Which Came First? Faith or Regeneration-Monergism Maniacs Exposed [video]
Just saw a video of Paul Washer speaking in a slight of hand fashion of how “it’s not about calvinism”, and how he can commune with non-calvinists due to regeneration. Yet, like all cults, calvinists intentionally hide their definition, their gross redefining and perversion of the doctrine of regeneration, being born again. Notice that Washer never denied he is a calvinist, because he is.
Here’s what they really believe about regeneration.
Calvinist Define their Un-biblical, Extra-biblical Belief System with the Acrostic TULIP:
T – Total Depravity
U – Unconditional Election
L – Limited Atonement
I – Irresistible Grace
P – Perseverance of the Saints
In Reformed theology, “regeneration precedes faith.” Samuel Storms writes that, “Calvinists insist that the sole cause of regeneration or being born again is the will of God. God first sovereignly and efficaciously regenerates, and only in consequence of that do we act.”
Another calvinistic quote:
“Monergism is the view within Christian theology which holds that God works through the Holy Spirit to bring about the salvation of an individual through spiritual regeneration, regardless of the individual’s cooperation.”
Is this true?
Monergism, the idea that God shakes down, hijacks, and forces His “elect” to be born again, is a doctrine of calvinism. In contrast to Monergism, Synergism is a cooperative venture, a working together of two or more parties. Synergism would better fit what God’s Word teaches whereas Monergism is just another diabolical invention of the heretical system of calvinism. The god of calvinism is a demon, or the devil himself, and it’s clearly seen in this forced entry, hostile takeover theology. In contrast to the one whom the LORD says came “to steal, to kill, and to destroy”, Jesus says to all of mankind …
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17
The calvinists isn’t taught the biblical truth that God calls men to come to Himself and that He gave all men the choice to come to or reject Him. Instead, calvinists teach that man is so depraved that he cannot make the decision to receive and follow Christ. Hence, or therefore, they get away with teaching that God hi-jacks the lives of the elect, forcing them, even if against their will, to be regenerated.
Lawrence Brown writes:
Here’s another heretical quote calvinists throw around:
“Without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit no man could ever believe.”
Once again this puts regeneration ahead of faith.
CALVINISTS ARE “DECEIVING THE HEARTS OF THE SIMPLE”
Calvinism is a wholesale rejection of the original Gospel, personal accountability, and a diabolical mockery of God’s good, loving character.
At all costs, the calvinist refuses to repent. He denies the obvious, that he has a personal will, in order to evade truly, personally repenting.
Monergism and the so-called “perseverance of the saints” heresy go hand in hand. The “perseverance of the saints” lie says that if one is truly overtaken by and made to be saved by God, that such a person will automatically endure to the end with Christ. If such a person falls away, the coward’s cop-out used by calvinists is that that person wasn’t actually saved to begin with. So, “perseverance of the saints” is generally the same doctrine of devils as OSAS (once saved always saved) otherwise called eternal security. A refusal to truly repent, lay down ones life in this world, deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus on His terms, are the root reasons sinful men migrate to and adopt these sin-justifying heresies (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Jude 4, etc.).
Backslidden counterfeits are willingly deceived moral cowards, “enemies of the cross of Christ”, who want nothing to do with anything that involves giving up their lives in this fleeting world and so they hide behind the prophesied grace-perverting false doctrines of eternal security and Calvinism (Philippians 3:18-19; Jude 4).
Calvinism is for moral cowards who refuse to face God honestly in true repentance, lay down their lives in this fleeting world, and follow Jesus for real (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33, etc.). So, they hide behind the grace-perverting, sin-justifying heretical system of calvinism which came through a murderer who got it from a catholic named Augustine. Jude specifically forewarned of this very thing (Jude 4). Calvinism by Ken Rieske
In the diabolical delusionment of calvinism, God doesn’t require or want your personal participation. To conclude such would be to ignore and dismiss the hundreds of commands from God to man. No honest Bible reader comes away with this idea that God does it all in the relationship without the consent or participation of the person He’s in a relationship with. Only a calvinist could believe something like that. This is the danger of a system. When people are seduced and sold on the system (calvinism, dispensationism, etc), they are indoctrinated into seeing everything through that man-made demon concocted system lens. Once someone is delusioned, indoctrinated by calvinism, everything then revolves around the tenets of the system (TULIP) and so they then ignore Holy Scripture that contradicts it – which means they are “NOT of God” according to Jesus (John 8:47). Without exception, every child of God holds God’s written Word and every word of it, as the highest divine authority (Psalms 119; Mark 13:31; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.). In contrast, like the hell bound pharisees of Christ’s day, calvinists sacrifice divine truth to keep their own tradition (Mark 7:6-10).
God sure is sovereign, yet according to the whole counsel of His Word and such is not subject to the delusions of calvinism. Divine sovereignty is defined by the whole counsel of holy scripture, much of which the calvinist cowards despise.
The calvinist has created a false god in his own depraved image where he simply, intentionally ignores scriptures that call for true repentance and the crucified life in order to concoct, erect in his unrepentant heart this imaginary idol. it won’t fair well in the end.
Unrepentant evil men have always sought to cloke their rebellion with an alternate view of God, that is, false doctrines, doctrine that contradicts the whole of Scripture – does not stand the biblical test. This is exactly why calvinists can crassly dismiss mountains of Bible truth. They are serving the god of self, not the one true God revealed in the Bible. If they knew and were serving the LORD, they’d submit to the whole counsel of His Word (John 8:47). | The terrible TULIP of calvinism exposed.
