" And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house, " Luke 10:7 ( KJV )
INTRODUCTION
A. This verse was part of the Limited Commission given by Jesus to the 70 disciples ( Luke 10:1 ) KJV
1. Many are asking if this statement is applicable to church workers today?
2.What do the scriptures say about compensation for church workers? ( John 8:32 )
B.In this lesson, we shall discuss the following points or issues:
1.Did the Temple Workers Receive Compensation?
2.Biblical Verses Proving That Church Workers Were Paid!
3.Did Paul Receive Financial Support From Churches?
4. Payments for Guest or Visiting Preachers
DISCUSSION
A. Did The Temple Workers Receive Compensation?
1. Levites were paid from the sacred " tithes" as required by the Old Testament Law.
2. This was done as Levites did NOT receive " land inheritance."
3. However, they were given 48 cities where they could farm and support their families, Numbers 35
4. The land around each city given to them was 2000 cubits (2/3 of a mile ), Joshua 20-21
5. So the Levitical priests also lived, worked and raised their families like everybody in the cities.
B. Biblical Verses Proving That Church Workers Were Paid
1. In I Timothy 5:17-18, we read, " Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of DOUBLE HONOR,
- especially those who labor in preaching and teaching
- For the scriptures say, " You shall NOT muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," Deuteronomy 25:4
_ And, " The laborer deserves his wages," ( or compensation )
2. Galatians 6:6, " Let no one who is TAUGHT the word share all good things with the one who teaches."
- share all good things could mean the material needs of the teacher or preacher
- the amount shall be determined by the local church
3. In I Corinthians 9:9-10, Paul wrote plainly that church workers must be compensated:
- God is NOT concerned with the oxen only
- written for our sake ( plowman and thresher work in the hope of sharing the crop)
4. " If we have SOWN spiritual seed among you, is too much if we reap MATERIAL HARVEST from you?" I Corinthians 9:11
5. In I Corinthians 9:14, " The Lord has COMMANDED that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."
6. Romans 4:4, " Now to the one who WORKS, his wages are NOT counted as a GIFT, but as his DUE."
C. Did Paul Receive Financial Support From Churches?
1.As he preached the gospel in Thessalonica, the church in Philippi helped Paul.
2. " And you Philippians know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, NO church entered into a partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only," Philippians 4:15
3." You sent help for my needs once and again..I received full payment and more."
4. " I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice accepteble and pleasing to God," Philippians 4:16-17
5. " I robbed other churches by accepting support from them..to serve you.
When I was with you and was in need, I did NOT burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need," ( 2 Corinthians 11:8-9)
D. Payments for Guest or Visiting Preachers
1. Some congregations would invite a " guest preacher " for one Lord's day.
2. To show a loving appreciation to the speaker and still be good stewards of the church budget..
3. Here are some payment suggestions for guest preachers:
a. Cover Travel Expenses To and Fro the Designated local church- gasoline or bus fares
b. Cover Food Expenses- as he travels to his destination and homeward
c. Cover Accomodations- If he has to stay overnight, he can stay in a guest room in the church building.
d. Base the honorarium on the kind of services rendered and the generosity of the congregation
CONCLUSION
A. Each local congregation must have several men who can deliver inspiring sermons.
1. When a local church invites a guest preacher, the points mentioned should be considered.
2. The most important principle is " the laborer is worthy of his pay."
B. For listeners and subscribers who WISH to follow Christ, you have to:
1. Believe and be baptized to be saved, Mark 16:16
2. Repent and be baptized to be forgiven of sins and to receive the GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT, Acts 2:38
3. Now is the acceptable TIME. Today is the Day of Salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2
4. Christ is inviting everyone to come to Him for SPIRITUAL REST, Matthew 11:28-30