The World in the Church: Salary Issues
Salary Issues
Let's look at the salary issues. Paul taught that a preacher has a right; that the leader in the church and the one who ministers spiritual things, has a right to be blessed financially. People seem to have this idea that if a man works hard and puts in long hours; if he studies hard and pursues a career, builds up a business and becomes financially successful, whether he be charging high prices or not, people look at him and say, "He is a successful man." They take off their hats to him and say, "Wow. This man really has something to have been able to build himself up from nothing and become a successful businessman."
There is not an outcry because he is charging for his services. There is not an outcry because he is charging for the products that he is giving out. But let him call himself pastor and the whole thing changes. Let him call himself a minister of God and suddenly the whole dimension changes. Suddenly all his efforts in studying, all his efforts in increasing his knowledge, all his efforts in giving forth in long hours every day, are meant to be without reward. He is supposed to do it for free. After all, he is working for the Lord, so the Lord is going to pay him.
People seem to have the attitude that to give to a servant of the Lord is like giving to charity, where we throw a pittance out when we feel like it; when our conscience tugs at us a little bit. No, let's make no bones about it. The Word of God is very clear that if you are ministered to in spiritual things, you have an obligation to minister back in financial things. You see the ministry is a calling, it is not a career. It is a calling, and those who commit themselves to it do not think in terms of money. The apostle Paul refused to even exercise his right to be financially supported. Too often the mindset in the church is this.
There is a little saying that my late dad used to say years ago. He said, "You know in most churches, the people pray like this for their pastor. 'Lord, you keep our pastor humble, and we'll keep him poor.' "
It might sound funny, but it is true. The pastor is meant to just barely get by. He is meant to just have enough to live on, no luxuries. If the pastor has a good car then he is stepping out of line.
"What does a man of God want a good car for? What does he want to live in a good house for? What does he want to wear fancy clothes for?"
Let me tell you, he has put a lot more effort and worked a lot harder than that rich millionaire out there, who has arrived at the top by trampling on everybody else. People will gladly pay the price for his products without batting an eyelid. But let them be asked to give something towards this man of God who has poured out his heart and soul for them, and they want to winge about it.
1st Timothy 5:17
"Let the elders [Gk: 'elderly, older, a senior, specifically an Israelitish Sanhedrist (also figuratively member of the celestial council) or Christian "presbyter ({in the early Christian church} an office bearer who exercised teaching, priestly, and administrative functions, a priest, and elder in a Presbyterian church)", elder'] that RULE [Gk: 'to stand before, i.e. (in rack) to preside, or (by implication) to practise:--maintain, be over, rule'] well [Gk: 'Well (usually morally):--(in a) good (place), honestly, + recover, (full) well'] be counted worthy [Gk: 'to deem entitled or fit:—desire, think good, count (think) worthy'] of double [Gk: 'Two-fold:--double, two-fold more'] honor [Gk: 'A value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:--honor, precious, price'], especially they [elders] who labor [Gk: 'To feel fatigue; implication to work hard:--(bestow) labor, toil, be wearied'] in the Word [of God] and [the wholesome] doctrine [Gk: 'Instruction (the function or the information):--doctrine (of Christ), learning, teaching'--'which is according to godliness' (1 Tim. 6:3)]."
Since the work of elders is primarily based on speaking gifts, they must, as Paul told Timothy, be
“able to teach [Gk: 'Instructive ("didactic {educational, informative, edifying, moralizing, moralistic, improving}"):--apt to teach']” (1st Timothy 3:2).
This means far more than simply being able to teach a lesson. Paul told Titus that elders must
“be able by SOUND [Gk: 'To have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):--be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole, (be) wholesome'] DOCTRINE [Gk: 'Instruction (the function or the information):--doctrine, learning, teaching'] both to EXHORT [Gk: 'To call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, exhortation or consolation):--beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, exhort, (give) exhortation, entreat, pray'] and to CONVINCE [Gk: 'To confute, admonish:--CONVICT, CONVINCE, tell a fault, REBUKE, REPROVE'] the GAINSAYERS [Gk: 'the dispute, the refuser:--answer again, THOSE WHO CONTRADICT, THOSE WHO DENY, gainsay, the gainsayer, THOSE WHO SPEAK AGAINST'].” (Titus 1:9).
Elders must grasp the Word of God at such a profound level that they are able to accurately explain it, express it, and contend for it. They must be dedicated students of the Word, workers who do not need to be ashamed,
“rightly [Gk: 'in a straight manner, correctly, plainly, honestly, directly, uprightly'] dividing [Gk: 'to make a straight cut, i.e. to dissect (expound, explain) correctly'] the Word [Gk: 'the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)'] of truth [Gk: '(the divine message), truly, verity, true (as not concealing), to be true (in doctrine {teaching} and profession {acknowledgement, confession, to assent, i.e. covenant, give thanks, praise}), speak (tell) the truth'].” (2nd Timothy 2:15).
Elders must give themselves to the ministry of the Word.
We have a responsibility to support the work of God. This is the first time I am touching on this subject, because I do not like to preach on it. I like to have Paul's attitude. My boast is in the Lord, and if I have to work with my hands in order to earn, I will do that. But God's work needs to be supported.
Instead, what is going to happen now is a church organization is going to set things up and they are going to become like the world. They are going to structure it in such a way that the pastor has to be given a salary, an income specifically. The whole thing is determined in a worldly way, and the whole thing is run in a worldly way. People have to pay their tithes and they are given receipts for their tithes, as though they are paying their monthly subscriptions.
The church has become like the world. Why? Why has the church come to the place where the pressure is put on people to force them to pay tithes, which is contrary to the New Testament pattern? We will talk about that another time. But people are forced to pay tithes in terms of an Old Testament covenant. Why? People are coerced, people are threatened, people are filled with fear if they do not pay. Why?
I will tell you why. Because they are not paying. They are not rewarding the one who feeds them. Paul quotes from the Old Testament and says, "You will not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain." While the ox is treading out the grain, let him eat some of it. There needs to come a change in the church system. The church system has adopted the World System, and the church system has become like the world, which is squeezing finance out of people and controlling it just the way the world controls it. It is the wrong pattern. It is not God's order. The church was never meant to be that way.
SOME SHOCKING TRUTHS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN TITHING DOCTRINE
1. Abraham never tithed on his own personal property or livestock.
2. Jacob wouldn’t tithe until God blessed him first.
3. Only Levite priests could collect tithes, and there are no Levite priests today.
4. Only food products from the land were tithable.
5. Money was never a tithable commodity.
6. Christian converts were never asked to tithe anything to the Church.
7. Tithing in the Church first appears centuries after completion of the Bible.
The Church would prefer you not know the following:
· The tradesmen who made the baskets for harvesting, did not tithe.
· The cobblers, who made the shoes for the servants of the field, did not tithe.
