NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 25
Servitude is considered by the natural man as being far beneath the dignity of any respectable human being. Yet the LORD JESUS said, “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45) HE not only taught by words but by HIS example that the greatest in HIS kingdom are those who give of themselves to others.
With this thought in mind we look at Paul’s instruction in I Timothy 6 to those who find themselves in a place of servitude (perhaps not even by their choice). “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” (1Tim.6:1)
Since modern bankruptcy laws have taken away the stigma and risk of being put into servitude because of financial obligations the major avenue where the concept of this sort of “servitude” is now illustrated is in the place of employment. Those who are followers of JESUS CHRIST should be the best employees on earth, for they should do everything in their power to bring honor and profit to their employers and should gladly go about their tasks with a cheerful disposition. If Paul’s instruction is such to those who were pressed into service against their choice how much more ought those who have gladly gone to work for someone for a certain amount of money, to do the same. I believe that if a person finds themselves in a place of employment where they feel they cannot perform those tasks they are being paid to do with utmost diligence and respect for their employers then they should seek employment elsewhere. Otherwise they are sure to bring reproach to the gospel by engaging in “water cooler” discussions of bad working conditions and other disparaging comments and ultimately by poor work habits brought on by their disgruntled mindset.
This is most especially true when their employers themselves are believers, (see v.2). Sometimes those who work for fellow believers think that they should be treated differently and given special privileges than other employees. I have seen some seek to take advantage of their relationship as believers, by taking liberties at their employer’s expense. This is no less than thievery and should not so much as be named among those professing faith. Even greater diligence and effort is due those whom we profess to be brethren with.
Those who deny this principle show themselves to be destitute of truth and captured by their own greed thinking that they can find happiness at the expense of others or that they can be content by having greater amounts of this world’s goods. (see v.3-5)
True contentment is not found nor enhanced by a man’s possessions. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”(1Tim. 6:6) Those who are truly the followers of CHRIST are those whose delight is in following the paths of righteousness that HE has defined regardless of one’s station or circumstances. Paul’s statement, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1Tim 6:8); seems like a foreign concept in this materialistic society in which we live. Not just the world but many who profess to be followers of CHRIST would scoff at such an idea, if propounded openly today. Most so called believers in our day think it is their GOD given right to enjoy a trouble free and comfortable lifestyle. Their thoughts about what they can do to help one another begins only after they have insured their own comforts. May the LORD give us grace to be as the apostle exhorts us to be and deliver us from the spirit of those whose god is their appetite.
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) “(Phil 3:18-19)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-Part 24
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 24
Paul’s description (in I Tim.3:1-7) of the qualifications that should be evident in those who would be elders (or bishops), is set forth not just to identify them. The elders are to be “examples to the flock,” (see I Pet.5:3) so it only follows that these qualifications set forth the desired behavior that should be present to some degree in all of GOD’s children. (see Eph.4:7)
He says that they must be “given to hospitality”, or literally those who love guests. There is no truer demonstration of love and esteem for brethren in the LORD than when we open our homes to them and share with them the very substance of our livelihood. This is a virtue that is fast being lost in our society in general and sadly even among those who profess faith. The tendency of the flesh is to be selfish and to desire not to be bothered with providing lodging and meals for those who visit. This is one of the qualifications for the “widows” that he speaks of in chap. 5 saying ,”if she have lodged strangers”. In times past women thought it a great honor to provide for others, often laboring intensely to provide meals and other comforts for the brethren. This was plainly demonstrated in the effort put forth when times for shared meals came about. Many in our society think that buying a bucket of chicken equates with this personal involvement but it is only demonstrative of the shallowness of our desire to help one another. Finding a motel for someone is not quite the same as “lodging strangers”, though it is more “convenient”.
Then he says they are not to be “greedy of filthy lucre” nor “covetous”. (see v.3) Simply put they should not serve the flock of GOD with money on their mind. Nor should they desire to have what the LORD has blessed the flock with. The man who gauges his service to the people of GOD by a certain salary or contracted amount is in some measure greedy of it. Those called by GOD are to serve HIM and HIS people because they cannot escape it, (see I Cor.9:16) they are not hirelings. Covetousness ought never to be named among any of GOD’s children let alone those who would be examples to the flock. The deacons are so described in the same fashion.
