If you have a second, could you give me quick thoughts on 1Co 9 (the chapter)?

Thanks,

M____

Hi M___

Your question is, in essence, should we have career ministers?

No one denies 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 (1Co 9:13).

This scripture in no way conflicts with Gal 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me – or 1Co 15:31 – I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. Being “crucified with Christ” and “dying daily” has come to mean driving a Rolls Royce, dressing in silk suits, and living in mansions worth millions of dollars to many of today’s popular ministers.

If indeed (2Ti 3:16) All scripture [ is] given by inspiration of God, and [ is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, then these verses in I Samuel should speak for themselves.

1Sa 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
1Sa 2:13 And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
1Sa 2:14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
1Sa 2:15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
1Sa 2:16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. 1Sa 2:17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

It is obvious that the day by day needs of the priests were to be met by the work of the altar. It is equally obvious that those working at the altar have very little regard for the Lord’s claim on the fat.

Lev 3:16 And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD’S.
Lev 7:23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.
Lev 7:24 And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

Now these things became types of us (1Co 10:6 – Concordant Literal Version).

But God has it all in hand, and it will all come to an end and be replaced with the “manifestation of the sons of God.”

Zec 11:3 There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
Zec 11:4 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
Zec 11:5 Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.

To summarize, the scriptures allow for ministers to “live of the gospel.” Contrary to what many ministers today think, it does not say, ‘live lavishly of the gospel.’ “Living of the gospel” is scriptural however. Paul tells us that it is not the ideal though. Here is the ‘ideal:’

Act 20:33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Act 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Act 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This is the ideal given us by the apostle Paul. I don’t believe it will ever be very popular.

I hope this is of some help.

Mike