· The carpenters, who made the wagons used for harvesting the fields, did not tithe.
· The potters, who made the jugs for carrying water to the servants in the fields, did not tithe.
· The women, who made the garments for the field-workers, did not tithe.
· And certainly, the servants who worked in the fields for wages, did not tithe.
Here are the simple facts regarding the Biblical teaching of tithing:
ONLY LANDOWNERS TITHED
ONLY PRODUCTS OF THE LAND WERE TITHED
ONLY LEVITES COULD RECEIVE THE TITHES
TITHING WAS A LAW OF MOSES
CHRISTIANS ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES!
Does anyone have a Scripture that contradicts what I have just said?
By the way, Jesus Christ was a carpenter by trade, and as such, JESUS DID NOT TITHE!
The tithe in the Old Testament was not 10% of their total income, but 10% of this and 10% of that, right on up to as much as 40 to 60% of their total income. I don't know anybody who truly tithes according to the Law of Moses.
Here then is the bottom line: Neither, Jesus nor His apostles tithed themselves or taught tithing to others. And within a generation God pronounced to the entire world by the total destruction of both the nation of Judah, and their city of Jerusalem with its temple, that the church established in the wilderness, was now superseded by the Church of Christ. The nation of Israel was gone, the temple was gone, the priests were gone, the Levites were gone, and concerning the very Law of Moses containing the law of tithing, we read this:
"In that he says, A NEW covenant, He has made the first OLD. Now that which DECAYS and waxes OLD is ready to VANISH AWAY" (Heb. 8:13).
But the Church today doesn’t want the New Covenant to replace the Old. They want to put the New Wine (of the New Covenant), in the Old Bottles (of the Old Covenant). And they want to put the New Cloth (of the New Covenant), on the Old Cloth (of the Old Covenant). And what did Jesus tell us would be the result of such an unharmonious and unequal yoking?
"And no man puts new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled and the bottles shall perish [be ruined]."
However, in two thousand years, the church is still trying to put the Old and the New together as One, and the results are always disastrous.
Just why is it that they like the Old covenant better than the New? Here’s the answer from the lips of our Master Himself:
"No man also having drunk old wine [lived by the Old Covenant] straightway ['immediately'] desires new [the spiritual New Covenant]: for he says, The old is better" (Luke 5:39).
A warning to all charlatans and would-be tithe extractors and collectors:
There is NO temple of God being officiated in Jerusalem today. There is NO Levitical priesthood to officiate at such a temple. There is NO NEED for such a temple or priesthood at this time. Only Levites could collect tithes at the temple. Therefore, EVERYONE collecting tithes today is a charlatan and a fake. If one cannot historically trace back his genealogy generation by generation with no lapses to the family of Aaron, he IS NOT and CANNOT be a priest authorized of God at this time to collect tithes for the temple services and sacrifices. (Of course Jesus IS our Sacrifice, and therefore that whole system funded by the tithes of the law is no longer applicable).
God started the church in the Wilderness by bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt (out of sin).
Only a few entered the Promised Land because of unbelief (they wanted to go back to Egypt, back to sin).
From the Promised Land, God drove both Israel (the many called) and Judah (the few chosen) into captivity by the Assyrians and Babylonians respectively.
Under Ezra and Nehemiah along with priests and Levites, they returned and rebuilt Jerusalem.
Jesus Himself, tells us how utterly corrupt the religious leadership was in His day.
Paul tells us that it was the MAJORITY in his time that were making merchandise out of God’s word, corrupting and selling it for a personal profit!
In 70 AD all of Jerusalem including the whole temple system was totally destroyed, but the Church that Jesus built continued on.
HELP THE NEEDY, NOT THE GREEDY
Give to the fatherless, the orphans, the strangers, the widows, the poor, and the needy, the homeless, and the beggar on the street, as God gives to you, the wherewithal. Give to reputable charities if you have extra. Give to your family members and relatives in need—don’t humiliate them by making them ask you first. Give to a neighbor in financial distress. Even when tipping someone, let it be a reflection of the One that you are representing in your Christian walk. Our God is a generous God—may you become generous also. Develop a "love for giving." Paul tells us in Acts 20:35b to:
"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE"
HOW THE APOSTLE PAUL FINANCED HIS INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY
Worldliness in the Church today is not looked upon as shameful, but rather as being chic. Power, wealth, and notoriety are not things to be repented of, but are rather to be lusted after and pursued with great vigor. Young aspiring ministers are not thought to be vain or ambitious when seeking worldliness, but are rather thought of as being enthusiastic for the work of the Lord. Let’s see how Paul did things.
"For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you: Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail NIGHT AND DAY, that we might not be chargeable to any man. Not because we have not power, but to MAKE OURSELVES AN EXAMPLE UNTO YOU TO FOLLOW US" (2nd Thessalonians 3:7-9).
But how many truly follow Paul’s example? You be the judge.
"For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for LABOURING NIGHT AND DAY, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the Gospel of God" (I Thessalonians 2:9).
Imagine that: Paul could not only walk and chew gum at the same time, but he could work "night and day" and "preach the Gospel of God" at the same time! Just maybe there is a lesson in there somewhere. Paul travels to Corinth:
"And because he was of the same craft [trade], he abode with them, and wrought [worked]: for by their occupation they were tentmakers" (Acts 18:3).
"I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye [all of you] yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:33- 31).
Don’t kid yourself, there’s a whole army of men of the cloth out there coveting your gold and your silver. Many television ministries are little more than highly sophisticated Hollywood-produced, tithe-collecting infomercials. They make me ill watching them.
One final example of how Paul ministered and financed his ministry:
"For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle [Gk: 'A PLACE FOR PUBLIC SHOW ("THEATRE"), i.e. GENERAL AUDIENCE-ROOM, by implication: A SHOW ITSELF'] unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools [Gk: 'DULL OR STUPID (as if SHUT UP), i.e. HEEDLESS (neglectful, oblivious, without regard, rash, reckless, careless, unmindful), (moral) BLOCKHEAD, (apparently) ABSURD:--FOOLISH'] for Christ's sake, but ye [all of you] are wise in Christ;
we are weak [Gk: 'STRENGTHLESS (literally, figuratively, or morally), MORE FEEBLE, IMPOTENT, SICK, WITHOUT STRENGTH, WEAK'], but ye [all of you] are strong; ye [all of you] are honorable,
but we are despised [Gk: '(negative) UNHONORED or (positive) DISHONORED:--DESPISED, WITHOUT HONOR, LESS HONORABLE {comparative degree}'].