Next Paul describes the churches’ care of widows.(chap.5) This is not quite the same problem in our day as it was in his, but still the principles of giving aid to those in need are the same. It is only proper that believers should take care of their parents (and relatives) if the need should arise. It should never happen among those who call themselves followers of CHRIST that their parents should ever be indigent when it is within the children’s power to provide for them. (see 5:4,8) Those who are helped by the church should be spiritually minded individuals and not just nominal believers. There should be a pattern and demonstration of good works which show their status as true believers and not just freeloaders looking for a handout.(5:5-7,10) Those younger widows are refused in part because they are able to provide for themselves.
In verses 17 and 18 he sets forth the inescapable conclusion that any workman is worthy of his hire, and those who render service to the children of GOD of a spiritual nature by feeding them the pure truth of GOD’s word ought to have their services valued at an even higher rate. What value can one put on being fed by a faithful, and diligent messenger from GOD.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! “(Isa 52:7)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Paul’s description (in I Tim.3:1-7) of the qualifications that should be evident in those who would be elders (or bishops), is set forth not just to identify them. The elders are to be “examples to the flock,” (see I Pet.5:3) so it only follows that these qualifications set forth the desired behavior that should be present to some degree in all of GOD’s children. (see Eph.4:7)
He says that they must be “given to hospitality”, or literally those who love guests. There is no truer demonstration of love and esteem for brethren in the LORD than when we open our homes to them and share with them the very substance of our livelihood. This is a virtue that is fast being lost in our society in general and sadly even among those who profess faith. The tendency of the flesh is to be selfish and to desire not to be bothered with providing lodging and meals for those who visit. This is one of the qualifications for the “widows” that he speaks of in chap. 5 saying ,”if she have lodged strangers”. In times past women thought it a great honor to provide for others, often laboring intensely to provide meals and other comforts for the brethren. This was plainly demonstrated in the effort put forth when times for shared meals came about. Many in our society think that buying a bucket of chicken equates with this personal involvement but it is only demonstrative of the shallowness of our desire to help one another. Finding a motel for someone is not quite the same as “lodging strangers”, though it is more “convenient”.
Then he says they are not to be “greedy of filthy lucre” nor “covetous”. (see v.3) Simply put they should not serve the flock of GOD with money on their mind. Nor should they desire to have what the LORD has blessed the flock with. The man who gauges his service to the people of GOD by a certain salary or contracted amount is in some measure greedy of it. Those called by GOD are to serve HIM and HIS people because they cannot escape it, (see I Cor.9:16) they are not hirelings. Covetousness ought never to be named among any of GOD’s children let alone those who would be examples to the flock. The deacons are so described in the same fashion.
Next Paul describes the churches’ care of widows.(chap.5) This is not quite the same problem in our day as it was in his, but still the principles of giving aid to those in need are the same. It is only proper that believers should take care of their parents (and relatives) if the need should arise. It should never happen among those who call themselves followers of CHRIST that their parents should ever be indigent when it is within the children’s power to provide for them. (see 5:4,8) Those who are helped by the church should be spiritually minded individuals and not just nominal believers. There should be a pattern and demonstration of good works which show their status as true believers and not just freeloaders looking for a handout.(5:5-7,10) Those younger widows are refused in part because they are able to provide for themselves.
In verses 17 and 18 he sets forth the inescapable conclusion that any workman is worthy of his hire, and those who render service to the children of GOD of a spiritual nature by feeding them the pure truth of GOD’s word ought to have their services valued at an even higher rate. What value can one put on being fed by a faithful, and diligent messenger from GOD.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! “(Isa 52:7)
(to be continued, DV) mam
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING-Part 23
NEW TESTAMENT GIVING – Part 23
In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul once again gives instruction on that which the servant should give to the master and that which the master should give to the servant. (see Col.3:22-4:1) He instructs the servants to serve their masters (employers) diligently without murmuring knowing that they shall inherit those riches which are bestowed on the sons of GOD. The masters are to give to their servants ( employees) everything that is due them, defrauding them not in any way, perhaps even rewarding them above and beyond their worth, because that is exactly what those who are the servants of the KING have received. Those who are the sons of GOD ought to demonstrate a selfless spirit anytime someone bestows a service to them. For instance if they are in a restaurant they should tip the waitress just as they would wish to be tipped if they were providing the service rather than receiving it. “Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” (Col 4:1) Freely ye have received freely give. “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
Paul commends the Thessalonian’s for the good example they had set for other believers (see I Thess.1:7) and reminds them that he had labored among them without any sort of charge for his services.(chap 2:9,10). Just as he had told the Corinthians, so that no man could blame him unjustly for serving them for filthy lucre and thereby bring a reproach to the gospel.
