1
Timothy
5:17-22 Explained by
Minister Ron Davis
Many of these gospel
peddlers will also claim 1 Timothy 5 gives them the authority to extort
tithes and offerings from the people seeking God and His Christ. However, a closer
read of this Scripture in context as those who seek to have you depart from
your money and give them 10% of your income like to say; please, notice
the phrases "who rule well", "those who labor in the word and
doctrine" and "worthy of his wages":
Please note no where do it say give those who "rule well" and
"labor in the word and doctrine" ten percent of your earnings. It
only says "the laborer is worthy of his wages" meaning if
you sow wages worthy of zero percent then you get zero percent - and should
be rebuked for your wrong and deceptive teachings. Also, the oxen will not
consume more than it can eat in one serving. But these peddlers of God’s word
will convince you that they deserve thousand dollar suits and $125.00 ties.
Read the phrase "The laborer is worthy of his wages" again, do
this mean that if you have a minister who refuses to let you participate in
where your money go. He refuses to listen to your concerns about his teachings,
and only socialize with those in his close circle. And just refuses you any
relief in the burdens he has placed on you. Should you still give to this
sinning minister? No! It does not. This mean if you are not worthy of wages,
then you don’t get any wages. Notice, what is said following these phrases
about "not muzzling the ox" and being worthy of the wages the
elders received in verse 20 its said, "those who are sinning
rebuke in the presence of all". Again, it said in verse 22 "Do
not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep
yourself pure." We, as true Christians of the faith must continue to
rebuke those who sinning - yet they are still begging for your "tithes
and offerings". These verses actually prove what I am saying that no
Minister has authority to extort tithes or offerings from you. If you do want
to give to them, then these verses places a duty on you and other ministers to
insure that no unworthy minister, who is sinning and misusing their role as an
elder receive offerings. Remember the phrase "especially those who
labor in the word and doctrine", these ministers who expect support of
their ministry must began to rightly dividing the word and not preaching for
financial gain - "freely given, freely give" is the rule of
true ministers of God. These verses exhort Christians to support those
ministers who are faithful in the word of God, and not extort or pressing them
to give them financial support. This is the theme throughout the Holy
Scripture. Also, once the need of expenses for the building and any salary is
met your giving should be given to the poor.
Evangelist
Ron Davis, a Minister of Christ, of the Kush Edifying Ministries proclaims the
whole counsel of God. This ministry believes in the command of Jesus to His
disciples in Matthew 10:7-8 "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom
of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse
those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely
give" (NIV). Jesus commands us as ministers to preach "freely"
the word without demanding those preached to give to you.
You
may contact Ron Davis and this ministry with your comments at the below email:
mailto:yourcomments@411TithesOfferings.org
OR if you want to debate my
conclusion of this matter; if you want to argue your own "private
interpretation", then please send it to the below email address with your
Scripture backing up what you say.
Thanks, and may God bless you in understanding His Holy and righteous word.
mailto:yourargument@411TithesOfferings.org