Even unto this present hour we both hunger [Gk: '(through the idea of PINCHING TOIL, "PINE") TO FAMISH (absolutely or comparatively), figuratively: TO CRAVE: BE A HUNGERED'],
and thirst [NEED FOR LIQUIDS, DEHYDRATED, DRYNESS, DESIRE, LONGING, HUNGER, CRAVING, EAGERNESS],
and are naked [Gk: 'TO STRIP, i.e. (reflexive) GO POORLY CLAD (POORLY DRESSED, POORLY CLOTHED):--BE NAKED'],
and are buffeted [Gk: 'CHASTEN-FROM (RESERVED FOR INFLICTION), TO RAP WITH THE FIST, A BLOW, A HARD HIT (AS WITH THE FIST), A SUDDEN ATTACK, A SUDDEN CALAMITY OR SHOCK, A STRIKING WITH THE HANDS, A SUCCESSION OF BLOWS, STRIFE, OPPOSITION, ADVERSITY, A HARD HIT (ESPECIALLY TO THE FACE)'],
and have no certain dwelling place [Gk: 'TO BE NON STATIONARY, i.e. (figuratively) HOMELESS:--HAVING NO CERTAIN DWELLING PLACE'];
And labor [Gk: 'TO FEEL FATIQUE, by implication: TO WORK HARD:--(BESTOW) LABOR, TOIL, BE WEARIED (TIRED, TIRED OUT, SLEEPY, EXHAUSTED, WARN OUT, FATIGUED, DRAINED, SOMNOLENT)'],
WORKING [Gk: 'TO TOIL (AS A TASK, OCCUPATION, EMPLOYMENT, TRADE, ETC.), (by implication) EFFECT (ACHEIVE, PRODUCE), BE ENGAGED IN OR WITH, ETC.:--COMMIT, DO , LABOR FOR, MINISTER ABOUT (AROUND), TRADE (BY), WORK'] WITH OUR OWN HANDS:
being reviled [Gk: 'TO REPROACH, i.e. VILIFY (SPEAK ILL OF, MALIGN, DEGENERATE, RUN DOWN, PULL TO PIECES, BELITTLE, DISPARAGE, LIBEL):--REVILE, ABUSIVE, i.e. A BLACKGUARD (A LOW CONTEMPTIBLE PERSON, SCOUNDREL, A GROUP OF MENIAL WORKERS (USUALLY IN THE KITCHEN OF A LARGE HOUSEHOLD, THE SERVANTS OF AN ARMY, CAMP FOLLOWERS), TO REVILE IN SCURRILOUS LANGUAGE):--RAILER, REVILER'], we bless;
being persecuted [Gk: 'TO PURSUE (literally & figuratively), by implication: PERSECUTE:--ENSUE, FOLLOW (AFTER), GIVEN TO, (SUFFER) PERSECUTION, PRESS FOWARD'],
we suffer [Gk: 'TO HOLD ONESELF UP AGAINST, i.e. (figuratively) PUT UP WITH:--BEAR WITH, ENDURE, FORBEAR, SUFFER'] it [the persecution]:
Being defamed [Gk: 'VILIFY (SPEAK ILL OF, MALIGN, DEGENERATE, RUN DOWN, PULL TO PIECES, BELITTLE, DISPARAGE, LIBEL), specifically: TO SPEAK IMPIOUSLY (SPOKEN OF AS SINFUL, IRREVERANT, WICKED, BAD, IMMORAL):--(SPEAK) BLASPHEMED, DEFAME, RAIL ON, REVILE (INSULT, ABUSE, SCORN, CONDEMN, SENSURE, DESPISE, BERATE DISPARAGE), SPEAK EVIL'], we intreat:
we are made as the filth [Gk: 'SOMETHING CLEANED OFF ALL AROUND, i.e. REFUSE (DECLINED, REJECTED, SAID NO TO, SNUBBED, REBUFFED, TURNED DOWN, REPUDIATED) (figuratively):--FILTH'] of the world [Gk: 'ORDERLY ARRANGEMENT OR SYSTEM OF THE WHOLE OR SOME PART OF HUMAN SOCIETY, (figuratively) SATAN'S KINGDOM, BABYLON'],
and are the off scouring [Gk: '(TO RUB), SOMETHING BRUSHED ALL AROUND, i.e. OFF-SCRAPINGS (figuratively; SCUM):--OFFSCOURING'] of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons [children] I warn you.
For though ye [all of you] have ten thousand instructors [teachers, masters, doctors] in Christ, yet [STILL] have ye [all of you] NOT MANY [but only FEW] fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Wherefore [for this reason] I beseech [BEG OF] you, BE YE [ALL OF YOU] FOLLOWERS [Gk: 'AN IMITATOR:--FOLLOWER, (A "MIMIC" {IMITATE, IMPERSONATE, TAKE OFF, APE (like 'money see, monkey do'), COPY, IMPRESSIONIST})'] OF ME." (1st Corinthians 4:9-16)!
Cheerfully giving from the heart is a virtue. However, fraudulently fleecing the flock by exacting ten percent of parishioner's paychecks under fear of breaking an Old Testament law of tithing is a sin!
It is far past time that we offer a little comfort to the millions of people in our nation and around the world who are chafing under the constant burden of supporting ministers and televangelists who live lifestyles so materialistic and worldly that even Hugh Heffner would be envious. I’m not trying to be humorous about these characters; I’m dead serious.
Well I certainly don’t begrudge any minister an honest living. However, I do believe that when many of these modern televangelists (and others) feel the need to have everything they own gold gilded, just maybe their greed and vanity starts to destroy their effectiveness as dispensers of God’s Truths.
There is no need for people to feel guilty over any religious doctrine. It is time we rid ourselves of guilty consciences. Hopefully, by the time you have finished reading this paper your guilt over tithing or non-tithing will be gone forever!
It is our sincere desire that all who have been chafing under the unscriptural burden of Christian tithing will feel free at last to follow their heart in giving to whomever they desire as God prospers them. John 8:32 tells us that Truth is Freedom:
"And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you FREE."
Let's look at the salary issues. Paul taught that a preacher has a right; that the leader in the church and the one who ministers spiritual things, has a right to be blessed financially. People seem to have this idea that if a man works hard and puts in long hours; if he studies hard and pursues a career, builds up a business and becomes financially successful, whether he be charging high prices or not, people look at him and say, "He is a successful man." They take off their hats to him and say, "Wow. This man really has something to have been able to build himself up from nothing and become a successful businessman."
There is not an outcry because he is charging for his services. There is not an outcry because he is charging for the products that he is giving out. But let him call himself pastor and the whole thing changes. Let him call himself a minister of God and suddenly the whole dimension changes. Suddenly all his efforts in studying, all his efforts in increasing his knowledge, all his efforts in giving forth in long hours every day, are meant to be without reward. He is supposed to do it for free. After all, he is working for the Lord, so the Lord is going to pay him.
