Providing for God’s Shepherds, Farmers & Warriors - Stewardship Series
Providing for God’s Shepherds, Farmers & Warriors
“Who goes to war at any time at his own charges? Who plants a vineyard, and does not eat of the fruit thereof? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn’t eat the milk of the flock? Do I say this as a man? Does not the Law say the same thing also? For it is written in the Law of Moses, You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Doth God take care of the oxen?… If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (1 Co 9:7-11)
In 1st Corinthian’s chapter nine Paul penned his most profound piece about the personal needs of Christian ministers. Not touching this subject for about two years Paul finally speaks to the Corinthian’s bluntly and in bold terms. Paul articulated something every Christian should read mindfully, including ministers.
Paul speaks of supporting ministers with the purest intentions. In verses 12 he wrote; “nevertheless we (He and Barnabas) have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.” Then in verse 15 Paul added; “But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be done UNTO ME: for it is better for me to die than any man should make my glorying void… Yea, wow is unto me if I preach not the gospel.”
There are many ministers who lose heart because they are not content with their provisions. To those, “abundant life” means a life of ease and luxury. On the other hand, some ministers misinterpret seasons of lack as a sign that God is not with them and come to think God’s will in our Great Commission isn’t preaching and teaching.
Paul’s exhortation is geared to motivate every believer to respect those called and to lend support to their spiritual task. However, it also serves to strengthen the resolve of those called to stay with their ministry regardless of their circumstances.
If a season of lack is any sign at all to a minister it is that Satan is effective (but only (temporarily) in deceiving Christians from exercising their faith in life’s great scheme of action – sowing and reaping. “He that observes the wind shall not sow; and he that regards the clouds shall not reap.” (Ecc 11:4)
Every Christian should extend support to ministers. In the same way, each minister should understand they serve like parents who are ready to “spend and be spent” (2 Cor
The church needs to understand the righteousness behind supporting ministers of Christ. Seasoned through the “things they suffer” prepares them to effectively build up the Body of Christ spiritually. It is a holy duty.
“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (1Co
Supporting those who preach the gospel is a holy duty too. God ordained it. It is an act of righteousness. “Righteousness exalts a nation.” (Pro
God’s word gives us a sound answer.
Paul explained the minister with four illustrations. They are like warriors, like farmers, like a shepherd and the greatest servants (apostles) are like oxen (beasts of burdens). In all these the participant is cared for and expects to be.
In this Paul weighs heavy upon the Law of Moses to support his point. Yes, Paul was vocal in identifying the hindrance of the Law regarding salvation by grace, but he also understood that the Law was “Holy and just and good”. (Rom
“Are these the words of a mere man? Doesn’t also the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses, You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Doesn’t God take care of the oxen too? Does God say this altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.” (1Co 9:8-10)
Farmers plow their fields in hope of a harvest. So must the five-fold ministries “plough” and plant spiritual paths expecting provisions. Initially, the labor seems nonproductive, but later the fields will produce, for others and for their needs too.
Paul used the illustration of the ox in another epistle. Writing to Timothy Paul said; “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Do not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn, the laborer is worthy of his reward.” (1Ti
The saints need oxen to tread out God’s Word and doctrines. It is a necessity for spiritual growth and the renewing of ones mind to the things of God. The Word is also necessary to distinguish between the voices of the spirit realm. (1
So, Jesus ordained that His ministers be supported in a similar pattern of the OT system. Christian ministers are to focus on their duties regardless of their circumstances. Their work is a holy service. They should “plough in hope” but always keep plowing. That means they should serve with expectancy but never become “hirelings”. They are rightful “partakers” of the sacrificial offering for the “temple” and the “alter” of God.
Jesus laid the foundation of this truth. (Luke 10:7) Paul was simply passing down a truth not creating it. John heard Jesus say; “he that reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit unto life eternal: so both he that sows and he that reaps rejoice together.” (John 4:36)
Meat of the Word Ministries
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