How can we "share in all good things" with our teachers today? Setting the Context • Galatians 6:6: “Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” • In Paul’s day, believers supplied food, lodging, and financial help so their teachers could focus on the Word; the principle carries straight into our own generation. What “All Good Things” Means • Tangible provisions: food, finances, resources (1 Corinthians 9:14). • Intangible blessings: encouragement, respect, loyalty, time (Hebrews 13:7; Philippians 4:17). • Spiritual fruit: evidence of growth and obedience that reassures teachers their labor is not in vain (3 John 4). Practical Ways to Share Today 1. Financial Support – Regular giving to the church budget that covers salaries, benefits, and ministry expenses. – Special offerings, conference fees, or gift cards that remove monetary stress. 2. Hospitality – Invite teachers and their families for a meal, provide lodging during travel, or stock their pantry. 3. Words of Encouragement – Hand-written notes, texts, or public affirmations that point out specific ways their teaching has helped you. 4. Volunteer Assistance – Offer administrative help, tech support, childcare during classes, or setup/cleanup before and after gatherings. 5. Professional Skills – Legal advice, medical care, carpentry, graphic design—whatever “good thing” God has placed in your hand (1 Peter 4:10). 6. Prayer Coverage – Faithfully intercede for protection, wisdom, and endurance (Ephesians 6:19). Though invisible, this is a “good thing” of incalculable worth. 7. Respectful Obedience – Apply the teaching you receive; nothing blesses an instructor more than seeing truth lived out (Hebrews 13:17). Why Sharing Matters • Obedience to explicit command (Galatians 6:6). • Honors the God-ordained role of teacher (1 Timothy 5:17-18). • Advances the gospel by freeing teachers from worldly distraction (Acts 18:5). • Cultivates gratitude in the giver and joy in the receiver (Philippians 4:10–19). • Models Christlike generosity for the watching world (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). Checkpoints for the Heart • Give willingly, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Aim for excellence; “double honor” means more than the bare minimum (1 Timothy 5:17). • Keep motives pure—sharing to serve, not to control (3 John 9-10). • Trust God’s promise of harvest: “The one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:8). Living It Out This Week • Identify one “good thing” you can share immediately—whether a note, a meal, or a financial gift. • Schedule a recurring act of support (monthly transfer, weekly prayer slot, quarterly hospitality). • Invite others in your circle to join you, multiplying encouragement for those who teach the Word. |
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