People seem to have the attitude that to give to a servant of the Lord is like giving to charity, where we throw a pittance out when we feel like it; when our conscience tugs at us a little bit. No, let's make no bones about it. The Word of God is very clear that if you are ministered to in spiritual things, you have an obligation to minister back in financial things. You see the ministry is a calling, it is not a career. It is a calling, and those who commit themselves to it do not think in terms of money. The apostle Paul refused to even exercise his right to be financially supported. Too often the mindset in the church is this.
There is a little saying that my late dad used to say years ago. He said, "You know in most churches, the people pray like this for their pastor. 'Lord, you keep our pastor humble, and we'll keep him poor.' "
It might sound funny, but it is true. The pastor is meant to just barely get by. He is meant to just have enough to live on, no luxuries. If the pastor has a good car then he is stepping out of line.
"What does a man of God want a good car for? What does he want to live in a good house for? What does he want to wear fancy clothes for?"
Let me tell you, he has put a lot more effort and worked a lot harder than that rich millionaire out there, who has arrived at the top by trampling on everybody else. People will gladly pay the price for his products without batting an eyelid. But let them be asked to give something towards this man of God who has poured out his heart and soul for them, and they want to winge about it.
1st Timothy 5:17
"Let the elders [Gk: 'elderly, older, a senior, specifically an Israelitish Sanhedrist (also figuratively member of the celestial council) or Christian "presbyter ({in the early Christian church} an office bearer who exercised teaching, priestly, and administrative functions, a priest, and elder in a Presbyterian church)", elder'] that RULE [Gk: 'to stand before, i.e. (in rack) to preside, or (by implication) to practise:--maintain, be over, rule'] well [Gk: 'Well (usually morally):--(in a) good (place), honestly, + recover, (full) well'] be counted worthy [Gk: 'to deem entitled or fit:—desire, think good, count (think) worthy'] of double [Gk: 'Two-fold:--double, two-fold more'] honor [Gk: 'A value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:--honor, precious, price'], especially they [elders] who labor [Gk: 'To feel fatigue; implication to work hard:--(bestow) labor, toil, be wearied'] in the Word [of God] and [the wholesome] doctrine [Gk: 'Instruction (the function or the information):--doctrine (of Christ), learning, teaching'--'which is according to godliness' (1 Tim. 6:3)]."
Since the work of elders is primarily based on speaking gifts, they must, as Paul told Timothy, be
“able to teach [Gk: 'Instructive ("didactic {educational, informative, edifying, moralizing, moralistic, improving}"):--apt to teach']” (1st Timothy 3:2).
This means far more than simply being able to teach a lesson. Paul told Titus that elders must
“be able by SOUND [Gk: 'To have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):--be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole, (be) wholesome'] DOCTRINE [Gk: 'Instruction (the function or the information):--doctrine, learning, teaching'] both to EXHORT [Gk: 'To call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, exhortation or consolation):--beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, exhort, (give) exhortation, entreat, pray'] and to CONVINCE [Gk: 'To confute, admonish:--CONVICT, CONVINCE, tell a fault, REBUKE, REPROVE'] the GAINSAYERS [Gk: 'the dispute, the refuser:--answer again, THOSE WHO CONTRADICT, THOSE WHO DENY, gainsay, the gainsayer, THOSE WHO SPEAK AGAINST'].” (Titus 1:9).
Elders must grasp the Word of God at such a profound level that they are able to accurately explain it, express it, and contend for it. They must be dedicated students of the Word, workers who do not need to be ashamed,
“rightly [Gk: 'in a straight manner, correctly, plainly, honestly, directly, uprightly'] dividing [Gk: 'to make a straight cut, i.e. to dissect (expound, explain) correctly'] the Word [Gk: 'the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)'] of truth [Gk: '(the divine message), truly, verity, true (as not concealing), to be true (in doctrine {teaching} and profession {acknowledgement, confession, to assent, i.e. covenant, give thanks, praise}), speak (tell) the truth'].” (2nd Timothy 2:15).
Elders must give themselves to the ministry of the Word.
We have a responsibility to support the work of God. This is the first time I am touching on this subject, because I do not like to preach on it. I like to have Paul's attitude. My boast is in the Lord, and if I have to work with my hands in order to earn, I will do that. But God's work needs to be supported.
Instead, what is going to happen now is a church organization is going to set things up and they are going to become like the world. They are going to structure it in such a way that the pastor has to be given a salary, an income specifically. The whole thing is determined in a worldly way, and the whole thing is run in a worldly way. People have to pay their tithes and they are given receipts for their tithes, as though they are paying their monthly subscriptions.
The church has become like the world. Why? Why has the church come to the place where the pressure is put on people to force them to pay tithes, which is contrary to the New Testament pattern? We will talk about that another time. But people are forced to pay tithes in terms of an Old Testament covenant. Why? People are coerced, people are threatened, people are filled with fear if they do not pay. Why?
I will tell you why. Because they are not paying. They are not rewarding the one who feeds them. Paul quotes from the Old Testament and says, "You will not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain." While the ox is treading out the grain, let him eat some of it. There needs to come a change in the church system. The church system has adopted the World System, and the church system has become like the world, which is squeezing finance out of people and controlling it just the way the world controls it. It is the wrong pattern. It is not God's order. The church was never meant to be that way.
SOME SHOCKING TRUTHS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN TITHING DOCTRINE
1. Abraham never tithed on his own personal property or livestock.
2. Jacob wouldn’t tithe until God blessed him first.
3. Only Levite priests could collect tithes, and there are no Levite priests today.
4. Only food products from the land were tithable.
5. Money was never a tithable commodity.
6. Christian converts were never asked to tithe anything to the Church.
7. Tithing in the Church first appears centuries after completion of the Bible.
The Church would prefer you not know the following:
· The tradesmen who made the baskets for harvesting, did not tithe.
· The cobblers, who made the shoes for the servants of the field, did not tithe.
· The carpenters, who made the wagons used for harvesting the fields, did not tithe.
· The potters, who made the jugs for carrying water to the servants in the fields, did not tithe.
· The women, who made the garments for the field-workers, did not tithe.
· And certainly, the servants who worked in the fields for wages, did not tithe.
Here are the simple facts regarding the Biblical teaching of tithing:
ONLY LANDOWNERS TITHED
ONLY PRODUCTS OF THE LAND WERE TITHED
ONLY LEVITES COULD RECEIVE THE TITHES
TITHING WAS A LAW OF MOSES
CHRISTIANS ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES!
Does anyone have a Scripture that contradicts what I have just said?
By the way, Jesus Christ was a carpenter by trade, and as such, JESUS DID NOT TITHE!
The tithe in the Old Testament was not 10% of their total income, but 10% of this and 10% of that, right on up to as much as 40 to 60% of their total income. I don't know anybody who truly tithes according to the Law of Moses.
