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