In chapter 9 Paul is addressing some undercurrent in the Corinthian church about his apostleship (1 Cor 9:1-2). Some were saying that Paul was not truly an apostle and should not be supported in his ministry. They charged that he was not even good at what he did (since he did not appeal to rhetoric, philosophy, or other popular approaches of the day). In making these charges against Paul, they elevated themselves.
In 1 Cor 9:3-7, Paul speaks of the natural order in the world which would affirm his right to be supported in his ministry. In 1 Cor 9:8-14, Paul points not to the natural order, but to the Law of God. He noted that he had no reservation about deserving or demanding support in his ministry. The only reason he had none done so was so that the gospel could flow with greater speed (1 Cor 9:12).
Paul gives an example here of the Christian life. We are called to give ourselves to the furtherance of the gospel. We are called to serve others. We are not called to demand our rights...but to give ourselves over to God. Paul is not arguing for a raise here (1 Cor 9:15-16); nor is he giving some doctrinal treatise on the fact that minister should not be paid (some of my church-planting brethren use this verse to say that bi-vocational ministry is the prescribed ministry approach). Paul is demonstrating the attitude and approach that should characterize all of us.
This is summarized in 1 Cor 9:19-27. So that he might "win" souls, Paul disciplines himself in every respect, surrenders his rights and becomes what he needs to become (1 Cor 9:22). His life is lived out for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor 9:23).
Can you imagine... if you looked at the driving motivation for your life...would it be for the "sake of the gospel?" Is Paul unique among Christians...in that his life is somewhat different than the expectations for our lives? Are we called as Christ-followers to this type of radical commitment and focus?
If you you think that Paul is the example we are called to imitate...what needs to change in your life? How do you need to adjust your lifestyle...your finances...your allocation of time? What do you need to discipline yourself to learn...and to do?
[If it were me...and it is, I think I would write down these thoughts and really consider my response and then write some commitments...so that I don't forget them by chapter 10.]
Proverbs 24:5-6 is the takeaway today. True strength and power for the task at hand is found in wisdom acquired...and wisdom applied. VIctory awaits for he who takes care to seek wisdom and counsel.
Grace,
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I had an eye opening moment a few weeks ago and I believe what happened to me speaks to this. For a long time I struggled with accepting pay raises for our staff because they were making more a year then me. For an example: The pastor was making between $50 and $60 thousand a year and I was only making $30 thousand a year and I am paying them even more? This was a hard thing for me. I asked the Lord to please show me what I was to do. In the Lords time he revealed to me that I was worrying about things he was in control of but gave me an insight. A pastor has to pay various percentage of his income to pay taxes, retirement, insurance, and other expenses out of his income. So after some rough figuring I came to two conclusions: 1: is if the pastor got $55,000.00 a he was paying out over $20,000.00 a year in all the times mentioned above so his real income was about the same as mine, and 2: the Lord told me it was his concern and not mine. All I had to do was be faithful and he would take the rest. I know that the people that surrendered their lives to the ministry do not get paid enough. They are the first ones we tend to forget when times get hard and they live off of faith instead of a pay check, but they still have to meet their obligations. Paul here is not asking for anything the Lord does not require us to provide for the people spreading his words. Like Paul is facing, there are people that think the same way the people here are thinking then there are the ones that have their eyes opened and realized that it is a privilege to give to the ministers of Gods word. Paul not only deserves the pay he deserves our respect and honor for the fight they fight to spread the word.
In Christ
Bob
Anonymous (Bob),
I have to admit that I wrestled with posting this one or not. Decided to do so because it was a glimpse of your "journey" in this area of discipleship.
One other consideration...
It is not right to pay (give a raise to) a pastor because his spendable income is actually in line with yours. That may be true, but it is certainly not the reason. (And I am not certain that you are arguing that it is...just that it was a factor for you.) We don't look for doctors or attorneys or accountants or college professors who have an income commensurate with ours. We expect that professionals have invested time and resources to become competent at what they do. We know that the nature of their work is different than ours. As such, we compensate them for their work in a way that is reflective of their fields...not ours.
