More Hope
MORE
HOPE
1st.
Corinthians
chapter 8
9
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the
mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for
oxen?
10
Or saith he it
altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this
is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he
that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is
it
a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12
If others be partakers of this
power over you, are
not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer
all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of
the things
of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with
the altar?
15
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these
things, that it should be so done unto me: for it
were
better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
Paul was
among, all workers that I have had the privilege of knowing or
studying, was no doubt the most self disciplined and self denying
person among them all. It
is not a
new thing
for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will messages,
or counseling, to
a people. Their
diligent and successful services among them often
kindle fires of guilt or resentment.
To the criticism
of some in
Corinth,
the apostle answers, so as to present
himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others.
(“...we...suffer
all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.”)
He
had a right to marry. All
apostles had this right. Paul chose not to merry of his own free
will. A family would hinder his assignment completion from God.
He
advised the other disciples of this fact
well. (1st.
Corinthians 7:8)
"I
say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if
they abide even as I.”
The
temple workers, priests and high priest, did not labor for their
substance. It was made available through the worship customs. Paul
condones this and brings it into the Christian circle.
Paul
also wrote
they
also had the right
to claim what was needful for their
wife and
their children
from the churches they
served,
without laboring
with their
own hands to get it. Those who seek to enrich
our
souls, should have food provided for them. But Paul
declined
to claim this
his right for
himself. He felt that taking support from the churches could hinder
his success. By
claiming it, he
felt it would open the door for criticism and accusations. We are to
avoid the appearance of evil doings. Regardless, It
is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his
right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who
deny or withhold due support. If
Christ condoned it it is law. If He denounced it it is forbiden. Be
sure before you condemn or praise in giving. Know God, know peace.
Amen 11-09-2019 BLL
Comments
Post a Comment