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly (carnal appetites), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.).” Philippians 3:18-19
Those who serve the god of self instead of truly repenting and worshipping Jesus in the crucified daily life He commanded, are “the enemies of the cross of Christ” and will twist and manipulate the Bible to justify them in their sinful lifestyles (Jude 4).
The calvinist migrates to these flesh-flattering lies because he wants an excuse to dismiss his sin instead of dealing with it the only way God’s Word prescribes – through the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.).
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
The goal of the calvinist is not truth but rather to justify his sins using a distorted theology where certain Bible verses are hyper-interpreted, hyper-emphasized while mountains of other Bible verses are completely ignored, denied, and/or explained away.
Calvinism is a cover-up for sin. Buying this package will damn the soul. The central goal of this heretical system of theology is to dismiss man’s personal responsibility to obey God.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
There are 2 types of professing Christian – 1 is Heaven bound and 2 is hell bound:
- Those who face the LORD honestly in true repentance with their own utter depravity and sin, fasting and prayer, the cross (crucified), fighting the good fight of faith in a grounded, daily walk with Jesus, and then there’s …
- Those who choose to be dishonest and deceitful of heart, unrepentant, and so migrate to false teachers and false teachings to justify their sin, to attempt to hide from them, dismissing all personal responsibility before God, and make a false god out of, in the image of their own wicked hearts. This is the whole construct and system of calvinism and the eternal security/OSAS and the hiding place for moral cowards who refuse to present themselves honestly before the LORD.
Was this not all prophesied of this last hour by the Holy Spirit?
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure (hold themselves accountable to) sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
Those who espouse calvinism’s grace perverting, sin-justifying falsehoods do such because they refuse to hold themselves accountable to truly, honestly, worshipfully obey God (2 Timothy 4:3; Jude 4).
Calvinists spend their time and energy philosophying about what the Bible says and using flesh-flattering, grace-perverting, sin-justifying systemization instead of simply, personally reading and studying the Bible honestly.
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:23
False doctrine always and only finds its home in the deceitful heart.
Calvinists somehow believe they have permission to ignore Bible verses, divine truths that contradict their delusional heresies.
Keep in mind that wolves like Paul Washer, John MacArthur, RC Sproul, and Charles Spurgeon are all calvinist heretics. Everything they say, everything they teach is poisoned with this calvinistic system, a doctrine of devils. “A LITTLE leaven (false doctrine) leavens the whole lump” and calvinism perpetrates far more than a just “little leaven.” It’s a thoroughly poisoned pond. The Idiocy of Calvinism
Calvinists spend their time and energy philosophying about what the Bible says and using flesh-flattering, grace-perverting, sin-justifying systemization instead of simply, personally reading and studying the Bible honestly.
An honest view of the whole of Holy Scripture reveals that Jesus died for all men, God draws all men to Himself, initiating the relationship, granting the sufficient grace, and yet leaves the final decision to the individual.
If man has no choice in the matter of being the LORD’s child, salvation, why would calvinists ever evangelize? They wouldn’t and they don’t. So Jesus’ Great Commission command is a mute point with them. If God just arbitrarily comes upon one of the “elect”, takes over their life and regenerates them, WHY did Jesus command His people to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to EVERY creature.” (Mark 16:15) Why would there be any evangelism in the kingdom economy? There wouldn’t be. After Jesus commanded His disciples to go preach the gospel to EVERY creature, then He said that some will believe and “shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16)
God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for the sins of all men and Jesus told us, His people, to go preach to “every creature” because He desires to save all men from sin and hell!
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to EVERY creature.” Mark 16:15
Why did God want “EVERY creature”, all men, to hear His Gospel preached? – Simple: Jesus “for the sins of the WHOLE world”, because He desires to save all men into His eternal kingdom! (John 12:32; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2, etc.)
Calvinists love to misread Romans 9-11. They reject the knowledge of God here where it is once again revealed, as is repeatedly the case, that God desires to “have mercy on ALLLLLL.”
“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon ALL.” Romans 11:32
The LORD saves souls through “the foolishness of preaching.”
“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21
When lost souls hear the Gospel preached, God saves “them that believe”, which is a choice.
Biblically speaking, the fact that salvation requires the direct act of God in no way negates that GOD sovereignly stated that He requires the individual to repent and believe on the LORD Jesus Christ to be saved (Luke 13:3; John 1:12-13; 3:16; Acts 3:19; 2:38; 20:21; Romans 10:9-10, 13, etc.).
Calvinism falsely teaches that man has nothing to do with salvation and that God saves whom He chooses without their consent (monergism). Calvinism also teaches that the LORD’s atonement is limited to a certain elect few (of which every calvinists claims to be, conveniently). God’s Word says that Jesus died to save “all men”, is “NOT willing that ANY should perish.” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) The Son of God told us that when He went to the cross He was going to “draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32) It’s lunacy to say that Jesus doesn’t intend and desire to save “ALL men” even though we just read that He draws “ALL men” to Himself and “is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) … for the sins of the WHOLE world.” (1 John 2:2)
DID JESUS DIE FOR ALL MEN OR JUST SOME MEN?
RECENTLY I had a lengthy phone conversation with a man I grew up with. He called to attempt to convince me, using a twisted (calvinistic) view of Scripture, that a person is first born again BEFORE they actually believe. John 1:12-13 is one of the passages he asked me to read. Read it here below closely and see what comes first, faith or becoming a son of God, the choice to receive Christ or being born of God. ….It got so bad and went on so long that I found my red button getting off point (hung up and blocked his number) with the passage he was using to “prove” his erroneous point…..here it is:
John 1:12 But as many as received him, TO THEM (that believe) gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Receiving, believing upon Christ comes BEFORE being born of God.
WHO is it that is born of God? – “as many as receivedhim”. This passage in John 1 first speaks of receiving Jesus, synonymous with believing on Him. Only AFTER receiving Christ which is a choice, does it speak of being born of God.
Those who at the hearing of the Gospel and conviction of the Holy Spirit chose to receive Christ, were born of God. “As many as received Him” clearly denotes a God-given choice.
This man who had called me was on a rampage to prove that God chooses men He wants to be His and those men have zero choice in the matter. They have no free will, to choice in the matter according to this deranged calvinistic heresy.
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15
If the LORD warned us: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7-8) How is it then that man has no choice, no ability to exercise his own God-given personal will to sow good or bad seed, to make decisions?
He called to make his point and therefore was not interested when I sought to read Scripture. I could hardly get a word in and after hearing him go on at length, would find an opening and be shut down by him. He forcefully spoke over me loudly and would not let me read certain Scriptures. I told him that was a red flag and quoted the words of Jesus in John 8:47. – “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” (John 8:47) This man knows the Scriptures well yet is choosing to ignore certain, many Bible verses and passages which contradict his false doctrine.
The calvinist does not want to find out and evades the hard truths of Scripture because if he embraces “ALL scripture” it will require that he truly repent, lay down his life in this world, and truly follow Christ for real (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Luke 9:23-24, etc.).
The job and work of the calvinist coward is to run from, knock down, twist, take out of context, and negate every Bible verse of warning, severity, obedience, the daily cross (crucified life), and the divine command to “be ye holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16). He does this to escape all personal responsibility. Instead he wants to live after his sinful lusts and justify it all by saying he’s one of the “elect”, saved by the grace of God and has no personal responsibility to take God at His Word and obey Him.
The calvinist is willingly indoctrinated and intentionally, deceitfully selective in the way he interprets Scripture. The calvinists interpret Scripture in order to prove their heretical points and not to apprehend the truth. In fact, the calvinist is inoculated from believing any Scripture that the cult of calvin hasn’t pointed out to them. They refuse Bible truth, mountains of Scripture which contradict the 5 poisonous points of Calvinism.
Beware of the “private interpretation” of modern beguilers in our midst. Contrary to the self-worshipping, wishful thinking calvinists, one Scripture never cancels another. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” and must be assimilated in its immediate and whole Bible context (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Those who do not follow this biblical rule enter into what Peter calls “private interpretation.”
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
No Bible verses are to privately interpreted for the self-serving agenda of any individual. Such is the work of deceivers and their prey.
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (collating, putting together) spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13
Calvinist apologists are simply those who have been dishonest before God for many years and instead of getting honest and coming to complete, real repentance before the LORD, they built this paper castle they vainly believe is hiding them from God and from His coming judgment. False security. They search high and low and borrow, parrot the intentionally falsely interpreted Bible verses which seem to justify their position. They will do anything but repent. They will spend endless hours searching for, and digging up Scriptures to “prove” their position – all while purposely ignoring the mountains of Bible truth that is in direct opposition to their false doctrines.
What’s tragic is when heretics are shown volumes of Scripture, mountains of God’s Word which contradict their beliefs and choose to ignore and set aside God’s Word in order to keep their heretical tradition – just as Jesus cited the hell bound pharisees for doing (Mark 7:6-10). What is the disciple of Christ to do after showing Bible truth and yet the hearer ignores it?
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:10-11
To subvert is to undermine the power and authority of God who has an established Word of truth concerning salvation.
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5
Though in the ministry and engaging men with the Word of God daily, I was somewhat caught off guard by this childhood friend who had called – wasn’t expecting a call of that nature. Enraged, he insisted that I was intentionally ignoring verse 13 of John 1. Being that I do not ever wish to ignore one verse over another because “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God”, we read those verses aloud together (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Together, mostly at his beckoning and leading, we went all over the Bible on this topic. We ended up back at John 1:12-13 at his leading and under his condemnation of me. So, we read those 2 verses together again and I asked him this question: What comes first in this passage, believing/faith OR being born of God? He was momentarily quiet and I pointed out that receiving Christ came first (v12) and then the person was born of God (v13).
Over his angry words I told him kindly that I was “done with this phone call.”
Of course, instantaneously upon receiving Christ, God saves the person, justifies, and regenerates them. They are born again. Jesus says “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47) Scripture states “without FAITH it is impossible to please him.” (Hebrews 11:6) The LORD requires faith. Period. And not only initial but ongoing faith to the end of one’s life (Matthew 1:22; 24:13; John 15:6; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; Revelation 2-3, etc.).
Jesus said to the blind as He healed them “According to YOUR FAITH be it unto you.”
