KingJ
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- Mar 31, 2015
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I do not believe Christians are under the Old Testament tithe system as Israel was under the Mosaic Law. However, that does NOT mean Christians should become stingy, selfish, or financially disconnected from the local church they fellowship with.
The New Testament absolutely teaches financial support for ministers, churches, and Christian workers.
Pastors in full-time ministry should not have to beg for support while spending their lives serving, teaching, counselling, studying scripture, helping families, evangelizing, and caring for the church.
Scripture says:
Luke 10:7 “For the labourer is worthy of his hire.”
1 Timothy 5:17-18 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine... The labourer is worthy of his reward.”
Paul directly teaches that those ministering spiritually may receive material support:
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
Galatians 6:6 “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”
The early church also financially supported ministry and believers in need:
Acts 2:44-45 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
That is the balance:
If a believer is regularly fed spiritually, helped, encouraged, taught, and cared for through a church community, it is entirely biblical and honorable for them to contribute financially toward that ministry.
The New Testament absolutely teaches financial support for ministers, churches, and Christian workers.
Pastors in full-time ministry should not have to beg for support while spending their lives serving, teaching, counselling, studying scripture, helping families, evangelizing, and caring for the church.
Scripture says:
Luke 10:7 “For the labourer is worthy of his hire.”
1 Timothy 5:17-18 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine... The labourer is worthy of his reward.”
Paul directly teaches that those ministering spiritually may receive material support:
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”
Galatians 6:6 “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”
The early church also financially supported ministry and believers in need:
Acts 2:44-45 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
That is the balance:
- not forced legalism,
- not manipulation,
- not prosperity gospel greed,
- but willing, cheerful, consistent support.
- paying bills,
- helping the poor,
- supporting missions,
- maintaining the building,
- funding ministry,
- and supporting those working faithfully in it.
If a believer is regularly fed spiritually, helped, encouraged, taught, and cared for through a church community, it is entirely biblical and honorable for them to contribute financially toward that ministry.