Here then is the bottom line: Neither, Jesus nor His apostles tithed themselves or taught tithing to others. And within a generation God pronounced to the entire world by the total destruction of both the nation of Judah, and their city of Jerusalem with its temple, that the church established in the wilderness, was now superseded by the Church of Christ. The nation of Israel was gone, the temple was gone, the priests were gone, the Levites were gone, and concerning the very Law of Moses containing the law of tithing, we read this:
"In that he says, A NEW covenant, He has made the first OLD. Now that which DECAYS and waxes OLD is ready to VANISH AWAY" (Heb. 8:13).
But the Church today doesn’t want the New Covenant to replace the Old. They want to put the New Wine (of the New Covenant), in the Old Bottles (of the Old Covenant). And they want to put the New Cloth (of the New Covenant), on the Old Cloth (of the Old Covenant). And what did Jesus tell us would be the result of such an unharmonious and unequal yoking?
"And no man puts new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled and the bottles shall perish [be ruined]."
However, in two thousand years, the church is still trying to put the Old and the New together as One, and the results are always disastrous.
Just why is it that they like the Old covenant better than the New? Here’s the answer from the lips of our Master Himself:
"No man also having drunk old wine [lived by the Old Covenant] straightway ['immediately'] desires new [the spiritual New Covenant]: for he says, The old is better" (Luke 5:39).
A warning to all charlatans and would-be tithe extractors and collectors:
There is NO temple of God being officiated in Jerusalem today. There is NO Levitical priesthood to officiate at such a temple. There is NO NEED for such a temple or priesthood at this time. Only Levites could collect tithes at the temple. Therefore, EVERYONE collecting tithes today is a charlatan and a fake. If one cannot historically trace back his genealogy generation by generation with no lapses to the family of Aaron, he IS NOT and CANNOT be a priest authorized of God at this time to collect tithes for the temple services and sacrifices. (Of course Jesus IS our Sacrifice, and therefore that whole system funded by the tithes of the law is no longer applicable).
God started the church in the Wilderness by bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt (out of sin).
Only a few entered the Promised Land because of unbelief (they wanted to go back to Egypt, back to sin).
From the Promised Land, God drove both Israel (the many called) and Judah (the few chosen) into captivity by the Assyrians and Babylonians respectively.
Under Ezra and Nehemiah along with priests and Levites, they returned and rebuilt Jerusalem.
Jesus Himself, tells us how utterly corrupt the religious leadership was in His day.
Paul tells us that it was the MAJORITY in his time that were making merchandise out of God’s word, corrupting and selling it for a personal profit!
In 70 AD all of Jerusalem including the whole temple system was totally destroyed, but the Church that Jesus built continued on.
HELP THE NEEDY, NOT THE GREEDY
Give to the fatherless, the orphans, the strangers, the widows, the poor, and the needy, the homeless, and the beggar on the street, as God gives to you, the wherewithal. Give to reputable charities if you have extra. Give to your family members and relatives in need—don’t humiliate them by making them ask you first. Give to a neighbor in financial distress. Even when tipping someone, let it be a reflection of the One that you are representing in your Christian walk. Our God is a generous God—may you become generous also. Develop a "love for giving." Paul tells us in Acts 20:35b to:
"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE"
HOW THE APOSTLE PAUL FINANCED HIS INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY
Worldliness in the Church today is not looked upon as shameful, but rather as being chic. Power, wealth, and notoriety are not things to be repented of, but are rather to be lusted after and pursued with great vigor. Young aspiring ministers are not thought to be vain or ambitious when seeking worldliness, but are rather thought of as being enthusiastic for the work of the Lord. Let’s see how Paul did things.
"For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you: Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail NIGHT AND DAY, that we might not be chargeable to any man. Not because we have not power, but to MAKE OURSELVES AN EXAMPLE UNTO YOU TO FOLLOW US" (2nd Thessalonians 3:7-9).
But how many truly follow Paul’s example? You be the judge.
"For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for LABOURING NIGHT AND DAY, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the Gospel of God" (I Thessalonians 2:9).
Imagine that: Paul could not only walk and chew gum at the same time, but he could work "night and day" and "preach the Gospel of God" at the same time! Just maybe there is a lesson in there somewhere. Paul travels to Corinth:
"And because he was of the same craft [trade], he abode with them, and wrought [worked]: for by their occupation they were tentmakers" (Acts 18:3).
"I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye [all of you] yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:33- 31).
Don’t kid yourself, there’s a whole army of men of the cloth out there coveting your gold and your silver. Many television ministries are little more than highly sophisticated Hollywood-produced, tithe-collecting infomercials. They make me ill watching them.
One final example of how Paul ministered and financed his ministry:
"For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle [Gk: 'A PLACE FOR PUBLIC SHOW ("THEATRE"), i.e. GENERAL AUDIENCE-ROOM, by implication: A SHOW ITSELF'] unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools [Gk: 'DULL OR STUPID (as if SHUT UP), i.e. HEEDLESS (neglectful, oblivious, without regard, rash, reckless, careless, unmindful), (moral) BLOCKHEAD, (apparently) ABSURD:--FOOLISH'] for Christ's sake, but ye [all of you] are wise in Christ;
we are weak [Gk: 'STRENGTHLESS (literally, figuratively, or morally), MORE FEEBLE, IMPOTENT, SICK, WITHOUT STRENGTH, WEAK'], but ye [all of you] are strong; ye [all of you] are honorable,
but we are despised [Gk: '(negative) UNHONORED or (positive) DISHONORED:--DESPISED, WITHOUT HONOR, LESS HONORABLE {comparative degree}'].
