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1 Corinthians 9:3-7
After Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9), the Church was born. The people gave what they had to support one another’s needs (Acts 4:32-37). A very important part of this is found in Acts 4:32 (NKJV) and states, “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.”
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:3-7 is speaking of this togetherness in support for the needs of the preachers of the gospel to be met by the congregation of the church. He notes of how the Levites were to receive a portion of the offerings from the congregation to meet their needs (Numbers 18). In Luke 9:60 as Jesus sent those He appointed out to “preach the kingdom of God,” He commanded them in Luke 10:7, “And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages.” The Bible further supports this with Paul’s own words in Galatians 6:6 as he states, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.”
This is a command to support those who preach the gospel.
As the support of the Levites (those God appointed to the duties of the temple) was the normal way of life in the Old Testament, so the support of the preachers and teachers of the gospel was the duty of the congregation of the Church in the New Testament. This is why we give in the offering to support the needs of the Church today.
Dear LORD,
Thank You for the pastors, priests, and teachers of the gospel that You have appointed for us today in leading us in the way of salvation in Christ Jesus. Please help us to see that our tithe to the Church is to look after the needs of these people in the support that You have commanded us to give. Please help us to support one another in all things as was the way of the early Church. In Jesus name I pray, amen.