Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: Galatians 6:6

  • Shame on you!

    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!

  • Supporting Christian Workers: A Biblical Approach

    Recently, I was asked how we can support Christian workers, which might have been prompted by a Facebook post I shared. Scripture provides numerous teachings on this matter, but I will focus on one passage to highlight the principle clearly.

    In 3 John 1:1-14, the apostle John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and generosity towards traveling brothers serving in Christ’s name. Gaius’s actions show that he not only walks in the truth but also honors God’s work by helping those who proclaim it.

    Key Principles from the Passage

    1. Supporting Christian Workers is Commended  

    John praises Gaius for showing love and hospitality to Christian workers, even though they were strangers. He notes that sending them off “in a manner worthy of God” is a faithful act, making believers fellow workers in the truth.

    The same principle has been endorsed by Paul: “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’” (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

    The first quotation has been used by Paul in reference to support for God’s workers (1 Corinthians 9:9, 14). The latter is quoted from Jesus Christ. When He sent out His disciples, He called on them to be faithful to the Gospel and trust God’s people for their provision. (Luke 10:2-9)

    2. Christian Workers Depend on Believers’ Support  

    These workers “have gone out for the sake of Jesus’ name, accepting nothing from unbelievers,” meaning the responsibility of support falls on the church and fellow Christians.

    3. Warning Against Hindering Support  

    John rebukes Diotrephes for his pride, refusal to welcome Christian workers, and for stopping others from supporting them. Scripture warns that imitating such behaviour is evil.

    4. Imitate Good, Not Evil  

    Believers are encouraged to follow the example of Gaius and Demetrius, who have good testimonies, and avoid the divisive behaviour of Diotrephes.

    Applying the Principles Today

    Scripture encourages us to directly support Christian workers—missionaries, pastors, or evangelists. While many now rely on mission organisations to channel support, the biblical model emphasizes personal participation and partnership in the Gospel.

    Paul teaches, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

    Christian giving is a personal decision and choice. By helping those who labor for Christ, we become co-workers in spreading the truth and experience the joy of participating in God’s mission. (3 John 1:5-8)

    Important Insights on Giving

    In the Bible, support was always direct—given straight to God’s workers. Modern practice often routes help through organizations or committees, which can delay or even withhold rightful support. In the name of accountability, this system sometimes creates the opposite effect: funds are mismanaged or stalled. Returning to the biblical model of direct giving would be simpler and more faithful.

    Biblical Basis for Direct Support

    • Philippians 4:15‑16 – The Philippians sent aid directly to Paul, even multiple times.
    • Galatians 6:6 – Believers are called to share all good things directly with their instructors.
    • 1 Timothy 5:17‑18 – Elders who teach are worthy of financial honour, just as labourers deserve wages.

    Furthermore, Jesus teaches that giving should be discreet (Matthew 6:1‑4), done to please God rather than to be seen by others.

    A Matter of Conscience

    In the end, giving should follow God’s leading and the guidance of your conscience. It is not dependent on the approval of committees or organisations. Some Christians may prefer the modern method of routed support; it is their responsibility and choice. But it is wrong to impose such rules on those who wish to follow the biblical model. One of the worst things a Christian can do is to try to play God in the lives of others.

    Supporting Christian workers directly is both a responsibility and a blessing, making us true co-laborers in God’s mission.

    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!