Q3. Bivocational Ministry

[Pastor Ralph]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

[Travis63]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him?

Paul says that he did not accept any financial support because he did not want to be burdensome unto the Corinthians. He was not chargeable to any man in Corinth, being so no one is Corinth should question his motives, they should see that his motives were pure. In a few verses farther he shares that he loved them. Not that he didn't love those whom from abroad supported him. However through Paul using the wisdom that God gave him and adhering to the counsel of the Holy Spirit, Paul deemed this was the best course as he ministered in Corinth.

How did this help his ministry?

Paul not accepting financial support from the Corinthians allows his service to Christ to be seen as genuine. It allows those that will see his service to them, the motivation behind his service to them as sincere and pure.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted?

I'm not certain how Paul not allowing the Corinth contribute financially afforded them the opportunity to take him for granted. I can see how others with a carnal mindset polluted the minds (spirits) of others. I get this by way of Paul having to defend himself, by his mentioning that he was serving without their financially supporting him.

How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ?

With our support be it financially, or through our time, talents and gift. We can honor them by communicating with them as they align with the Will of God vise against them. We can honor them by adhering to their guidance as they are lead by the Holy Spirit according to the Holy Spirit. We can honor them by acknowledgement.

How will Christ honor them?

Jesus will honor them just as He will honor all whom return to Him. The parable of the talents and the pounds is not an all inclusive assessment, however it does have merit. They will receive their honor based on their faithfulness and their adherence to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

[hanks]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9)

Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him?

How did this help his ministry?

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted?

How can we honour Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ?

How will Christ honour them?

The Corinthians were supercritical of Paul; it did not matter what he did, they would still criticise whatever he did. If he had taken money they would have accused him of only preaching for the money; and by not accepting any payment they said he did not love them. At the time there was a social custom for the wealthy (which the Corinthians were) to put others under obligation by gifts. The wealthy gave money to travelling philosophers, and Paul in declining was in breach of this social custom. Whereas the visiting money-hungry false teachers and philosophers expected, demanded, and received money from the Corinthians. I doubt they would have been interested in the Corinthian church unless it paid them financially. Thus, Paul was determined to continue his policy of not receiving money from the believers in Corinth. By doing this Paul was not obligated to them in anyway and was free to preach the true gospel, and not what the Corinthians wanted to hear. We can honour all those that serve our Lord Jesus with prayer and financial support. Christ will honour them by rewarding them abundantly!

[IvoryEagle]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? TO HIM, IT WAS A SPIRITUAL/SECULAR CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

How did this help his ministry? IT GAVE HIM PURE THINKING THROUGH DEMONSTRATED COMMITMENT.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? AS ALWAYS, COMPARISON TO A LESSOR BEING. THEY ASSUMED THAT THE FALSE TEACHERS WERE MORE EDUCATED BECAUSE THEY CHARGED.

How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? LOVE OFFERINGS UN SOLICITED.

How will Christ honor them? WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. IN ADDITION CHRIST WILL CAUSE THE MINISTRY TO GAIN THE DIGNITY AND EXPAND THE DOCTRINE.

[charisbarak]

He knew their hearts were not favorable to giving to his ministry.

It strengthened his ministry. He knew God would take care of him and he would not be indebted to that church. Nor would he be under pressure from those who would have given more--they would have expected favors from him.

They would look at him & maybe one day realize they had missed a blessing by not helping him financially. He would have less actual time to study & preach if he was working.

We can love them, gift them when we could, pray for them & encourage them.

Christ will honor them with a greater reward.

[Ramon]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

Answer:

1.Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry?

--Paul did not require the Corinthians to support Him,so as to differentiate himself from other Preacher who preach different kind of Gospel(those who pervert the Gospel of Christ).Also,maybe somebody has reported to Paul,that the people was burdened in their obligation to pay those preachers...so Paul in order not to associate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who Pervert the Good News,inform the Corinthians that He is Preaching the GOSPEL FREE OF CHARGE...it helps His ministry,as people began to preach the Gospel to other people,without asking for payment also,just as Paul does.And those who take Him for granted was hit by their conscience,those who backbite Him,has nothing to prove of their accusation,since Paul does not take anything from the Corinthians...

2.How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ?

We pay them,accordingly.

