Topical Bible: Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Support Them

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In the biblical context, the relationship between ministers and their congregations is one of mutual responsibility and support. Scripture provides clear guidance on the duty of believers to support those who minister to them spiritually. This support is not merely a suggestion but is presented as a binding obligation, rooted in the principles of honor, provision, and partnership in the work of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation for Supporting Ministers

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, lays a strong foundation for the support of ministers. In 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that those who serve in the temple eat of the temple’s food, and those who attend to the altar partake in the altar’s offerings? In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." Here, Paul draws a parallel between the Old Testament practice of providing for the Levitical priests and the New Testament mandate for supporting Christian ministers.

Furthermore, in Galatians 6:6 , Paul instructs, "Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor." This verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the relationship between the teacher and the taught, where material support is a natural response to spiritual nourishment.

The Principle of Honor

The principle of honoring those who labor in ministry is underscored in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 : "Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and, 'The worker is worthy of his wages.'" This passage not only affirms the right of ministers to receive support but also elevates their role, recognizing the value of their work in the community of faith.

Old Testament Precedents

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of the community's responsibility to support those who serve in religious capacities. The Levites, who were set apart for temple service, were sustained by the tithes and offerings of the Israelites (Numbers 18:21-24). This system ensured that those dedicated to spiritual duties could focus on their calling without the distraction of financial concerns.

The Role of Tithes and Offerings

Tithing, a practice established in the Old Testament, continues to be a means by which believers support their ministers. Malachi 3:10 exhorts, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts. "See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." While the primary focus of this passage is on the blessings of obedience, it also highlights the practical aspect of ensuring provision for those who serve in God's house.

The New Testament Church Model

The early church exemplified a model of communal support and sharing. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "there were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice reflects the early Christians' commitment to supporting their leaders and each other, ensuring that the needs of the ministry were met.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for believers to support their ministers is clear and compelling. It is a practice rooted in the principles of honor, provision, and partnership, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to the service of the Gospel are adequately cared for by the communities they serve.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 31:4
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelled in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.
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1 Corinthians 9:7-11
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, and eats not of the milk of the flock?
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Galatians 6:6
Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teaches in all good things.
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Library

Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes of all Things?
... On the other hand the people of the New Law are spread ... if they did not pay tithes
on their trade profits ... Moreover the ministers of the New Law are more strictly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether men are bound to 3.htm

Whether the Clergy Also are Bound to Pay Tithes?
... are due to the clergy as being ministers of the ... else are bound to pay tithes on their
own lands ... of souls, and dispense spiritual things to the people, are not ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the clergy also are.htm

Church and State in New England
... 33] Even the fortnightly meeting of ministers who resided ... of her churches and the
conduct of their members. ... i] over the religious life of the people and its ...
/.../chapter iii church and state.htm

How Churches Can Help Ministers.
... and quiet their own consciences by complaining of their ministers. And when the
importance of ministers being awake is spoken of, this sort of people are ready ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiii how churches can.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... and worship of our God, whose ministers we are; and ... to relax their discipline, least
their people when pressed ... became the prime reason of their support; and if ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... Said one of the leading ministers in the colony of ... state church was formed, all the
people being required ... regarded as an open violation of their natural rights ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

Covenant Duties.
... civil rulers are represented as the ministers of God ... permanent obligations; and all,
in their peculiar relations ... Between rulers and the people under them, the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... Said one of the leading ministers in the colony of ... state church was formed, all the
people being required ... regarded as an open violation of their natural rights ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Westminster Standards in America.
... be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ ... obligations upon all classes
of people who are ... as such, are bound to execute their respective offices in ...
/.../ 98 the westminster standards.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Consider what fit objects of pity ungodly people are. ... 5. As for the ministers of
the Gospel, it is the very work of their calling to help others to heaven. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm