Gal6:6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them(NLT).


There are numerous instructions in God’s word for every believer. One out of the numerous instructions many believers shy from are those that enjoined that we support preachers materially.

The moment mention is made of this very important subject, an alert system rings in the heart of many thinking someone is about to manipulate them. I am not doubting that some have taken this subject to the extreme but that should not make us blind to what the bible say.

Regardless of whatever the world says or the sordid experience of people in the hands of manipulators, we should stick to the bible on this subject to avoid extremes. Also, if we believe in preaching and teaching the total counsel of God, then we must emphasize this aspect of the gospel in a balanced manner.

Does the bible teach us to support the welfare( financially & materially) of those that minister to us? The answer is  YES. Let’s examine the opening text: *”Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them*” (Galatians 6:6 NLT).

In Greek language, this text is in the imperative mood. That is, a command that must be obeyed. It is not a suggestion neither is it an advice. Apostle Paul says that If you’re taught the scriptures by a teacher of God’s word as I teach daily through our devotionals,  it is your duty to give back to your teacher, including me If my teaching ministry has been a blessing to you. 


Another scripture that is akin to this is 1 Tim5:17: *”The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching*”. The phrase ‘double honour’ is from the Greek “Diplous Timé”. It speaks of giving monetary value to a thing.

In clear terms, Paul was commanding that preachers&teachers be paid handsomely. Note the word “double”. They should be paid well.

If you draw spiritual nourishment from a preacher or teacher of the Gospel and your spiritual life has taken a turn for the positive, without being told, giving to such a preacher is your duty.

*You don’t give to a minister of the gospel only because he has needs. You give because it is your God-assigned duty to his life whether he has or not*. Don’t join the bandwagon of those who believe a minister must be poor to serve effectively.

Psalms 35:27 says *”May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being ( Prosperity) of his servant*” (NIV, Emphasis mine).

*Lack and poverty doesn’t glorify God in the life of his servants. God is happy when the needs of his servants are met and their bills are paid. Comfort makes a genuine minister effective in the discharge of his duties*.

Also, do not say, ‘He is doing fine, he doesn’t need my token’. Hey! That attitude is very wrong. Scriptures did not enjoin we support ministers because of lack. It is simply our duty to them whether they’re in lack or plenty. Do not wait for preachers to be in need before giving to them.

Another set of people often ask preachers to know if they are doing fine. That’s not bad but I have observed that some are asking this question to determine whether he is deserving of their substance at that moment or not. If he says ‘fine’, they assume he’s not in need. If he says otherwise, they’ll give out of sympathy. Bad!

Having biblical revelation on this subject will change your attitude totally. I give to my teachers out of a biblical revelation that it is my duty not because they are in need. It is an instruction i’m bound to obey in and out of season.


*You must be sensitive enough to know how to come in to be of support to that preacher/ teacher that has blessed you. ‘Thank you’ doesn’t pay his bills, give something. Even if it is little, a true servant of God will accept it and pray for you*.

I was raised by a Pastor and I am also in ministry now. I can tell you authoritatively that most (genuine) pastors are responsible for the welfare of some members and people in one way or the other. They deprive themselves of certain comfort just to make others happy.

If you support that preacher with money or material things, you may be surprised that what he’ll spend on himself&family may not be up to 50% because he’ll share with others. I know this to be true of missionaries. Yet, there are missionaries struggling to eat three square meal in a day while some are struggling to pay their children’s school fees.


Stop waiting till december when your church will organize pastor appreciation service before giving to your pastor. If the church have to organize a special program for such purpose before you give to your pastors, it shows you lack understanding.

Don’t wait till december when Projectsave will raise support for missionaries before supporting a missionary. This is God’s word to you today, practice it and you’ll see the reward.


*ACTION POINT*: Be intentional about blessing a preacher/teacher of God’s word labouring over your life in prayers and the word.   It doesn’t have to be plenty but that token given consistently will go a long way.


Readers are leaders. Purchase any of my Spirit-inspired books on line. Click amazon.com/author/lanreoyeleke

Connect on social media:

IG: @Projectsave_ministries
   @LanreOyeleke
  
Twitter: @OyelekeBenjamin

Email: [email protected]

*HAPPY SUNDAY*