3. How will Christ honor them?

We may never know How Christ will honor them...it is between them and Jesus....it is not for us to know..

John 21:22--..."what concern is that of yours?.........

[Lion of Grace]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

I think the answer to why Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him is found in 11:12. There were false teachers who were trained to sound good, who were considering themselves equal to the "genuine" apostleship of Paul. They were in it for power, recognition and money. In fact, they were targeting a rich community. The real intentions were not on sharing the Gospel of Christ for love of Christ and the person's hearing it, it was for greed and pomp. In it, they were fooling people who judged on a worldly basis. If it looked good, came with "education" and was pleasant to the ears, then some were were fooled into thinking it had to be truth. Paul contests this and was showing and explaining, his motives were pure for the Gospel, as a servant of God and out of pure love for the people. He cared about their SPIRITUAL character. A true shepherd cares for his sheep because he loves them. A hired worker is in it for money and doesn't really care about the sheep. I'm not saying clergy shouldn't be paid, because we are to give an honest wage for anyone's work, but we need to discern when anyone is in it for money rather than a call on their life because there is a BIG difference.

I think by standing in his principles with honesty and integrity and showing genuine concern for the people because he loved them, were the character traits that helped Paul's ministry. Even today "true" hearers of the word will eventually recognize the false lifestyle of the Gospel peddler in it for money and prestige. When you know the truth, you start to discern the genuine from the false.

We can give to clergy and lay persons who truly do give sacrificially by supporting their ministries. We can give prayerful support and monetary support or we can help with their families and lighten work loads, seeing what needs to be done and generously giving of our time to do it inside and outside of the church. We can give of our spiritual gifts to the church, being unselfish ministers ourselves. We can be peacemakers and relieve the burdens of a clergy member that is having to constantly keep the flock "happy" so other ministries can flourish. We can be truthful and honest with integrity of our own, speaking the truth in love out of genuine love for Jesus and the church for the good of all. We can....show appreciation, give thanks, be a servant, apologize when wrong and forgive our clergy's short coming too. They aren't perfect.

Christ will absolutely honor them on the last day "Well done good and faithful servant" but he also has a way of speaking out for his true servants in everyday living that honors them. He also provides for every need and gives comfort in the hard times. He never lets a true servant go alone. It may not look like earthly prosperity, but the treasures are there!

[anne1151]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9)

Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? I think he wanted to be able to talk to them truthfully, harshly if needed without them being able to control him by threatening his wages.

How did this help his ministry? He was free to talk of Jesus. Free to set them an example they could follow.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? They were used to paying wages to their ministers. They thought the higher the wages demanded, the more knowledgeable the speaker, therefore Paul was not considered wise.

How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? Support them with our words, our gifts, and our help when needed.

How will Christ honor them? They will be with Him in heaven. His will be done.

[JanMary]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him?

Paul was chastening them for welcoming false teachers into their midst and tolerating them. I think he wanted them to know that he was authentic and genuinely sent to them by the Lord, unlike the charlatans who were collecting money and poisoning their minds with lies. He said in V. 12 that his motive was to cut off the claims of those heretics who claimed they were on the same terms as Paul and the Apostles.

How did this help his ministry?

It set him apart as serving and teaching them completely from a motive of humility, love for the Lord,  zeal for their teaching and training in Truth and for their well being.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted?

Much like the people from Jesus' home town thought Him commonplace and "just Joseph and Mary's son the carpenter", they took him for granted because he stuck to teaching the Gospel, rather than an expensive "dog and pony show" like the counterfeit teachers who demanded large sums of money.

How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ?

We honor them with our gifts of time, talent and treasure for the furtherance of the Gospel and to aid in their work.

How will Christ honor them?

Teachers/preachers have great responsibility and are held accountable for what they do, teach and preach. Likewise they receive a reward in kind. He also blesses their ministry with favor.

[haar]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

Paul did not want to be a burden to the Corithians. Besides, he was contented in what he had through his labour.

With this stand, he was able to be focused and work plan his missionary journeys to include other locations.

We ought to support men of God who sacrifice their time for the gospel by supporting them in whatever areas we can in whatever areas of their needs.

[tammie7]

He was afraid that it would hinder the gospel, and he don't want to be a burden to them.