Paul simply says to do what is right and that it is right for a pastor to be supported by the congregation he serves. In 1 Timothy he gives some further guidelines. There the word is "double honor" which certainly exceeds an amount commensurate. It goes from "required" to "blessing."
Thanks for being willing to share about your experience. I look forward to more posts from you and to posts from others about this subject. Maybe others agree with you or have had similar experiences on the journey.
Grace,
I thank God that there are those that are called to leave all that is comfortable to do His work. By faith they heed God's calling, and it is our obligation and pleasure to support our staff and their needs.
I have never thought about pay like that, but I have to also admit that tithe has not always been an easy thing to give. For many years it was something I struggled with until God has put me in my place about the subject. I think as the church we are to be good stewards of God's money. We pay people what they are worth and I believe God gives us a peace about how we compenstate our church staff by our willing to serve Him with the money He has given us. It seems like a big circle. When I think about the money God has given us as mine then I have trouble giving back to God... I have to consistantly remind myself that in the end it is all God's anyway... God wants us to desire to be obedient!!
I love verses 24-27... what an amazing thought. I have run a couple of 5K's and there is no feeling like crossing that finish line. Such accomplishment, like finishing our spritual race and recieving our prize. AMAZING!!!!
I think we need tent makers these days. When you look at how the "tithe" and offering are used, a vast majority of it in most churches are used to pay staff and pay for facilities. Is this hay, wood or stubble? Or is this eternal investment? Church has just become way to complex!
by the way, why do we equate "double honor" with pay?
Anon:
Nice. I hope these are serious comments since I am taking time to reply seriously. "Tentmaking" is a valid ministry approach. I think there ought to be some of that. It works in many contexts. I am not sure the tithe could be considered wood, hay, and stubble. First, it is an act of worship on the part of the giver. Second...ask anyone who came to faith through the ministry of a pastor or a church...or a believer who was trained by a pastor or a church...and you will find that to them...it is not wood hay or stubble.
It is pretty bold to think that maybe you (or we) have a better idea of how to invest God's money these days than on the way it has been invested in times past. Hmmm. I could recommend some books on ecclesiology for you.
As for the double honor being equated to double pay...we don't do that...the Scripture does. The word means compensation in the original language.
Grace,
I didn't say that the "tithe" was wood hay or stubble but the use of it, i.e facilities, could be. it does not take a professionally trained pastor to lead someone to Christ nor does it take an institutional church. It that were true, America would definately be reached. You cannot equate the Tithe with the usage of the Tithe. The Tithe should be used to promote His Kingdom.
by the way, I don't need books on ecclesiology which are just men's interpretations of the Scriptures. I choose to just read my Bible. God seemd to think it was sufficient for us.
Hey Anon,
Your comments are a bit "caustic." I have heard your ideas before. Doesn't sound like your opinion is going to be changed. I can assure you that mine won't change. We can just disagree.
As for ecclesiology books...you might be right that you don't need them. I am not sure what it is like to be the smartest guy in the room and not need to understand things that other guys have thought through. Must be fun. It seems pretty arrogant to think that after 2000 years of the church, you can understand what it takes to be kingdom focused better than anyone before you. And if God worked through guys before you and they recorded some of this to be preserved...is it far out there to think He might want you to learn from it?
Be blessed,
C.
Interesting discussion, (sort of). How have I missed this controversial discussion? I would agree, these are some caustic discussions. Not real sure what the debate is here. God, according to His Word, obvioulsy gives gifts to His Church in the form of a pastor. The Bible does say that an elder who does well overseeing his flock should be counted worthy of double honor. difficult thing is that the "counted" is from the beholder or the sheep, but we are given the standard-- one who 1. Labors in the Word (Bible) and 2. the teaching of the Bible. This is a partnership of sorts, the elder should do well in overseeing the flock and the church should honor him as due. I have found that sometimes churches may "take advantage" of their elder/pastor in that they pay them as little as they can get by with. This is a sin on behalf of the church as the elder is there in response to faithfully following God's direction. The point is the responsive attitude, we as the church should have a desire to bless those you "guard after our souls". At any rate, I think the discussion should be closed as it does not seem to be edificial.
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