Even unto this present hour we both hunger [Gk: '(through the idea of PINCHING TOIL, "PINE") TO FAMISH (absolutely or comparatively), figuratively: TO CRAVE: BE A HUNGERED'],
and thirst [NEED FOR LIQUIDS, DEHYDRATED, DRYNESS, DESIRE, LONGING, HUNGER, CRAVING, EAGERNESS],
and are naked [Gk: 'TO STRIP, i.e. (reflexive) GO POORLY CLAD (POORLY DRESSED, POORLY CLOTHED):--BE NAKED'],
and are buffeted [Gk: 'CHASTEN-FROM (RESERVED FOR INFLICTION), TO RAP WITH THE FIST, A BLOW, A HARD HIT (AS WITH THE FIST), A SUDDEN ATTACK, A SUDDEN CALAMITY OR SHOCK, A STRIKING WITH THE HANDS, A SUCCESSION OF BLOWS, STRIFE, OPPOSITION, ADVERSITY, A HARD HIT (ESPECIALLY TO THE FACE)'],
and have no certain dwelling place [Gk: 'TO BE NON STATIONARY, i.e. (figuratively) HOMELESS:--HAVING NO CERTAIN DWELLING PLACE'];
And labor [Gk: 'TO FEEL FATIQUE, by implication: TO WORK HARD:--(BESTOW) LABOR, TOIL, BE WEARIED (TIRED, TIRED OUT, SLEEPY, EXHAUSTED, WARN OUT, FATIGUED, DRAINED, SOMNOLENT)'],
WORKING [Gk: 'TO TOIL (AS A TASK, OCCUPATION, EMPLOYMENT, TRADE, ETC.), (by implication) EFFECT (ACHEIVE, PRODUCE), BE ENGAGED IN OR WITH, ETC.:--COMMIT, DO , LABOR FOR, MINISTER ABOUT (AROUND), TRADE (BY), WORK'] WITH OUR OWN HANDS:
being reviled [Gk: 'TO REPROACH, i.e. VILIFY (SPEAK ILL OF, MALIGN, DEGENERATE, RUN DOWN, PULL TO PIECES, BELITTLE, DISPARAGE, LIBEL):--REVILE, ABUSIVE, i.e. A BLACKGUARD (A LOW CONTEMPTIBLE PERSON, SCOUNDREL, A GROUP OF MENIAL WORKERS (USUALLY IN THE KITCHEN OF A LARGE HOUSEHOLD, THE SERVANTS OF AN ARMY, CAMP FOLLOWERS), TO REVILE IN SCURRILOUS LANGUAGE):--RAILER, REVILER'], we bless;
being persecuted [Gk: 'TO PURSUE (literally & figuratively), by implication: PERSECUTE:--ENSUE, FOLLOW (AFTER), GIVEN TO, (SUFFER) PERSECUTION, PRESS FOWARD'],
we suffer [Gk: 'TO HOLD ONESELF UP AGAINST, i.e. (figuratively) PUT UP WITH:--BEAR WITH, ENDURE, FORBEAR, SUFFER'] it [the persecution]:
Being defamed [Gk: 'VILIFY (SPEAK ILL OF, MALIGN, DEGENERATE, RUN DOWN, PULL TO PIECES, BELITTLE, DISPARAGE, LIBEL), specifically: TO SPEAK IMPIOUSLY (SPOKEN OF AS SINFUL, IRREVERANT, WICKED, BAD, IMMORAL):--(SPEAK) BLASPHEMED, DEFAME, RAIL ON, REVILE (INSULT, ABUSE, SCORN, CONDEMN, SENSURE, DESPISE, BERATE DISPARAGE), SPEAK EVIL'], we intreat:
we are made as the filth [Gk: 'SOMETHING CLEANED OFF ALL AROUND, i.e. REFUSE (DECLINED, REJECTED, SAID NO TO, SNUBBED, REBUFFED, TURNED DOWN, REPUDIATED) (figuratively):--FILTH'] of the world [Gk: 'ORDERLY ARRANGEMENT OR SYSTEM OF THE WHOLE OR SOME PART OF HUMAN SOCIETY, (figuratively) SATAN'S KINGDOM, BABYLON'],
and are the off scouring [Gk: '(TO RUB), SOMETHING BRUSHED ALL AROUND, i.e. OFF-SCRAPINGS (figuratively; SCUM):--OFFSCOURING'] of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons [children] I warn you.
For though ye [all of you] have ten thousand instructors [teachers, masters, doctors] in Christ, yet [STILL] have ye [all of you] NOT MANY [but only FEW] fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Wherefore [for this reason] I beseech [BEG OF] you, BE YE [ALL OF YOU] FOLLOWERS [Gk: 'AN IMITATOR:--FOLLOWER, (A "MIMIC" {IMITATE, IMPERSONATE, TAKE OFF, APE (like 'money see, monkey do'), COPY, IMPRESSIONIST})'] OF ME." (1st Corinthians 4:9-16)!
Cheerfully giving from the heart is a virtue. However, fraudulently fleecing the flock by exacting ten percent of parishioner's paychecks under fear of breaking an Old Testament law of tithing is a sin!
It is far past time that we offer a little comfort to the millions of people in our nation and around the world who are chafing under the constant burden of supporting ministers and televangelists who live lifestyles so materialistic and worldly that even Hugh Heffner would be envious. I’m not trying to be humorous about these characters; I’m dead serious.
Well I certainly don’t begrudge any minister an honest living. However, I do believe that when many of these modern televangelists (and others) feel the need to have everything they own gold gilded, just maybe their greed and vanity starts to destroy their effectiveness as dispensers of God’s Truths.
There is no need for people to feel guilty over any religious doctrine. It is time we rid ourselves of guilty consciences. Hopefully, by the time you have finished reading this paper your guilt over tithing or non-tithing will be gone forever!
It is our sincere desire that all who have been chafing under the unscriptural burden of Christian tithing will feel free at last to follow their heart in giving to whomever they desire as God prospers them. John 8:32 tells us that Truth is Freedom:
"And ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you FREE."
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by A.W. Bowman on
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I loved it!
While there are a number of pastors, preachers, teachers and others who are starting to get vocal about the teaching of God's word concerning the principle of giving, there are a number of resources being published concerning this same subject. One such reference is the "The Tithing Dilemma" by Ernest L. Martin, Associates for Scriptural Knowledge, Portland, OR, 1997.
Where you will still run into significant resistance is among those churches and groups that have codified tithing - even into their statements of faith. 1 Timothy 1:7 is the reference scripture.
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Permalink Reply by Ricardo 'ReAsOn' Butler on
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I know. They are killing their self with the letter of the Law of Moses. Like the Proverb say, "Death (the Old Covenant) and life (the New Covenant) are in the power of the tongue (of those who preach it): and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (18:21).
Here's some other financial principles.
Financial Support
Locality-based apostles will be moving frequently, so they will find it difficult to hold down permanent employment. They will receive their financial support in three different ways. The common factor is strong relationships.
Local Finances
Financial Support for Local Apostles
Locality-based apostles will be moving frequently, so they will find it difficult to hold down permanent employment. They will receive their financial support in three different ways. The common factor is strong relationships.
1. Take No Purse
When Jesus apostled the twelve and the seventy, they took no purse.
"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep." (Matt 10:9-10).
These apostles were not to take money from a central purse. Jesus specifically told them not to take a wallet. Instead, they were to rely on the hospitality of the people in the town or village they were going to visit.
"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave." (Matt 10:11).
These Christians would bring healing to the people in the town. This would create tremendous good will. They would stay with the person of peace until the work in that village was complete. Being dependent on the person of peace made the apostle vulnerable, but it had a huge advantage. The person of peace would be discipled quickly, because the apostle’s life would be transparent to them.
2. Tent Making
The Take No Purse approach would work in traditional cultures where providing hospitality is a normal part of life. It would not work in our Western culture, so apostles would need a different means of support. One option is tent making. Paul used this option in Corinth.
"After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth … and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath." (Acts 18:1,3,4).
