NEW TESTAMENT GIVING--Part 19

NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 19

Because there were many false teachers which had arisen (even in those early days of the church), Paul found himself in a position wherein he felt compelled to remind these Corinthians (whom he had taught in the way of GOD) of his apostle-ship and rightful place as their “father” in the gospel. Men by nature are fickle at best and often easily swayed by those who come speaking with silver tongues. Paul made no boast of eloquence (see II Cor.10:10; 11:6) and sought to impress upon them that the worth of a man’s message was in its substance rather than its style. (v.3,4) His chief concern for them was that they be found walking in obedience to CHRIST and not that they were entertained or had their egos stroked. It is rare to find churches today whose main purpose is not in making folks feel good about themselves. Psychology and empty assurance has replaced the soul searing message of GOD’s truth. Man rather than CHRIST is at the center of their message.
He does not spare them (the Corinthians) in pointing out that they were lacking in a due consideration of the worth of his ministry among them. He plainly and gladly preached and ministered among them, never making any demands for payment for his services. As we have pointed out before, he felt it necessary to labor with his own hands so that no man might be able to accuse him of preaching for money. It is a testimony to the shallowness of men by nature that they would have a tendency to devalue the worth of his ministry on that account. I have often witnessed this same phenomenon in the present time. TV preachers and so called traveling evangelists, by the score, are not ashamed at all to beg and cajole money from professing believers and amazingly many will gladly open their coffers and bestow wealth upon these charlatans and imposters while neglecting the needs of those whose main concern is their spiritual well being.
Paul points out that because he did not “require” of them that he be paid, it was still incumbent upon them to give due consideration for the service which he had rendered unto them. He even points out the fact that others (Macedonians) to whom he had ministered were forthcoming to supply such things as he was lacking because of his ministry among them even though he was presently engaged in such service to the Corinthians. (see II Cor.11:7-9) Those who are ministered to by those sent from the LORD’s hand should give due consideration to those who watch for their souls (see Heb.13:17). Even in this admonition Paul’s purpose was not to enrich himself but to benefit the Corinthians in stirring them up to receive the blessings which are incumbent in a giving spirit.
“To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” (2Cor 10:16-18)



(to be continued, DV) mam