Scripture Union Daily Guide 5th September 2020 – Care And Support Of Gospel Ministers
TODAY’S TOPIC: CARE AND SUPPORT OF GOSPEL MINISTERS
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me understanding and illumination as I ponder on your word in Jesus name.
Today’s Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17–25
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[a] and “The worker deserves his wages.”[b] 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Reflection:
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any command for me to obey?
TODAY’S OUTLINE: Scripture Union Daily Guide 5th September 2020
Read vv.17–18 again. What does it mean to you that those working in ministry deserve “double honours” and are “worthy of their wages”? Opinions differ on how gospel ministers should be compensated for their work. Some believe that ministers should not be paid any salary but look up to God for their sustenance.
Others have standardised salaries and allowance systems. The tradition we belong to does not matter, what matters is whether we are concerned about the welfare of God’s ministers or not. “Honour” sometime refers to payment. The illustration is from the practice in the ancient world where double pay is given to worthy soldiers.
Paul also used both the law (Deuteronomy 25:4; cf. 1 Corinthians 9:7–14) and the teachings of Christ (Luke 10:7) to emphasise that gospel ministers must be catered for adequately. However, he was neither saying that such support will necessarily make the gospel minister wealthy, nor is he endorsing reckless lifestyles by the ministers. What other way to show care for our leaders can you see in v.19?
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application:
• So What? How concerned are you about the welfare of SU/FCS staff, pastors and other fulltime Christian workers around you? Decide on a system of regular support you will give from henceforth.
Prayer:
• Thank you Lord, for the privilege to partner with you as I support your ministers. Help me to be faithful in giving my support.
• Ask the Lord to go ahead of you into the coming week and make your way smooth and safe.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with John 3:18a
Read the Bible in one Year: Psalms 148–150; John 1:29–51
Daily Guide 4th September 2020