Paul stayed with the tentmakers with similar skills. This gave him credibility while witnessing to them, while allowing him to be independent financially.
In the Western world where part-time work can produce a good income, this will be the most common form of financing. Paul was quite staunch about people working for their living where they could.
"We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this.. in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow…we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge …. to settle down and earn the bread they eat." (2 Thes 3:7-12).
In a world whether many religious leaders have fleeced their flock, this is an example that we need. Modern apostles should look at using their skills to earn their living by seeking part-time work.
Some apostles will encourage the development of neighbourhood businesses. This will provide financial support for other apostles and people in need. These businesses will come into their own when globalization collapses in the future. They will be able to produce things that can no longer be imported. Some will be family businesses.
3. Pay It Forward
When an apostolic team is sent out to plant a new church, the church that sends them out will often provide financial support. Because this apostolic team will have established the sending church for free, they will pay it forward by supporting their apostles on their next venture. When Paul was in Thessalonica, the church in Philippi provided support for him.
"You sent me aid again and again when I was in need." (Phil 4:16).
The key to this support is person-to person relationships. Paul had lived in Philippi as an apostle. He had an excellent relationship with them. They could put something back into his ministry by providing him with financial support. Modern apostles will often receive help from the people they have discipled in churches where the previously exercised their ministry.
Giving to apostles must be voluntary. Apostles cannot enforce giving by the church that has sent them out. They do not have authority to require financial support from their sending churches. The sending church will support the apostles they send, because they love them and are committed to the apostolic task.
Relationships
In the New Testament Model, money flows through relationships, not institutions. Person-to-person giving feeds on trust. Deacons will have a key role in building relationships between those in need and those who can give.
If churches go back to meeting in believer’s homes, the overhead costs involved in planting a new Church very low. All that will be needed is a team of apostles and a home in which to meet. Often they will meet in the home of the first person converted, so there will be almost no expenses at all.
Centralized Finances
A serious problem with modern apostolic ministries is lack of money. Many apostles feel that their activities are restrained by lack of resources. The apostle at the centre, who is governing a region and training church planters, needs lots of money.
One solution is to establish regional finance programmes. Because these ministries function at a trans-local level, they need trans-local funding. A region finance pool is a possible solution, but it does not deal with the problem.
Problems with Centralized Finances
There are several reasons why centralisation of finances is a danger practice.
1. Persecution
Centralisation is dangerous during periods of persecution. If the government gets serious about stopping the church, it could cripple hundreds by arresting the people in charge of the money. If necessary, it could freeze the bank accounts, or clean them out. Decentralised finances are safer.
2. Dangerous Power
Any process that gives power to a few people is dangerous. If these people fall into pride or deception, they can do a lot of harm. Trouble crept into the church through money during its very early days. The practice emerged of disciples laying donations of money at the apostle’s feet (Acts 4:35). This practice was contrary to Jesus’ teaching.
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets … to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret." (Matt 6:1-4).
Making donations to the apostles in public contradicted this command. It also led to pride and deception. The worst case was Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:11-11). The pride that came into the church through the practice of giving in public caused this couple to lie to the Apostles to make a good impression.
"Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet." (Acts 5:1-5).
This type of incident would not occur if the church depended on decentralised giving at a person-to-person level, as described in Acts 2:45.
"Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need." (Acts 2:45).
Bulk centralised finance is vulnerable to spiritual attack. Small scale person to person giving is safer.
3. Waiting on Tables
The Jerusalem disciples apostles received guidance that they should keep out of the finance business.
"In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food." (Acts 6:1).
This problem is inevitable when the distribution of finances is centralised. The people responsible for distribution simply cannot understand all needs and assess them correctly. Some people will end up getting more than they need, while others miss out. This happens with many modern Christian foundations. Those with good connections tend to get plentiful finance, but some really good people miss out on funding.
The solution to the apostle’s problem was to appoint deacons to take care of the money. Under the guidance of the Spirit, they identified seven men to be deacons. The ministry of the deacon is an important ministry that needs to be restored in the modern church.
This experience changed the apostles approach to their ministry.
"We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4).
They committed to focussing on prayer and preaching. There is no mention of handling finance. This change is confirmed in their other statement.
"It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables." (Acts 6:2).
The apostles decided that it would be wrong for them to wait on tables. The Greek expression for “waiting on tables” is “diakonein trapezais”. The word “trapezais” means table, so one meaning of the expression is serving food. However, the word “trapezais” is also used in the gospels for the money changers’ tables (Matt 21:12, John 2:15) and the counter of a bank (Luke 19:23). This suggests that the apostles were not just resolving to stop serving food. They were also saying it would be wrong for them to manage the collection of money.
4. Corinthian Collection
Paul in his letter to the Corinthians was consistent with this approach.
"Now concerning the collection for the saints … On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come." (1 Cor 16:1-2).
He did not want to be involved in organising a collection. Instead he urged each person to lay up some money each week, so that the money would be ready when Paul arrived in Corinth. There was no compulsion and each person was free to decide how much they would give. The text above implies that there was no central collection, but that each person would put aside their own store (The Greek text literally means “lay beside himself”).
Paul focussed on organising of the delivery of the funds to Jerusalem. He was able to do this because he had good relationships with the Corinthians and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem.
"And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me." (1 Cor 16:3-4).
Paul did not want to handle the money himself. His preference was to provide a referral letters for the Corinthians, who would deliver the money. He offered to accompany them, if that would be helpful, but he did not want to get involved in controlling money. This confirms that apostles should not be handling money.
Money flows through relationship between churches. Apostles have extensive relationships, so they will support the flow of giving between communities. Paul had a relationship with both the leaders in Jerusalem and the church in Asia Minor, so he could facilitate the flow of support from one church to another.
5. No Authority
The ministry of an apostle is relational, not positional. Once the apostle has moved on, they can influence the leaders left behind, because they nurtured and mentored them, and then released into ministry. Apostles, though they do have governmental authority, they use relational influence as servants as Christ directed.
Apostles do not have the authority to decide how much money will be given to another church. The decision about how much should be given to Jerusalem was decided by the individual givers in the church in Asia Minor.
"The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea." (Acts 11:29).
Paul had no authority to tell the Corinthians how much to give. The size of the fund was decided when the people who gave the money tagged it for that purpose.
An apostle does not have authority to allocate money to particular needs. Paul could draw Jerusalem’s need to the attention of the Corinthians and facilitate the giving, but he did not control any funds that he could just allocate to Jerusalem.
Paul received financial support from several of the churches which he had helped the Holy Spirit to establish, but this was always voluntary. He was always gave thanks for their generosity, but he never instructed them to give him money for his support. Paul knew that an apostle did have the right to be supported but they forfeit that demand of money from a church he had helped to plant.
