Compensation for Ministers? [podcast]

Warfare Wages

The Joy of Kingdom Giving

Giving and Lordship

What Does the Bible Say about the Compensation of Christ’s True Ministers? Is this topic addressed in God’s Word? If so, what does it say?

Compensation for true ministers is the stated ordained will of God (1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)… problem is not pay but rather the hirelings who are getting paid…. to mislead!

QUESTION:

“Can a pastor own a home?”

REPLY:

Christ’s apostle Paul taught that men who labor in the Word and doctrine are worthy of double honor which in our economy right now is about $88k yearly. Double honor means double the average workers pay. 1 Timothy 5:17-18

If double honor bothers you, please consider:

1. You are not in control and do not make up the rules. God does.
2. Do you think that in God’s infinite wisdom, He doesn’t want His servants having to worry about paying their bills each month? Do you think He wants them to know they are being well provided for so they don’t have to worry or leave the work but can rather be singly focused on that most important work?

By the way: You do no one a bigger favor than yourself when you obey God and give to further His bless-ed kingdom (Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

Jesus taught to “Give” as did His apostle Paul – Mt 6:19-21; Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-11 etc… not a coerced tithe but giving out of what He gives us – Prov 3:9-10; 1 Chron 29:14, etc.

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” – 1 Timothy 5:17-18 

“Double honour” is to be given to divinely called-out elders “especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

“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? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” – 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 KJV

“Double Honour”

“And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.” Luke 10:7

What does the Bible tell us concerning those who minister the Gospel?

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour (sufficient of generous financial reward), especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:17-18

“Double honour” specifically means twice the average pay of the present economy. In general that means that God wants those He calls out into ministry to be well taken care of. And, that’s the responsibility of those who are fed by that ministry.

“Elders (5:17-25)  5:17  The rest of this chapter deals with elders. First of all, Paul lays down the rule that elders who rule well should be counted worthy of double honor. Rule might be translated ‘take the lead.’ It is not a question of control, but of example, such elders are worthy of double honor. Honor might mean respect, but it also includes the idea of financial reimbursement (Matt. 15:6). Double honor includes both ideas. First of all, he is worthy of respect from God’s people because of his work, but also, if his time is devoted to this work fully, he is also worthy of financial help. Those who labor in the word and doctrine are probably the ones who spend so much time in preaching and teaching that they are not able to carry on regular employment.

5:18  Two scriptures are introduced here to prove the statement that the elder is worthy of recompense. The first is Deuteronomy 25:4, and the second is taken from Luke 10:7. … These scriptures teach that an ox which is used in the harvesting process should not be deprived of a share of the grain. Also, a laborer is entitled to a portion of the fruit of his labor. So it is with elders. In spite of the fact that their work not be be physical, yet they are worthy of the support of God’s people.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, pgs. 2096-297

Let’s address a very important, core issue: Do you believe that you are worthy of the money you are paid to do the work you do for a living? Do you believe in your heart, that those who do the work of the ministry are worthy to receive financial blessings from doing this all-important work? If you don’t, may I suggest that there may be a poverty curse on your life that needs to be broken (Dt. 26,28). At the very least, there could be a lack of what the LORD has stated about this.

Many of the servants of the LORD are suffering at the hands of those who have the opportunity to give to the work of the ministry and haven’t. Beloved, let’s turn things around for those who bring us the Word and do the most important work in the earth.

When we truly begin to aggrandize divine truth, we will then begin supporting only those who truly preach all of it (full-counsel) fearlessly and cease from funding the ministries of false prophets who allow most of their ministry revenues to be absorbed on things other than that which is at the core of importance in the divine economy, like the true building up of the saints – getting them into the Word for themselves, and winning lost souls.

Concerning the work and workers of God’s kingdom, the Bible instructs us in Ezra 6:8 – “forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.” – that is, that God’s Gospel laborers be not hindered in carrying out His work.

The reason all of God’s people are to give to His authentic work is “that they (Christ’s workers) be not hindered.” (Ezra 6:8)

When we become generous, cheerful givers, the LORD is going to be able to entrust us with greater riches. Until we delight to bless the LORD and His servants, poverty of spirit and pocketbook may continue to plague us. Open your heart and hand beloved and give what is not your own to give for the work of the Gospel:

“The liberal (generous) soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.” Proverbs 11:25-26

The following text, 1 Corinthians 9, is monumentally important for our understanding of how the LORD has set things up and what part we are to play. He did not design this life for you to simply find pleasure and live as you will. If you are truly His, “ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price” and it is His will that is to be done and Gospel carried out in and through your vessel (1 Cor. 6:19-20). You are to be a faithful steward of all He gives into your temporary possession.

Please read this text carefully and prayerfully:

“Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof (do YOU work for free)? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you (we pay others for their services daily), are not we rather? …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.” 1 Corinthians 9:6-14

If we don’t fully believe and understand how that one who ministers the Gospel, that is, does the most important work in the earth, is worthy to receive the financial support of those he labors to win to Christ and disciple, we have a heart issue that the LORD wants to change. Jesus said:

“The workman IS worthy of his meat.” Matthew 10:10

Jesus told us that “the workman IS worthy” to receive financial blessing. Christ didn’t say the workman is unworthy, but rather – worthy. Therefore, it is fitting for true servant-leaders to be compensated by those they feed. Friend, have you despised the words of the Son of God by not generously giving to those who do His holy work? Is it time to stop and change things?

