1 Corinthians 9:7-14 Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock… I. THE WORK OF THE MINISTER IS COSTLY TO HIMSELF. 1. All the energies of the minister must be devoted to his work, or it cannot be well done. 2. The minister's work is relatively expensive. He occupies a position which exposes him to expenses that cannot be met with small means. 3. Then there are the public meetings of the churches and councils, all necessary for the good of Zion, yet they cost something to the minister. He must also read much; he must therefore have at hand all necessary facilities for the study and illustration of truth. 4. The work of the ministry requires a large amount of skill and a sound judgment, and imposes great responsibility upon the minister. II. THE MINISTER'S SERVICES ARE VALUABLE TO THE PEOPLE. The pulpit is in no wise indebted to its supporters. It gives them many times more in temporal good than it costs. It has ever been the first, the most important, means of civilisation and social refinement; of gathering around the family home the tokens of thrift and comfort; of the increase of wealth, and of the productive value of real estate. Life and property are more secure under the influence of an evangelical ministry than where the gospel is not preached. III. THE STANDING AND REPUTATION OF A MINISTER IS AFFECTED BY HIS COMPENSATION. IV. JUSTICE REQUIRES THAT MINISTERS SHOULD BE PAID LIKE OTHER MEN. V. THE SYSTEM SO PREVALENT OF SUPPORTING THE MINISTER AS A GRATUITY DEGRADES THE MINISTRY IN THE ESTIMATION OF THE PEOPLE AND TENDS TO MAKE THE MINISTER SERVILE. 1. To avoid misapprehension, it is proper to say that this discourse refers to the duty of churches in forming their estimate of a minister's claims; not of the minister's duty to preach, whether paid or not. Necessity is laid upon him, he must preach the gospel; but it does not follow that he must give his services to those who able to pay him. 2. Ministers should preach to their own people on this subject. 3. Churches may not expect the rich effusion of Divine grace while they do not acknowledge their just obligations to their minister. 4. If the church that is able to pay a just compensation to their minister does not and will not do it, their minister should leave them. (M. H. Wilder.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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? |
    |