Spirit-Filled Support of the Pastor

The second area to which Paul seeks to apply the life of the Spirit in a practical way is the use of money; indeed, few things more clearly disclose the priorities of the heart than this. Three uses of money are mentioned:

(1) the support of the teacher in a Christian congregation,
(2) the use of money to build up the life of the Spirit rather than to feed the flesh, and
(3) the spending of money to help others, particularly Christians. [1]

So today we look at the first principle: “Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” (Galatians 6:6, NIV).  "Here he preacheth to the disciples or hearers of the Word, commanding them to bestow all good things upon those which have taught and instructed them in the Word." [2]  Luther comments that when the Gospel witness by the pastor is starting to take hold, Satan will do what he can to extinguish that flame.   "And this he attempteth two manner of ways: first, by lying spirits and force of tyrants; and then by poverty and famine." [2]

The sharing of "all good things" need not be relegated to money and salary alone.  "In all material and spiritual things (cf. 1 Cor 9:10–11). The Christian community was expected to support these gifted teachers."  [3]  This can mean with "food, money, and whatever good things are appropriate." [4]  In fact as Paul said, "“Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?” (1 Corinthians 9:4–5, NIV).  In other words the well-being of the pastor and his family is in view here.

This is not new teaching from the Apostle.  Indeed he takes pains in 1 Corinthians to deal with similar matters.  “If we (saith he to the Corinthians) have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap you wordly things?” (1 Cor. ix. 11)." [2]

The principle that ties this and the other points together is found in the proverb: reaping is in proportion to sowing. Thus, a man will get out of his effort what he puts into it. [1]

Father, the very mention of money, in these days, reproduces a category in us that is far from spiritual -- far from a matter of godliness.  The Apostle Paul wrecks that idea over and over again. Indeed Your Son and my Savior made the value of money an indicator of the treasure of my heart. The irony is that a generous congregation reaps the benefit in so many other ways.  Father I thank You this morning for a church that supports me well financially and in many other ways.  May it come back to them pressed down and overflowing.  But Father I pray for specific friends of mine who are laboring for the Gospel in place that are self-centered and stingy.  May the Gospel-grace of Spirit-filled giving flood their churches and overflow into their lives.  May it occur in a way that Jesus is lifted high in honor and praise; and the Church receives untold blessings of mercy.  Amen and amen!

 

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1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Galatians/Exposition of Galatians/III. The Call to Godly Living (5:1-6:10)/D. Two Practical Exhortations (6:1-10)/2. The use of money (6:6-10), Book Version: 4.0.2
2. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:6). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2400). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
4. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2255). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.