“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened …” Matthew 9:29-30
In the divine economy, we appropriate God’s blessings by faith and forfeit them by the sin of unbelief (Hebrews 3-4, etc.). God requires the faith of men who will know and walk with Him.
Being born of God is a biblical truth and yet not without man’s involvement, man’s individual choice. The delusional calvinists conflate many things, including the erroneous notion that because it’s God that draws and saves, man is not at all involved and has no choice in the matter. Is that true? Not at all.
During this conversation the caller pointed out Romans 9 which is a passage that spans Chapters 9-11 in Romans. He was not happy and ignored what Scripture teaches in Romans 11:20-22. After I was finally able to get a word in edgewise, we read Romans 11:20-22. Being that he was clinging to heresy and not interested in apprehending the mind of Christ on this matter, this man didn’t like the threat the LORD gave to all Gentile believers of being “cut off” just like God did the Jews, His own people. Here it is:
“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For IF God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity (judgment); but toward thee, goodness, IF (denotes condition) thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22
Notice the utter essential of faith – the truth that God requires faith, initially and perpetually – “because of unbelief they were broken off.” (v20)
Jesus also told us that cast into the fire any man IN HIM who doesn’t remain, abide, continue in Him:
“If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:6
Conclusion: Monergism, the regeneration before faith heresy, is just another twisted, perverse lie of the cult of calvinism. All calvinists are heretics who have corrupted the original Gospel message and character of God in their vain attempt to claim justification by Him with no involvement of their own.
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4
The sober minded will find that calvinists are arrogant, pretending that they, the special “elect,” possess esoteric, secret knowledge that others aren’t privileged enough to possess. When you give a calvinist heretic Scripture upon Scripture that clearly refute the lies he’s espoused, he will convey to you that because you aren’t one of the special “elect,” you can’t possibly understand. Calvinists are not men of truth but rather dishonest and deceitful in heart, hanging their hats on hellish doctrines of devils to justify living as they so choose in this fleeting world. Scripture clearly reveals that the “grace” they claim to be saved by is a farce. If they were truly saved by divine grace, here’s what their lives would look like:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12
If Paul was overtaken and forced by the LORD to be saved, and therefore had no danger of falling away and going to hell after being saved, why did he tell us he had to “keep under” his body – live the crucified life – or he would be a “castaway” in the end?
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (a reject).” 1 Corinthians 9:27
If the Laodicean church, the people of God were forced to go to Heaven and were not in any jeopardy of being vomited, rejected from Christ’s body and suffering eternally in hell, why did the Son of God warn them that they were in danger of being rejected for being lukewarm? (Revelation 3:15-16)
Why did Jesus warn us all that if we didn’t overcome all sin, no matter what it took, or be cast into hell, if such were not a real and present danger? (Mark 9:43-50 KJB – Satan’s new fake “bibles” altered or removed this passage)
If those whom Christ saves (when they choose to obey His drawing and receive Him) why did Jesus warn each and every one of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 that they had to overcome to be with Him in glory?
Jesus invented the phrase “fall away” and so we know it’s possible and we also know that someone who falls away was previous in Christ’s kingdom (Luke 8:13).
God “commandeth all men every where to repent” and yet the calvinist says man has no choice in the matter (Acts 17:30). How is it that the LORD says one has to repent to be saved if an exercise of one’s own will isn’t involved and if repenting is not possible or not required by God?
CRUX – WHY THEY DEPART FROM GOD’S WORD AND MIGRATE TO THIS HERETICAL SYSTEM:
Calvinists are among the vilest of counterfeits who love their sin, spending endless hours reading the works of mere sinful men, who they call the “reformers”, who offer an alternative to the cross, the crucified life. These are the very “ungodly men” Jude warned us about who are “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God.” (Jude 4). They will do anything on earth except truly repent and lose their life in this world (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27, 33; 17:33; Galatians 2:20, etc.).
Calvinism is extra-biblical, a system of theology devised by mere men and devils. John Calvin, the pope of Geneva, had over 60 people murdered and admitted to getting his teachings from a catholic bishop named Augustine. All 5 points are poison.
Calvinism’s Origins by Ken Rieske | Eternal Security / OSAS DEVILS Slammed! 1 John 2:19 | DOES Mankind Have Free Will? | The Heretical System and Doctrines of Calvinism | UN-Limited Atonement [podcast] | Eternal Security/OSAS Perseverance of the Saints Busted and Exposed | John Wesley on Calvinism, Once Saved Always Saved, and Conditional Security
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Mission Mexico Elvita Dejected then Blessed [video]
“Wow! God is sure blessing this ministry! And given you the heart of a servant. As I listened to these stories and saw all the pictures all I heard was Jesus! This whole Mexico Mission is all about Jesus! Not Todd but Jesus. Hallelujah!” Karen Cochran
Spanish Content on SafeGuardYourSoul | The JESUS tract in English and Spanish
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What Did Paul mean by “Double Honour”? [podcast]
“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 generous but not lavish. “Double honour” limits the income of “the elders that rule well.” This would be in contrast to the many pastors today who make themselves rich in this world, as they “make merchandise” of their prey, the people they lead (2 Peter 2:1-3).
Do we not realize that “double honour” actually prevents making merchandise of God’s people by making millionaires our of con men? You are not wiser than God, sinner. You don’t decide what His Word says. It’s best to shut up in humility and simply render humble obedience on this topic, doctrine, and all others.