He admonishes them to be industrious and honest in their work so that no one would have reason to accuse them of laziness and not providing for their own needs. (chap.4:11,12) He exhorts them to be mindful of those who labor among them for their spiritual benefit and to esteem them in all ways for the labor of love which they bestow on them. (chap.5:12,13) He goes on to say that they should also consider the needs of those who are unable to minister to their own needs such as the feebleminded and the weak (v.14) and to be ready to give of the fruits of their own labor to help them expecting nothing in return. He seems to give them a good report on these matters in his next epistle. (see II Thes. 1:3)
In the last chapter of II Thessalonians Paul sets down one of the sternest of admonitions concerning freeloading. Since their love was abounding and demonstrated in their providing for those who were unable to help themselves, evidently there were some who were taking advantage of this. Paul gives his own self and labor as an example of not expecting a handout. (v.8,9) and says that if a man would not work then he should not eat. (v.10) So he plainly rebukes the freeloaders and demands that they provide for themselves. (v.11,12) Men cannot wait for others to help them, especially when they are able bodied. It is a reproach to the gospel and a shame for a man calling himself a Christian to be non-productive and lazy. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1Cor 10:31)
(to be continued, DV) mam
In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul once again gives instruction on that which the servant should give to the master and that which the master should give to the servant. (see Col.3:22-4:1) He instructs the servants to serve their masters (employers) diligently without murmuring knowing that they shall inherit those riches which are bestowed on the sons of GOD. The masters are to give to their servants ( employees) everything that is due them, defrauding them not in any way, perhaps even rewarding them above and beyond their worth, because that is exactly what those who are the servants of the KING have received. Those who are the sons of GOD ought to demonstrate a selfless spirit anytime someone bestows a service to them. For instance if they are in a restaurant they should tip the waitress just as they would wish to be tipped if they were providing the service rather than receiving it. “Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” (Col 4:1) Freely ye have received freely give. “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
Paul commends the Thessalonian’s for the good example they had set for other believers (see I Thess.1:7) and reminds them that he had labored among them without any sort of charge for his services.(chap 2:9,10). Just as he had told the Corinthians, so that no man could blame him unjustly for serving them for filthy lucre and thereby bring a reproach to the gospel.
He admonishes them to be industrious and honest in their work so that no one would have reason to accuse them of laziness and not providing for their own needs. (chap.4:11,12) He exhorts them to be mindful of those who labor among them for their spiritual benefit and to esteem them in all ways for the labor of love which they bestow on them. (chap.5:12,13) He goes on to say that they should also consider the needs of those who are unable to minister to their own needs such as the feebleminded and the weak (v.14) and to be ready to give of the fruits of their own labor to help them expecting nothing in return. He seems to give them a good report on these matters in his next epistle. (see II Thes. 1:3)
In the last chapter of II Thessalonians Paul sets down one of the sternest of admonitions concerning freeloading. Since their love was abounding and demonstrated in their providing for those who were unable to help themselves, evidently there were some who were taking advantage of this. Paul gives his own self and labor as an example of not expecting a handout. (v.8,9) and says that if a man would not work then he should not eat. (v.10) So he plainly rebukes the freeloaders and demands that they provide for themselves. (v.11,12) Men cannot wait for others to help them, especially when they are able bodied. It is a reproach to the gospel and a shame for a man calling himself a Christian to be non-productive and lazy. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1Cor 10:31)
(to be continued, DV) mam
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