NEW TESTAMENT GIVING- Part 15

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 15

Paul’s description of his attitude in the service to which he is called is very telling. Those whom GOD has sent with the calling to be teachers and preachers in the church are to give themselves unto that calling without regard to gain or loss. They are to have no notion of their own benefit in this service but rather their concern is to be for the benefit of those to whom they are called to serve. “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.’ (2Cor 6:10)
These men are not set apart as some separate class of individuals such as in the mindset which makes a distinction between the “laity” and the “clergy”. Such distinctions cannot be found in the scripture. These men possess no sacerdotal powers nor are they given privileges before the throne of GOD which other believers do not possess. Neither can the church “confer” such powers or privilege upon them. Peter says of all believers, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1Pe 2:9) Yet the LORD has given some men particular gifts and callings which are not shared by all of the saints. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” (Eph 4:11) They are servants by word and example unto the flock over which the LORD hath made them overseers.
Those to whom this calling is given are not at liberty to pick and choose when and where they will perform this calling. Neither can they choose whether or not they will perform this calling. This is not a “career path”. As Paul said, “Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! “ (1Cor 9:16) Though Paul made tents to supply his physical needs he knew that his calling was not tentmaking. He made tents in order to be able to preach freely, preaching was not a sideline occupation nor a hobby, it was the very purpose for which he was put upon the earth. He pursued it without regard to his own interests, being primarily concerned for the good of those to whom he was called to serve. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
It has pleased to LORD often to allow those, (whom HE has called), to labor in relative obscurity and often without due honor among men in order that it be illustrated that the kingdom of GOD cometh not with observation. The design of the gospel ministry is not to set an example of earthly wealth and recognition among men, nor to show it to be an “honorable profession” but to demonstrate that it is to the poor and needy that the kingdom is given. Yet at the same time we can say that it is a shameful thing for those who have received benefits, at the hand of those who are thus sent, to neglect their well-being. (see Luke 22:22)
GOD alone shall have all glory, both in the prosperity of those HE calls and in their lack. HE has ordained such for their benefit and the benefit of those to whom they minister. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. “ (Phil 4:11-13)

(to be continued, DV) mam