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice …” 1 Samuel 15:22
Tithing is not taught in the New Testament. Giving is to be done out of worship, gratitude, and the honor of the LORD. Christ’s New Testament disciples are to give out of a “cheerful” heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Here is what the apostle Paul wrote about our giving under the New Covenant:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. ” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
It’s actually sickening to see how some, out of their own darkened and corrupted hearts, want to starve out the God-called elders from carrying out their divinely ordained duties to feed and equip the flock and to watch for their souls.
Some people are so deep in darkness and therefore blinded that they don’t realize that the work that they do in this world to earn money is not even important compared to the paramount divine work of an elder that God has prepared, sent forth, and diligently feeding His blood-bought flock.
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. … 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:7, 16-17
1 Timothy 5:17-18 is specifically of those called-by-God elders “who labour in the word and doctrine.”
“Double honour” here is twice the average earning in the specific economy and time. This apparently is so that they have no financial worries and can concentrate on the most important work in the earth, the kingdom of Christ—feed His flock (John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:1-6, etc.). “The elders that rule well” are those who are to be given “double honour” and not the greed-driven enterprising salesmen …..
Of “double honour” one source notes the following (1 Timothy 5:17-18):
“In 1 Timothy 5:17, the “double honor” refers to giving financial support, respect, and esteem to elders who lead the church well and especially to those who work hard at preaching and teaching. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament principle that a laboring ox should not be muzzled, and a worker deserves their wages, highlighting the importance of caring for those who labor in ministry.”
What kind of men does the LORD look for to servant lead?
“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:” Exodus 18:21
Paul’s refusal to covet what is not his own, in no way negates the compensation God has ordained for those who labor in His Word and doctrine to feed His sheep (1 Corinthians 9). There is no contradiction. Paul’s refusal to receive of the Corinthians doesn’t mean he didn’t receive from others. Take a look:
“And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.” 2 Corinthians 11:9
The above verse, revelation proves the argument wrong that suggests that ministers of the Gospel of Christ should reject receiving any giving to do His work.
The fact that “double honour” is appropriate to the elders described in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 is in NO way means this “double honor” compensation should be demanded. No. Yet God has stated such and in my opinion, from this passage and 1 Corinthians 9 and the Levites of the Old Testament, He says it should be a sufficient portion, a sufficient, a generous compensation that is supplied to “the elders that rule well.” Perhaps He stated double honor in order to be a measure of what is not enough and what is too much and so the elders defined here do not have to feel guilty. Also, is it not conducive to peace in one’s calling to know his bills are paid? As in no muzzling, no starving out the elder ox who treads out the corn of God’s Word, who works to feed the flock of God.
“Double honor – Διπλης τιμης. Almost every critic of note allows that τιμη here signifies reward, stipend, wages. Let him have a double or a larger salary who rules well; and why? Because in the discharge of his office he must be at expense, in proportion to his diligence, in visiting and relieving the sick, in lodging and providing for strangers; in a word, in his being given to hospitality, which was required of every bishop or presbyter.” Adam Clarke
“[Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine] Ruling elders, especially preaching and teaching elders are to receive double honor or wages (1Ti_5:17-18; 1Co_9:6-14; Gal_6:6; Heb_7:1-10). See note, Act_14:23.” Dake
“Let him that is taught in the word communicate (give) unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Galatians 6:6
The Greek word for “communicate” here is:
“koinōneō
koy-no-neh’-o
From G2844; to share with others (objectively or subjectively): – communicate, distribute, be partaker.”
We are privileged to supply those who feed us, to fund those who feed us God’s Word. Such men perform the most important and only eternal work in our lives in this world as we look for the soon return of our LORD.
Is “double honour” also not a demarkation…. where those who would dare exceed double honour to make themselves rich in this world are known as those who are making merchandise of the people? See 2 Peter 2:1-3. What the self-righteous who attempt to change “double honour” into something other than what it is don’t understand, is that “double honour” is a parameter that actually keeps men from making merchandise of the people, making themselves millionaires at the expense of, while exploiting the people. God is all wise….
John Wesley notes:
“Let the elders that rule well – Who approve themselves faithful stewards of all that is committed to their charge. Be counted worthy of double honour – A more abundant provision, seeing that such will employ it all to the glory of God. As it was the most laborious and disinterested men who were put into these offices, so whatever any one had to bestow, in his life or death, was generally lodged in their hands for the poor.”
It’s quite amazing how some expect the men who are prepared, called out by God to do the infinitely most important work in the earth are to do it for free. The origins of this lie which directly contradicts God’s Word, is “another spirit,” Satan—who wars against the LORD and His servants.
It seems that perhaps some become disillusioned when they realize they’ve been deceived by wolves in sheep’s clothing. Then they don’t give at all and yet the Word instructs us to give and to specifically give to the ministries that feed us the pure Word (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).
The lost will never supply, support God’s work. And that’s because they are not of God and that the LORD has left that opportunity for His own people – to lay up treasure in glory which He instructed us to do (Matthew 6:19-21).
