Eccl. 5:10 π Hos. 4:7 π Acts 20:33 π Acts 20:35 π 1 Cor. 9:12 π 1 Cor. 9:14-18 π 2 Ths. 3:8-9 π 1 Tim. 6:9
“Nor did we eat any one’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and struggle we worked night and day that we might not be a burden or impose on any of you (for our support). (It was) not because we do not have a right [to such support] but (we wished) to make ourselves an example for you to follow.” ( 2 Ths. 3:8-9 , Amp.; top)
Do we know of such sacrifice and dedication? Evangelists and pastors with expensive homes, and driving expensive cars, and owning sailboats is incongruous with “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ( Acts 20:35; top )
Paul’s self-sacrificing attitude toward the acquiring of tithes and offerings is alien to almost all of present-day preachers, as their spirits have been reconciled to an abundant life proposal that is geared to a profit motive mentality. We must all repent, corporately and individually, that Almighty God will have mercy upon us and give us one more chance to glorify Him completely, sacrificially…anything less will just produce another merchandising effort of more fleshly ministries.
“I have coveted no man’s silver or gold or apparel.” (Paul, in Acts 20:33; top )
“The more they increased and multiplied in prosperity and power, the more they sinned against Me.” ( Hos. 4:7 , Amp.; top)
“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” ( Eccl. 5:10; top )
“But they that will be rich fall into temptations and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” ( 1 Tim. 6:9; top )
“Since others enjoy the right to share material benefits from you, do not we even more? True, we did not avail ourselves of this right, but instead we endure everything so that we may furnish no obstacle to the good news concerning Christ.” ( 1 Cor. 9:12; top )
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