Why is it important to support those who teach God's Word? The Foundational Verse “However, let the one who receives instruction in the word share all good things with his instructor.” (Galatians 6:6) God’s Design for Mutual Blessing • The Spirit, through Paul, establishes a two-way flow: teachers pour out truth; hearers pour back tangible support. • This pattern honors God’s order, protects teachers from unnecessary distraction, and allows the church to focus on spiritual growth. • Scripture presents the directive as a present obligation (“must share”), not a mere suggestion. Why Monetary and Practical Support Is Biblical • 1 Corinthians 9:14: “In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” • 1 Timothy 5:17-18: Teachers are “worthy of double honor… the worker is worthy of his wages.” The word “honor” (timē) includes remuneration. • Luke 10:7: Jesus Himself ties wage and ministry together—“the worker is worthy of his wages.” • Old-Covenant precedent: Levites lived on offerings (Numbers 18:8-24), showing God’s consistent concern for those set apart to minister. The Spiritual Law of Sowing and Reaping • Galatians 6 continues: “Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” Investing in solid teaching plants seed into eternal soil. • Philippians 4:14-19 illustrates the harvest: – The Philippians supplied Paul’s needs. – Their gifts became “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice.” – God promised to “supply all your needs according to His glorious riches.” • Giving to teachers positions believers under God’s cycle of provision and joy. Examples from the Early Church • Luke 8:1-3: Women such as Joanna and Susanna “were helping to support” Jesus and the Twelve “out of their own means.” • Acts 4:34-37: Believers sold property so no need remained among the ministry team. • 2 Chronicles 31:4-10 (OT but instructive): When the people resumed tithing to Levi, “heaps” of provision overflowed and the whole nation prospered. Blessings Released to the Giver • Spiritual growth—sound teachers remain focused on study and prayer (Acts 6:4), resulting in richer nourishment for the flock. • Kingdom expansion—freed ministers travel, plant churches, translate Scripture, and disciple new believers. • Personal participation—supporters share in every fruit harvested through the teacher’s ministry (Philippians 4:17). • Witness to the world—generous care for gospel workers testifies that Christ, not money, is the believers’ treasure. Putting It Into Practice • Evaluate local and global teachers faithfully handling Scripture. • Share “all good things”—finances, meals, tools, time, labor, encouragement. • Give systematically (1 Corinthians 16:2) and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), trusting God to multiply both seed and harvest. |
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