God’s people are divinely called and are to be allowed and granted the blessed opportunity to give to HIS work—not forcefully coerced but given opportunity (2 Corinthians 9:7). This is clear in Scripture. When we give, we thereby learn to trust Him who replenishes our supply as He so often promised to do (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.). It would be wrong to disallow God’s people from giving actually. Moses did not stop God’s people from giving until there was so much given by God’s people that there was nowhere else to contain it! He had to tell them to stop bringing their things to the work of the LORD because they had nowhere else to store it—there was too much of it (Exodus 35). To tell people not to give to God’s work(ers) would mean he forbade them from doing what the LORD told His people to do from the beginning—give. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel set forth to continually worship and serve the LORD and His people, and Paul, Christ’s apostle, draws from this very truth/fact in 1 Corinthians 9 below.
God provides, yes, and His stated desire to supply, at least in part, is through His body—and that is so that they partake of the blessings both now and eternally (Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). A proper and more thorough view of God’s kingdom reveals that to shut off the opportunity of giving and forbid His children from giving, stifles blessings.
When your reaction to evil produces more evil (causes you to trample on the clear contents of God’s Word, to pervert it), you know you fit what Paul calls men of corrupt minds (1 Timothy 6). While over reacting you perfect what Satan and his wolves perverted, you also are guilty of teaching against the LORD you falsely claim to serve and thereby bear false witness against the Almighty. “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). You have joined the ranks of those you condemn in that you too have “limited the holy one of Israel” while denying His truth, as you pretend to defend the faith (Psalms 78:41).
“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
“Jeremiah 3:15: ‘And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you knowledge and understanding.’ These are pastors who live according to God’s word and understand the very heart of God, which is His Word (Psalm 33:11). We have very few of these in this late hour! Most are too consumed with self.” Karen Cochran
Your ill-advised inner embattlement that consumes you doesn’t change the very Word of God. You have over reacted and dismissed the very Word of the God you claim to serve. This puts you in the same camp as those you condemn. Isn’t it time for you to step back and get into the place of repentance before a holy God? That way you will cease perverting the right ways, the Word of God – trampling its contents out of the imbalance.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. 13 Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.” Hosea 10:12-13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13
Tithing? No. Levitical Priesthood Pattern brought into light by the apostle Paul? Yes.
It seems some are basing things on the wolves’ exploitation of the people and putting their weight there more than on the Scriptures which are clear concerning the compensation of certain elders, such as in 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18, etc. The Levites also. No the New Testament doesn’t teach tithing. No I am not trying to get anyone’s money, yet this ministry outreach accepts any cheerful giving from Christ’s saints…. which helps allow many to be reached with God’s Word.
Some novices on this thread seem to be making presumptuous conclusions of those who simply seek to stand on top of the whole counsel of Scripture on this topic. We must never abandon truth, God’s doctrine, due to others abusing it. Never abandon to abuse as it’s been put. We never throw out any part of the Word due to the abuse of it by others (Psalms 119:104, 128; 2 Corinthians 2:17).
A common misapplication of Scripture happens when people say “Freely ye have RECEIVED, freely GIVE.” (Matthew 10:8)
Watch closely what they quote – “Freely ye have RECEIVED, freely GIVE.” (Matthew 10:8) How are the men, the elders whom GOD has prepared and called out to serve HIM going to “GIVE” unless they are receiving? Some are misusing this verse. In the context of Matthew 10, the apostles had RECEIVED the Word, the Gospel from Christ and therefore were to GIVE it to others freely. That’s what ministry is and this is spoken in context of Jesus sending forth His disciples to minister. This in no way negates that God’s people are to be givers as they obey His command to lay up treasure in Heaven, to work so they “have to give”, but supporting His work – the going forth of His Word to feed, nourish, and equip Christ’s saints (Matthew 6:19-21; Ephesians 4:28). “How dwelleth the love of God in” those who don’t give? And where else to give but to poor Christians and the elders and work of Christ?
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17
Are God’s people not instructed to fund those who feed them God’s Word? Yes. (Galatians 6:6)
How nonsensical for God to send forth men to be used of Him without the plan in place to provide for them. (1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
How nonsensical for the LORD to instruct His saints to give, to lay up treasure in Heaven and not waste it on earth, without the plan in place for where they are to give? (Matthew 6:19-21)
Some make the common novice mistake of concluding that God’s Word should be disobeyed, His true elders should not be funded but rather starved out, all because his enemy, Satan, has used false prophets to make merchandise of many (2 Peter 2:1-3).
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!
“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
Reading these 2 verses together makes it clear that “double honour” includes financial compensation. Otherwise the command of v. 18 is being violated—when called out elders are labouring in the Word and doctrine are being muzzled. Seems this could not be more clearly stated than the Holy Ghost through Paul penned it.
“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
Recently one man attempted to reduce “double honour” to mere respect until shown the never verse, verse 18. He blocked me instead of amending his ways to believe the contents, the Word of Holy Writ.
“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, pp. 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 (Deuteronomy 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).
It’s quite alarming how some have a death grip on their earthly riches and so come running to defend their refusal to give to the LORD, to HIS work.
“All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
May our LORD bless each of us to be cultivated in a heart filled with sincere and true worship and thanksgiving to Him.
“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
We should understand that we have freely received the salvation of our God in Christ and that those who don’t give out of the mercy, forgiveness, love, supply that He has given us, are not in God’s will. Out of what God gives us we give out and this clearly proves we have given ourselves to the LORD. We are not still serving the false god of self and therefore mammon (Matthew 6:19-24). When Jesus spoke of giving and it will given back to us, He’s speaking of all these things and not just giving out of the monies God has prospered us with (Luke 6:38).
