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