For many in the ministry of the Gospel of Christ, living a lifestyle similar to that of the rich and famous of the world, glorifies God’s riches and how abundantly He blesses His faithful servants. In defense of this, they eagerly point to the patriarchs—Consider how rich Abraham was. And Isaac. And Jacob. There is no denying their great wealth. And what about King David and Solomon? They have no equal when it comes to their staggering wealth and lavish living.
But when we look at those who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we find this was not the case. If anything, riches are deemed to be a risk. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9 that those who preach the Gospel have the right to be financially supported by the Gospel. He posed the questions: “Don’t Barnabas and I have the authority to quit our secular jobs and live off the Gospel like the other apostles? Doesn’t the soldier get fed and paid when he serves in the army? Doesn’t the farmer eat of his own crops? Doesn’t the rancher eat and drink from his own herds?” (Ref. vv. 6-7). He quickly pointed out that he was not just saying this as a man—This was not just his convenient opinion: “Saith not the law the same thing also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Does God take care for oxen?” (vv. 8-9).
The point is: Did God make this law for oxen or people? “Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt…” God is concerned for animals, and He demands that they be treated humanely, but if God requires oxen to be fed the grain which they prepared the soil to produce—He certainly endorses the same principle for those who tread the corn of the Bread of Life.
“For our sakes, no doubt this is written: that he that plows should plow in expectation of partaking of the harvest” (vs. 10). God commands that ministers who faithfully plow should also eat of the harvest, just as the priests and Levites ate of the sacrifices they offered for the people of God: “If we have sown unto you spiritual things; is it a great thing we should reap your carnal things?” (vs. 11).
In a letter to Timothy, Paul even said, “Let the elders that rule well be counted of double honor (Greek: financial support), especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” It is clear he referred to money, because he cited again the verse about not muzzling the ox and he added: “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Tim. 5:17-18). He summed it up in 1 Cor. 9:14: “Even so the Lord hath ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.”
Having said all this, Paul chose not to take full advantage of his entitlement to live off of the Gospel, and he did this so as not to hinder the Gospel! He and Barnabas decided not to receive financial support, even though other ministers were rightfully partaking of this power, and their decision was out of their concern of putting a stumbling block over money in people’s minds.
Should Not Ministers Today Exercise Financial Restraint?
Ministers who live lavish lifestyles and declare it to be proof of God’s prosperity are putting stumbling blocks to the Gospel before the world. They maintain their rights to financial blessings, and some even equate themselves to CEO’s of large businesses and the extravagant salaries they receive—Why shouldn’t they? Just because they COULD does not mean they SHOULD! Wouldn’t it be wiser to live moderately—not in poverty or want—but having their needs met “and therewith being content” as Paul stated in Phil. 4:11? Instead of citing rich servants of God such as Abraham, why not adopt the modest lifestyles of the N.T. ministers who did not allow their positions in leadership, or as “heirs of God”, to misplace their affections for and attachments to the treasures of this earth, instead of those in Heaven?
Paul continued in verse 17: “For if I do this willingly, I have a reward…” It was his choice! He could have said, “God says I can have this, so I don’t care what others think about it.” But instead, he considered opportunities to reach those who were skeptical of “gospel preachers,” just like many today are of TV evangelists (and often with good reason). It was more expedient to remove any hindrance that extravagant financial benefits might present in their view, so he could “make myself servant unto all that I might gain the more….and this I do for the gospel’s sake” (vv. 19&23).
Paul exhorted moderation in every aspect of life, and when the law of liberty is abused, especially in finances, the Gospel message is besmirched and its authenticity questioned. For him it was all about souls, but many today preach a severely lopsided message that focuses on saints’ present prosperity rather than sinners’ eternity. This is how he put it in 1 Cor. 10:32: “…Not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
To those in the Ministry: It’s time to choose the many over me!
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