These darkened souls seem to attempt to reduce giving to merely giving out the Gospel that we received. The Bible says there’s much more to the stewardship of the LORD’s resources (Matthew 25).
RECEIVING and GIVING in God’s Word expands far being saved and giving others the Word.
Every disciple is to give his life to the LORD as Jesus came and gave His life freely to saved us (Luke 14:33; 17:33; 19:27; John 12:23-25, etc.). BUT first that life, eternal life, is to RECEIVE from Christ and we give it back to Him.
There is no giving until we have received of the hand of God.
“ALL THINGS COME of THEE and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
Have we really given our lives to Christ who gave all if we don’t have a giving heart and hand?
There are seriously some people who HATE giving. They blame their refusal to be generous givers on the many false prophets who have made merchandise of them and many others. Also, they are greed driven hoarders who don’t want anyone suggesting that they should be cheerful, generous givers.
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Read that passage again and note that there is no “foundation against the time to come (eternal judgment),” no laying “hold on eternal life” if one doesn’t have saving faith, whereby he would otherwise be a giver. And everyone has something to give—just as the widow with the 2 mites (Mark 12:41-44). She gave all she had and Jesus honored it and yet did not honor those who gave a token tip, small percentages of what they possessed.
Every saint is to give of his substance, as he has received of God, so he is to give with a cheerful heart (Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28, etc.).
It seems that the hoarding covetous, greed driven among us are possessed with deep hatred at the idea of giving. Their earthly gold is their god and they have rejected Christ (Matthew 6:21-24; Philippians 3:18-19). They have a deep and dark issue. Luke 12 and 16.
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:5
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19
The following scathing rebuke was sent to a woman who denies that God has a plan in place to compensate the men, the elders He has prepared and called out to “labour in the word and doctrine.”
“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
You have no biblical clue on this topic. It’s obvious from such a false statement.
Have you ever read, studied 1 Corinthians 9?
You’ve placed your personal issues above the Word of God which He has magnified above His own holy name and are in need of repentance (Psalms 138:2).
Were the Levites compensated? Yes.
So you like that the men who are prepared and ordained and sent out by God, to do the infinitely most important and only eternal work in the earth starve, and their families as well? Repent now.
Not one thing they state in arguing against Christ’s ministers being compensated undoes, negates the following Bible truth, facts:
1 Corinthians 9
Paul Surrenders His Rights
1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?
5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 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?
10 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.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 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.
Many are biblically illiterate on this topic and yet argue in their ignorance (Proverbs 18:13). Note that they will say things like:
“Paul worked and said for them to follow his example. We are NOT in the Old Testament.”
Paul specifically refers in the New Testament to the Old Testament divine pattern of God-called elders who wait upon and serve the LORD and His people to be compensated—for doing the most important and only eternal work in the earth. Paul ties together and builds on his argument by drawing from the divine pattern as it was with Levites, the Levitical priesthood.
“Say I these things as a man? or SAITH NOT THE LAW THE SAME ALSO?” 1 Corinthians 9:8
“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
“9:13 Paul next introduces the argument from the support of those who served in the Jewish temple. Those who had official duties in connection with the temple service were supported from the income the temple received. In this sense they lived off the things of the temple. Also, the priests themselves who served at the altar were given a certain portion of the offerings that were brought to the altar. In other words, both the Levites, who had the ordinary duties around the temple, and the priests, to whom were entrusted the more sacred duties, were alike supported for their service.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Under the Old Covenant, the giving of the people went to the ordained set-apart full time ministers, servants of the LORD—the Levites, the Levitical priesthood. Paul brings that pattern into New Testament giving, supplying for the work of the LORD.
“And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.” Numbers 18:21
Clearly in his discourse on the compensation of God-called ministers, Paul is referring to this provision the LORD made for His servants under the Old Covenant in the middle of declaring and arguing that such is to be so under the New Covenant, in this time of the Church.
“Say I these things as a man? or SAITH NOT THE LAW THE SAME ALSO? … 13 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 9:8, 13-14
It is quite an indictment some dare level against God to say that He had, has a plan to call out and use His elders to feed and equip His blood bought flock and somehow has no plans, no provisions to provide for them. Nonsense. The LORD is the One who declared that “the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7). Oh and He needed not nor asked for the puny permission of any mere sinner, man.
There was no money in the New Testament Scriptures collected to build a separate “church” building. The money went to the believers in need (the poor), elders teaching sound doctrine, etc. (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; Romans 15:26; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, etc.). Also, we discussed that the highest paid elders are to be “they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17-18). They are a type of New Testament full time servants of the LORD and His people—such as were the Levites, the Levitical priesthood under the Old Testament who were set apart to seek God and serve His people.
“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
It’s interesting that you are not arguing that plumbers, accountants, attorneys, teachers, etc., should not be compensated for their work. Wow. That’s the spirit of antichrist in you, make no mistake.
Your thinking is very convoluted at best, speaking of things being twisted. The King James Bible is the pure preserved Word of God (Psalms 12:6-7). Paul established as did Jesus that the workman of the Gospel is worthy of his hire. This is irrefutable. The way the individual works out his own salvation with fear and trembling is between him and God (Philippians2:12-13).
