Why is it important to provide for those who "preach the gospel"? Setting the Scene in Corinth “Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar?” (1 Corinthians 9:13) Paul reminds the church of a simple, God-given principle: those devoted to sacred service are meant to live from the offerings connected to that service. God’s Established Pattern in the Old Testament • Numbers 18:8-24 – The Levites received tithes so they could dedicate themselves fully to the tabernacle. • Deuteronomy 18:1-5 – “The priests… shall eat the offerings made by fire to the LORD, for that is their inheritance.” • This provision wasn’t charity; it was God’s appointed system to keep worship vibrant and uninterrupted. New Testament Continuation • 1 Corinthians 9:14 – “So also, the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” • Galatians 6:6 – “The one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” • 1 Timothy 5:17-18 – Elders who labor in preaching are “worthy of double honor… ‘The worker is worthy of his wages.’” Why Our Support Matters Today • Enables undivided devotion – Ministers can focus on prayer, study, and shepherding rather than scrambling for income (Acts 6:4). • Protects doctrinal purity – Dependence on God’s provision through the church, not secular patrons, keeps teaching free from compromise (2 Peter 2:1-3). • Models gratitude – Those fed spiritually respond materially, mirroring the temple pattern Paul cites (Romans 15:27). • Extends the gospel – Resources sent with missionaries multiply evangelistic reach (Philippians 4:15-17). • Honors Christ’s command – We obey the Lord’s “ordained” order (1 Corinthians 9:14). Consequences of Neglecting This Principle • Ministry fatigue and distraction (Nehemiah 13:10-11). • Stunted church growth and biblical illiteracy (Hosea 4:6). • Withholding invites loss of blessing (Malachi 3:8-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6). Joyful Partnership, Not Mere Obligation Paul tells the Philippians their gifts were “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Supporting gospel workers is worship—an investment in eternity that bears fruit in salvations, discipleship, and our own spiritual joy. Living It Out • Plan regular, proportional giving (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Prioritize local church pastors, then missionaries and gospel causes (Acts 1:8). • Encourage with notes, meals, and practical help alongside financial support (2 Timothy 1:16-18). God’s timeless pattern is clear: when His people faithfully provide, His messengers freely proclaim, and the gospel advances with power. |
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