Reflecting on God’s desire for us who claim to follow Jesus Christ, let us consider the story of Cain and Abel as a case study. Why was Abel’s offering acceptable to God, while Cain’s was not?
Abel’s offering pleased God because it reflected a heart that honored Him first. In Genesis 4:3-7, we see that Abel offered the firstborn of his flock, signifying that he gave first to God. Cain, on the other hand, “in the course of time” offered some of the produce of the ground, but not the first fruits, indicating a lack of priority or wholehearted devotion.
Some interpret Abel’s offering as acceptable because it resembled the later Mosaic Law requirement to offer the fat portions to the Lord (Leviticus 3:16). However, the Law was established long after Cain and Abel, so their actions were not legally obligatory. Instead, God’s demand for the fat portions of all animal offerings reflected Abel’s genuine heart of giving to God first, not the other way around.
See God’s response to Cain—“If you do well, will you not be accepted?”—reveals that the real issue was the heart and attitude behind the offering. The act of giving must come from a place of surrender and prioritizing God above all.
This principle is echoed throughout Scripture. The story of Elijah and the widow shows the same heart condition: the widow gave the first portion of her last meal to God’s servant, demonstrating trust and putting God first. As a result, she and her son were sustained throughout the famine. (1 Kings 17:8-16)
Similarly, Paul commended the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 because they gave themselves first to the Lord before giving their material support, even in extreme poverty. Their offering was accepted because it flowed from a surrendered heart.
The lesson is clear: God delights in offerings given with a heart that honors Him first. Gifts that are leftovers or given without full surrender do not please Him. True worship and acceptable giving are rooted in putting God above all else, both in life, in our ministry for God, and in offerings.
Consequently, Paul quoted Jesus saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35),” a statement Jesus spoke before sending out His disciples. For us who serve the Lord Jesus Christ, this means we are called to share the Gospel without seeking payment. Yet, in the same context, the Lord also said, “The laborer deserves his food.” (Matthew 10:8-10) This reminds us that those who labor in the Word of God, as well as those who support them, should do so willingly and freely, without compulsion. In doing this, we reflect the heart of Abel, who offered the first and best of what he had to God, giving with a heart of faith and devotion.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
I’ve come to realize that many pastors are hesitant to discuss money because they’ve been taught and told not to speak on the topic. However, Paul addressed this issue on several occasions. Are pastors inferior to an apostle? Paul made it clear in Ephesians that both are mandated by Christ Jesus for His ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-14) While I understand that some people assume the role of a pastor but lack the necessary skills or love for God’s ministry. Some view the ministry not as a calling but as a profession, even worse, as an opportunity to gain wealth. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
No wonder Paul said, “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17) This article applies only to the latter group: people who are genuinely committed to doing God’s work.
Here’s the silent truth: Pastors are even ridiculed when people discover that someone has been supporting them, despite the clear biblical teaching that it’s the right of the pastor to receive support.
For example, Paul said, “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:14) It’s the right of pastors to receive their living from the Gospel, because it’s commanded by Jesus Christ (Luke 10:2-8).
Paul also said, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Galatians 6:6) This clearly teaches that the giving and receiving of ministry support is directly between the teacher and the learner.
Furthermore, Jesus instructed His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.” (Luke 10:2-7)
Despite these clear teachings, God’s workers often face little support and are subjected to ridicule and accusations of wrongdoing. Paul himself expressed his frustration, stating, “Did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted? Because I preached God’s Gospel to you without charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone. The brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.” (2 Corinthians 11:7-9)
The Corinthian church was biblically obligated to actively support Paul’s ministry in their midst. Scripture emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help God’s workers, declaring, “Therefore, we ought to support God’s workers like these, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (3 John 1:8)
Despite this clear mandate, Paul did not receive the support that was rightfully due him from the Corinthians. Instead, he endured their criticisms. In response, he wrote:
“I am here for the third time, ready to come to you. I will not be a burden because I seek not what is yours but you. Children are not obligated to save for their parents, but parents for their children. I will gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But since I did not burden you, you say, I was crafty and got the better of you by deceit.” (2 Corinthians 12:14‑16)
Paul’s words reveal his profound love for the Corinthians and his willingness to sacrifice for their spiritual growth, even without receiving the support that was biblically warranted. This passage serves as a reminder to recognize, honor, and assist those who faithfully labor in God’s work, fulfilling the partnership that Scripture envisions between God’s servants and His people.
God designed it that way. Both God’s workers and Christians who support them are considered workers in the Gospel. (3 John 1:8) God intended it to be a partnership. Therefore, Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippians, saying, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5) The Macedonians and the Philippians are essentially the same people. Paul revealed that they are his sole supporters, stating, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.” (Philippians 4:15)
John teaches that those who prevent people from directly supporting God’s workers are considered evildoers. (3 John 1:9-11)
Demetrius, who welcomes and supports God’s workers, contrasts sharply with Diotrephes, who refuses and hinders others from doing the same. It is crucial to discern who you listen to and follow.
Shame on you, Diotrephes! You are wrongfully accusing God’s workers of wrongdoing by denying them support and hindering others from doing so. Let’s not be deceived by the cunning and deceitful reasoning of some people who exploit your ignorance of Bible teachings. Regrettably, some have accused God’s workers of wrongdoing while neglecting accountability in their own collections of donations from God’s people.
I am simply stating the truth. I have received an unusual call from God. My mission is to study the Bible, explain its teachings clearly and without restraint, and share them with others. God’s people should not be offended by God’s Word. If you have any doubts, I encourage or even challenge you to study the Bible thoroughly. Discover for yourself the authentic teachings of the Scriptures.
P.S. This is a follow through to my previous posting “Supporting Christian Workers: A Biblical Approach”
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!
Most people enjoy hearing the positive aspects of being a Christian. Yes, Christians are assured of God’s presence and grace. However, Christianity comes with a price. Jesus Christ called on all who desire to follow Him to bear his own cross.
“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’ (Matthew 16:24-26)”
Christ Jesus carried and went to the cross in obedience to God the Father. Christians, in the same way, ought to carry our own cross in obedience to God’s word. Therefore, anything or anyone that hinders us from obeying God’s word becomes a cross we must carry if we truly want to follow Jesus Christ.
Again, Jesus Christ declared, “Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’ (Matthew 10:37-39)”
There are no ifs or buts in following Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ faithfully fulfilled Scripture; we, in turn, ought to fully adhere to His Word. Whatever you consider impossible, entrust it all to Jesus, so that we may faithfully follow Christ.
In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the water. Having been assured by Christ that it was He, Peter exclaimed, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to You on the water.” Jesus responded, “Come.” Peter then stepped out of the boat and walked on the water, eventually reaching Jesus. However, when he encountered the wind, he became frightened and began to sink, crying out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus promptly extended His hand and grasped him, asking, “Why did you doubt, you of little faith?” (Matthew 14:26-31)
Following Jesus Christ comes with a price: it demands our unwavering allegiance, commitment, and trust—an all-or-nothing proposition. That’s why faith is the key.
We are not expected to walk on water to demonstrate faith. Instead, we should trust His providential grace in our daily lives and extend grace to others, especially when we have been given more. For further reading, refer to Luke 18:17-30 and Luke 19:2-10.
Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!
Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 