Clearing Up the Confusion
The lengths some go to in order to dismiss their clear teaching of Scripture is telling, revealing their are antichrists who are speaking against the Word of God. Notice these same people who want God’s pastoral oxen starved out, removed from their posts have never argued that plumbers, accountants, teachers, and doctors, etc. should provide their own way, to refuse to be paid for what they do. Yet what those laborers do is a temporal work, an infinitely inferior work compared to those God calls out to do the most important and only eternal work transpiring in the earth. Repent now.
The abuse of some, of wolves, in no way negates the LORD’s plain teaching that His workers are to be compensated.
“The labourer is worthy of his hire.” Luke 10:7
God’s pattern of the Levites continues:
“Say I these things as a man? or SAITH NOT THE LAW THE SAME ALSO?” 1 Corinthians 9:8
Paul uses the illustration of how the military are worthy of their hire—to be compensated for carrying out their duties to provide protection for a nation.
“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?” 1 Corinthians 9:7
“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?” In other words WHO within the military comes home from war and has to pay the bill he incurred by defending our nation? Does the USA give a bill to its military when they return from war? Such would be ludicrous and yet you foolishly suggest that men called to the infinitely most important warfare for the souls of men should be forced to fund their own way? God plainly disagrees.
To continue to make his point Paul then argues: “Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof?” Yet you argue that those who plant gardens should refrain from eating of the fruits of that garden? And those who feed their flocks should not be able to drink of the milk of that flock.
Greedy, hoarding counterfeits hate the instruction to give. They have a death grip on their temporal trinkets and rusted gold which will be their eternal undoing (Luke 12, 16). Eternal damnation awaits (Ephesians 5:5).
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Sabbath Keeping, Justification, Sports, and Non-Essentials [podcast]
Hint: If something is not specifically named as a sin in God’s Word, leave others alone about it. MYOB, right? (Mind Your Own Business)
In this podcast, you will hear about a Recent Phone Call from Hell I received and how it was dealt with.
Over the years, I’ve conversed with men who are religious but not saved. Oh and boy are they fervent and sincere, and yet sincerely dead wrong. This particular phone conversation was no different. Many times Paul’s writings were born out of his defense of the faith of the original Gospel and this message is the same. Perhaps there’s a two-fold blessing in this:
- Continuing to established the essentials set forth in the original Gospel of Christ (John 21:15-17; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15-17, etc.).
- A constructive example of how to biblically handle religious people like this (remember Jesus was most stern and straight with the rich and the religious. See Matthew 23, etc.).
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
If all your religious activity hasn’t produced “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”, all you have thus far is religion, not Jesus. Listen closely to what happens when Jesus saves you:
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17
This is the truth of God, the fruit granted to all who’ve truly believed on the LORD Jesus Christ and thereby been saved. One thing’s for certain: The LORD desires to give you “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost”.
Jesus is the Sabbath of Every Saved-by-Grace New Testament Saint – Not a Certain Day
“Sabbath” means intermission, to rest. All of God’s people now rest from attempting to keep the law perfectly and instead rest in the righteousness of Christ, the only One who ever kept the law perfectly.
“For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4:3
“Hebrews 4:3: For we which have believed do enter into rest – The great spiritual blessings, the forerunners of eternal glory, which were all typified by that earthly rest or felicity promised to the ancient Israelites, we Christians do, by believing in Christ Jesus, actually possess. We have peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost; are saved from the guilt and power of sin; and thus enjoy an inward rest.” Adam Clarke
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10
“In Hebrews 4:10 we are directed to our risen Lord, who has finished the work of Redemption and rests, as God did when He pronounced Creation to be ‘very good.’ When we understand what He meant by ‘It is finished’, we, too, shall rest.” FB Meyer
Some today uphold a certain day instead of the LORD who makes all days (Galatians 4:9-11). They prove to be lost souls. False teachers are known in that they uphold something, ANYthing other than Christ.
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.” Colossians 2:14-19
Justification
It has been wisely stated that “If you’re flirting with Moses, you’re cheating on Jesus.”
Have you memorized John 1:17 ?
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
How does God save us?
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
The law finds us all guilty of breaking it. Even if it were just once, just one law we broke, we are guilty of breaking all of it and 100% fully worthy of death.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
God alone can justify us and He does such exclusively through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. “It is finished” means “paid in full.”
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Romans 10:4
Sports are Not a Sin – Unless they become One’s Idol or put before God.
Paul uses three different sports/games to illustrate spiritual truths, realities. This alone informs us, proves that sports in and of themselves, games, are not a sin. Running (track and field), boxing, and wrestling (1 Corinthians 9:24, 26; Ephesians 6:12).
In all the lists of soul damning sins found in Scripture, not one of them names sports or playing a game as a sin. If that were the case, playing a game of cards with grandma, or going to a nephew’s soccer game, would be a sin. Not. However, the misuse of anything on this earth can come out of a sinful heart of idolatry. Use and misuse. Work out YOUR own salvation with fear and trembling and cease being a busybody in the lives of other believers concerning things not essential to one’s salvation (Romans 14; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 4:15).
“And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31
What the Bible Teaches about Non-Essentials, Things not Essential to Salvation.
Never judge or destroy God’s work in the life of another saint for things that are non-essential, NOT essential to salvation.
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. … 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. … 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.”
Justification | Support | STORE | Podcasts |
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