Paul was careful not to usurp authority that did not belong to him.. If he had asked for money for his support, many people in these churches would gladly obey him, because they loved and respected him. Paul wanted the elders in the new churches to grow in confidence, so he refused to undermine them, by imposing his authority on the Christians under their oversight.
Better solution
Centralized financing does not work. This is not surprising, because the core problem is not financial, but with the modern implementation of the apostolic ministry. The solution to the funding problems to push the fivefold ministries down to the local level, where they can be supported locally.
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The book I referenced can also be read on-line, chapters downloaded, and/or listened to (all free) at: http://www.askelm.com/tithing/. The printed book can be ordered for a small amount.
Some of the questions on the front cover of the book are:Tithe on Unemployment", On Pensions? On Net or Gross? On Allowances, On Gambling? On Tax Refund?, etc. Clue: There are 14 short chapters consisting of a total of 75 pages. Following an intro titled, Statements of Fact on Tithing, the first chapter is titled: The Sin of Tithing today.
There are some additional excellent resources on-line, for those who might be interested is studying this subject further.
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Permalink Reply by N'ZI Amani Germain on
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Bothers and sisters,
Should a pastor that spends most of his time preaching and teaching get paid for what God has him to do?
NO, A PASTOR THAT SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME PREACHING AND TEACHING SHOULD NOT GET PAID FOR WHAT GOD HAS HIM TO DO.
WHY?
“What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it”.
1 Corinthians 9:18
Indeed our Lord Jesus told His disciples:
“As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town”.
Matthew 10:7-15
NOW, let us reformulate the question above:
SHOULD A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST THAT SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME PREACHING AND TEACHING GET PAID FOR WHAT JESUS HAS HIM TO DO?
The answer is always no!
WHY?
Simply because freely he has received, freely he should give. Amen!
The reward of the true Pastor or the true servant of God comes from God Himself and not from money or a salary given by men ((2 Kings 5: 1-27; Micah 3: 1-12)
Of course, "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Luke 16:13
You cannot serve both God and Money. It is not possible!
Either you hate our Lord and love money. You will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and money.
If you get paid by men for whatever you do for our Lord, then you will receive no reward from God in Heaven. Amen!
Gospel Preaching is not a worldly business. It’s not a mean for jobless ones to get a wage. No!
“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.
Acts 8:18-21
Brother Peter told Simon “May your money perish with you” because true Servants of God SHOULD NOT GET PAID FOR WHAT GOD HAS THEM TO DO. Amen!
Indeed, Disciples were told not to take along any gold or silver or copper in their belts. They should take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff for the worker is worth his keep.
The disciples were to give the Gospel freely. They were told not to take along any gold or silver or copper in their belts.
Someone may ask: without a salary or money how then should they live?
What does the phrase “the worker is worth his keep” means?
It means that a needy man of God should be assisted by the church. This support doesn’t symbolize a wage for what God has him to do.
For instance, the Bible states that women followed Jesus and supported His work by their own means.
Luke 8:1-3
Moreover, this assistance is not necessarily money given to the man of God.
Indeed, our Lord Jesus said:
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.”
Luke 10:3-9
Jesus said “Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages”.
Here, “the wages” of the preachers symbolizes eating, drinking whatever people give them.
Let us underline the phrase “whatever they give you”.
This phrase means that peachers or pastors should not extort properties of people, for example asking for a great salary, a smart car, an expensive house, rather, they must be content with what men offer them, maybe a food, some water or something else they really need.
Yes, true preachers of the living God should not be greedy, rather they must be simple and sober.
This is the reason why Jesus asked His Disciples not to “move around from house to house”, but when they enter a town and are welcomed they should just eat what is set before them. Amen!
Indeed, Brother Paul said:
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles”.
Philippians 4:10-14
Today, in the whole world, how many pastors, how many servants of God behave or speak like Brother Paul?
He said: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want”.
HOW MANY?
Nowadays, we see false Pastors and false Prophets every where running after social welfare and even luxury, big cars, beautiful houses, beautiful women, gold, popularity and so on…
Please, tell me how many pastors, how many servants behave or speak like Brother Paul?
Many of them endeavour to serve both God and money. However, this is not possible!
A NEEDY PASTOR THAT SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME PREACHING AND TEACHING SHOULD NOT GET PAID FOR WHAT GOD HAS HIM TO DO BUT THE CHURCH MUST SUPPORT HIM.
Indeed, the believers have the obligation to assist their instructors.
“Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor”.
Galatians 6:6
Yes, Pastors have the right to have a support or a material harvest from the believers. This support is not necessarily money, a monthly or an annual salary (much dollars). It may be some food, some water, some clothes or something else that the Pastors really need.
Indeed, Brother Paul said:
“If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more?
But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it”.
1 Corinthians 9: 11-18
Yes, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. Brother Paul was aware of his right to receive support from the believers; however he did not use this right.
Indeed, he said:
"Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
Acts 20:32-35
It’s true, Brother Paul’s hands have supplied his own needs and the needs of his companions; he was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3).
BROTHER PAUL SPENT MOST OF HIS TIME PREACHING AND TEACHING, HOWEVER HE DID NOT GET PAID FOR WHAT GOD HAD HIM TO DO. HIS HANDS HAVE SUPPLIED HIS OWN NEEDS AND THE NEEDS OF HIS COMPANIONS.
INDEED, HE WAS A TENTMAKER.
Brother Paul told Thessalonians:
“You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed-God is our witness”.
1 Thessalonians 2:5
Moreover, Brother Paul told Corinthians:
“Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so”.
2 Corinthians 11:7-9
Brother Paul told Thessalonians:
“Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right”.
Thessalonians 3:12-13
Today, in the whole world, how many pastors, how many servants behave or speak like Brother Paul?
In conclusion, A PASTOR THAT SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME PREACHING AND TEACHING SHOULD NOT GET PAID FOR WHAT JESUS HAS HIM TO DO.
However, this Pastor has the right to have a support or a material harvest from the believers. This support is not necessarily money, a monthly or an annual salary (much dollars). It may be some food, some water, some clothes, a housing or something else that the Pastor really needs.
However, all the Pastors must acknowledge and follow the example set by Brother Paul:
BROTHER PAUL SPENT MOST OF HIS TIME PREACHING AND TEACHING, HOWEVER HE DID NOT GET PAID FOR WHAT GOD HAD HIM TO DO. HIS HANDS HAVE SUPPLIED HIS OWN NEEDS AND THE NEEDS OF HIS COMPANIONS.
INDEED, HE WAS A TENTMAKER.
He said:
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”
1 Corinthians 11:1
Blessings,
Bro. Germain
www.tagworld.com/srobouay
www.myspace.com/wawesan
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TITHING DILEMMA?
http://abcpreachers.ning.com/profiles/blogs/should-we-still-be-obli...
Bro. Germain
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