1 Timothy 5 - 4.10.26
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 5:17
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
Observation
The Elders is referencing the leaders of the church such as pastor or other leaders that are full time in preaching and teaching. Double honor refers to financial support of full-time leaders who preach and teach.
This verse is interesting since we are asked to give from our heart to those of double honor. Jesus however gave us so much more. Last week we had Good Friday, the day Jesus gave all of him for us. The day Jesus was crucified, He gave His life in place of ours. In Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19 we see he was betrayed, tried, flogged with a whip that ripped the skin off, A crown of thorns was placed on his head, spit on, the soldiers struck him with a staff again and again. They took a cross and then hammered nails in his hand and feet. After Jesus died, they pierced his side and he was placed in a tomb. Jesus gave his life on that cross and took on my sin. Only Jesus can forgive me of my sins. Jesus can forgive all sins for all those that believe in Him.
Last Sunday was Resurrection Day (Easter). Jesus arose from the grave and is alive and victorious over death. Now his gift to us is eternal life. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Application
Our Pastors deserve our gratitude for their hard work. They deserve our financial support. Our tithe and offerings support our Pastors, Staff, Facilities management, mission field etc. Let us support the church and the pastors out of love for their work.
In 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 it states: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Malachi 3:10 - “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
We can’t out-give Jesus but when we give, it should be generous and with a grateful heart.
Prayer
Jesus, you have shown me great mercy and grace. All I have is because of you Jesus. I have been blessed more than I deserve. Thank you for our Church family, and those that shepherd us, Pastor Levi and Katie Thompson. God, you gave your Son for us. May we give back generously with a grateful heart of our resources, time and talents. Jesus, may I give you my best for You are worthy O’ Lord. In Jesus name Amen.
- Robert Oberg
