FRIDAY February 23, 2018
Provide Necessary Provisions
Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? - 1 Corinthians 9:6-7
Paul brought up another great point to the Corinthians. Was it not right for Barnabas and himself to receive support like other ministers of the Gospel? If somebody wanted to support them, was it all right? Of course! They had the right to accept support, but they did not take from anyone, even though they could, because the Lord was providing for them.
Paul, to help the Corinthians understand, gave them an example of a person going to war; his expenses would be totally covered. What is the first thing the government does when a person enlists to go to war? Everything is given to them for free: the helmet, flack-gear, boots, pants and even their underwear! They are not charged for anything. The government also gives them a salary––of course––they are going to war!
Notice how Paul brings up other different practical examples to show how someone in ministry can be supported. Just as a vinedresser plants a vineyard and eats freely of its fruit, or how a shepherd is able to drink milk from his flock, so those who are really and truly called into ministry should be supported. The Church has the responsibility to support the minister so he can do the work of the ministry without asking for anything; his needs are met.
For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
~1 Timothy 5:18~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
