandate for them to eschew providing for their own needs while shifting the total maintenance of their material needs to the backs of those they minister to. Paul rather abruptly puts any such notion to rest by setting the example for those that follow in the calling to which he was called. (see Acts 20:33-35) He said, “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.” (1Cor. 9:15)
Those whom GOD calls to this ministry should pay close heed to Paul’s reasoning and realize that he is not advocating a “professional” arrangement or contract for services rendered. The enemies of the gospel are always seeking something which they can use to tear down the preaching of it. If they cannot assail the message of it they will assail the motivation and character of those whom GOD has called to proclaim it. So the elders are to be blameless, that is: not to be those who put themselves in situations which lend themselves to criticism. Let it be said that Paul is not here saying that he has refused all of the gifts that some have offered (see II Tim.1:18; II Cor.11:9; Phil.4:14-16) only that he would not make a charge for his services nor would he be put in a position of being dependent on them. He makes a point to confirm that he has labored to provide things for himself and those who ministered with him.
In practical terms I believe the scripture teaches that those whom GOD calls to preach the gospel should consider the provision for their needs to be their own responsibility. They should labor just as others do to provide things honest in the sight of all men. The difference between their own labors and those of others is that their first responsibility is unto the ministry to which they are called and sent, they must not sacrifice that ministry to which they are called for any job or career. That calling must always be the priority of their lives. As Paul said to Timothy, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2Tim 2:4) There are of necessity some sacrifices that are made in the lives of those whom Paul says “endure hardness” and as he testified, “for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil 4:11)
In the same practical terms, those who are ministered to by these men who are sent by GOD, should consider the value of their ministry and be willing to bestow material goods and money to them, not simply according to their need, but according to the quantity of blessing which each one receives from that ministry and according to the amount of labor one might bestow. (see I Tim.5:17) Do all of these things as unto the LORD and for HIS glory. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2Cor 9:7)


(to be continued, DV) mam