Make No Mistake: There are and will be souls in hell due to the lack of charitable giving of those today who call themselves by the name of Christ and yet disobey Him in not giving revenues to His work. The disobedience of withholding has tied the hands of God’s workers and greatly hindered their ability to do what the LORD has sent them to do in the care of souls and winning the lost.

I must ask: Are you “muzzling the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn,” or, are you a “cheerful giver” that is laying up treasures in Heaven and being used by the LORD for the furtherance of His blessed Gospel? (1 Tim. 5:18; 2 Cor. 9:7; Matt. 6:19-21) Are you receiving the Word and ministry somewhere? If so, then you are to give of your financial gain to that minister/ministry (Gal. 6:6). By the way, in God’s eyes, it matters not what kind of real estate that ministry operates out of when caring for the saints (rented, owned, home, apt, church building, etc.).

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Beloved, terrible hardships are happening to thousands of ministers across this nation due to the gross and epidemic negligence of God’s people. Billions of dollars flow all around these men of God, yet they lack and so do their families – due to overspending and the sin of greed and selfishness in the lives of those who claim to know Christ and be saved. According to a Barna report, a very small percentage of those who claim to be Christians in America, tithe.

“Born again adults, who represent 38% of the nation’s population, also sustained a decline in generosity during the past couple of years. In 2000, 12% of all born again adults tithed. The percentage rose to 14% in 2001, but dropped to only 6% in 2002.” Barna Report

Brother D Deryl Downey writes: “The Bible says we are to compensate true elders. Even Paul states rather intensely that ministers of the Gospel (and Pastors definitely are) are to be paid and paid from the church. In the second set of verses he’s talking about the donations made to God at the alter which is how it was done in that time period. These days we don’t offer, generally, food stuffs at the alter or tithe food. We tithe money. Therefore. Pastors should be paid and paid double according to the first set of verses than a regular laborer would be. And that’s straight Scripture. Also do note that many Pastors don’t take a pay of any kind and that’s a personal decision. Others take a small pay so as not to hurt the church or potentially hinder the spreading of the Gospel. But Pastors are definitely to be paid, it’s in Scripture, and should be paid double that of a common laborer.”

“And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.” Luke 10:7

Wise men fuel Gospel oxen, elders who are treading out the corn – ministering like a work animal to get God’s Word to the people.

“Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof (do YOU work for free)? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you (we pay others for their services daily), are not we rather? …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.” 1 Corinthians 9:6-14

If you love the truth, consider putting your money where your mouth is and support the preaching of truth (Matthew 6:19-21).

There’s no work so important or eternal as the work of our LORD’s Gospel! Fuel it saints. “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

NEVER pity those who are called out of Christ into His full-time ministry. Instead, pity those who sit there and contribute zilch to the work of the One who bled to save them, the very Once they claim to love, serve, and be saved by.

The point of this post is targeting the many hirelings in pastoral positions who are not watching for the souls of the saints or preaching the pure Word according to Hebrews 13:7, 17.

If your financial house in order, is your stewardship in accordance to the LORD, if you are not supplying those in your midst who minister the everlasting Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ?

In contrast to the many greedy hireling wolves who fill most pulpits today, true servants of Christ do not minister for the money. No, in fact, because they are true to God they are usually broke. In spite of the lack, they preach the whole counsel of the LORD’s Gospel (Acts 20:20, 27).

Since when is feeding Christ’s flock the only un-paid calling on the earth? Is that God’s will? No. Why would anyone dare believe that the men laboring faithfully for Christ should be without supply for their wives and families? Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14.

This topic has to be qualified by the whole of Holy Scripture. Paul also received love offerings, for example when Epaphroditus shared in Philippians 4. Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18. There’s no work that’s eternal except the Gospel and it’s funny that Satan wants Christ’s laborers destitute as they perform the infinitely most important work on earth – which is feeding Christ’s flock, edifying, and equipping them. Yes, most pastors are false and not worthy of their hire because they are not preaching the whole of Scripture, are compromised, and yet, those elders who are faithful to the LORD, are worthy of their hire and we are blessed to share, to communicate supply to them and instructed to do just that (Galatians 6:6). Peace in Christ and His truth. 

The LORD clearly established that those who do His work, the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth, are entitled to be paid and those fed by them are privileged to assist in supplying such. And He also establishes that He will bless them now and forever for doing so (Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). 

“Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

Whenever we do things they way our LORD prescribes in His Word, blessings abound.

“And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 31:14

I’ve heard well-meaning novices ridicule those God’s called out as full-time elders who receive support. This is completely misguided since God’s Word is crystal clear that “they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

“Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:14

Instead of boasting that everything we have comes from the LORD, we’d better be spreading it around like He commanded. He’s watching! What happened to the once “rich man” who didn’t spread around what he’d been given? He’s been irrevocably in hell for at least 2,000 years, right? Right! (Luke 16:19-31)

GOD does not hold the world accountable for supporting His Great Commission He gave us but rather His own people – and He even set up an eternal investment fund for them to reap eternal rewards for doing so (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.).

WE are daily reminded of the persecution against Christ by the lack of support for His work by those claiming to know Him.

As it was in the days of the prophets so it is today. There are many lazy men in ministry:

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. 12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” Isaiah 56:10-12

If you can’t separate yourself from your money for the Gospel of Jesus, you are not truly serving Him and money is your god (Matthew 6:19-24).

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