1 Corinthians 9:6-18

Paul makes a point in v15 to say that his reference to receiving money for his ministry is not a trick to get the Corinthians to support him.  His teaching on this is a response to some who accused him of only being interested in financial gain.  It is a common charge against preachers, sometimes for good reason but often it is just a cover for rejecting the message of the cross, as in the case of Paul.  

Yet the topic must be discussed.  Money is a part of everyone’s lives and of great use in God’s work.  Even Jesus and the disciples had such supporters for ministry that involved leaving all behind (Luke 8:1-3).  So let us consider the “right” of God’s servants to financial remuneration.  

Gal. 6:6 states the principle: Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.  Our passage supports and clarifies that truth.

·        In v7 Paul uses common sense from the world.  Soldiers don’t pay their own expenses to fight.  The gardener freely eats from his garden.  The herdsman drinks all the milk he wants from his own herd.  No one quibbles about this.

·        In v8-10 Paul refers to Old Testament law, using another common sense illustration he also uses in 1 Tim. 5:18.  The ox was not to be muzzled as it worked, treading the grain; thus it could eat as it worked.  The principle is simple: if God so cares for animals, how much more for His servants.

·        In v11-12 Paul uses a spiritual comparison (again, also used in Rom. 15:27 and Gal. 6:6.  The principle is simple: it is not unusual that those who have a spiritual ministry should reap material benefits from those they serve.  Some likely argued that Paul didn’t really have a job like they did, and thus should not be paid.  This comes from people who clearly don’t understand the hard work and fierce battle involved in the ministry of the word.  Paul understood differently and said so in 1 Tim. 5:17 when he said elders who rule well were worthy of double honor (pay as well as the honor of the position), especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

·        In v13 Paul uses the illustration of the OT priests who, by God’s design, received a share of the offerings.  It was, in fact, from offerings made to God!

·        Lastly, in v14 Paul refers to a command from Christ Himself.  Perhaps this refers to Luke 10:7 where Jesus spoke of the laborer being worthy of his hire (which Paul quoted in 1 Tim. 5:18).

Too often we err on both sides.  There are servants who want all the financial questions (e.g. how much do I get paid) answered before they serve.  The servant must know what his Master wants and do it, trusting the Master to be fair (our Master always pays well).  Likewise God’s people must know that God will bless them for generosity with God’s servants.  To end back at Gal. 6:7, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.