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