Because some of them said he was not a real teacher.

We can honor them by let them choice to work for God full time or work for a living

and not letting the chruch pay him what we have to remember this is between God

and the person giving his word.

[Raph]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9)

Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him?

Paul reused to require the Corinthians to support him because he was receiving support from Phillippi and was supporting himself by working as a tent-maker.

How did this help his ministry?

This helped his ministry as Corinthians did not see him as a burden; he preached the gospel free of charge.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted?

It contributed to them taking him for granted in that, he was seen as being not a real teacher as he lowered himself by working for his living.

How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ?

We can honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give their time sacrificially to minister for Christ by accepting the gospel and also by supporting them materially without strings.

How will Christ honor them?

Christ will honor them by letting them dwell in His Kingdom.

[Delivered]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him?

Could it have been he did not want them to think they would be doing God a great favor, or could there have been people there who would have been full of pride in their giving to Paul??

I do not know why Paul refused to require the Corinthians’ to support him, but the Corinthians did give him a reason, therefore for that reason, or reasons, he did not want to be chargeable to no man.

How did this help his ministry?

He was able to be who he is, his independence came from his trade as a tent maker, this independence was his reward, because his independence allowed him to offer the Gospel free of charge, free to do what God called him to do.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted?

If any of them were taking Paul for granted, it would have been for one reason; they were in line with the false emissaries.

[Jen]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

Paul refused to ask money from the Corinthians to avoid being accused of being in it for the money. Which seems odd as they could see how much he had suffered. What good would money do if you were constantly being harrassed, imprisioned, in fear for your life, left for dead after being beaten by mobs. No Paul was genuine in his love for the Lord and spreading His gospel and for the churches he started and it showed.

We can honor Christian clergy by praying for them, supporting in whatever way we can, words of encouragement and loving the Lord ourselves as an example for others to see.

Christ will honor them fully for their service for all eternity.

God Bless!

Jen

Romans 15:13

[ross_laoshi]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

I think Paul didn't ask them for support because he didn't want them thinking he owed them anything of have them or anyone else making any accusations. It showed that his ministry was genuine and his love was sincere. We can honor these kind of Christian workers by giving then money, food and accommodation, and by praying for them. Christ will honor them by blessing their ministry both materially and spiritually.

[Old Jerry]

I think that the reason that Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him is because he wanted to be able to preach the Good News and not be hampered by the well to do and not be able to preach the true word. It might have contributed to them taking him for granted because they know that he would be there for them no matter what.

We can honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to ministry for Christ by being with them and telling them how much you appreciate them. You can support them all ways mentally and monetarily. Christ is going have a special place for them in heaven.

[bruceerobert]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

Paul understand that GOD has plans for him and that HE will reward him in heaven. When we give everything to God for he was the one who created everything including us, the reward shall be great. Paul knows that the Corinthians will boast about giving him things and supporting him because that is how humans are. And those without the faith will always boast about helping others even if they know that the person does not feel like it. Christ will reward those who are faithful to Him when he returns... Keep on praying and reading your Bible daily,

[Ashech]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him?

Because the Corinthians were critical against his ministry.

How did this help his ministry?

This could change their mentality thus abled Paul to prove his genuine love for them.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted?

How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ?

We can honor with our giving of financial support, word of encouragement and prayers.

How will Christ honor them?

Christ will honor them with far greater rewards from above.

[clabudak]

Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him so that he wasn't dependent upon them for anything. This way they couldn't accuse him of being a burden in any way. This helped his ministry because he could preach the gospel without any strings attached to anyone that might want to sway him away from the gospel through the power of money. Unfortunately it contributed to them taking him for granted because they connected "free" with the message not being worth much. We can honor Christian workers and clergy and lay people who donate their time for Christ with financial support and encouragement and our prayers. Christ will honor them in their lives and with heavenly rewards in heaven.

[Commissioned]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him?

I think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him because he did not want to be a financial burden to them and he received support from other churches.

How did this help his ministry?

This help his ministry because he did not burden them and demonstrated the power of God to sustain him.

How did it contribute to them taking him for granted?

It robbed them of their respect for his office as an Apostle, they saw him in menial work.

How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ?

We can honor Christian workers, clergy and lay by being generous to them for their sacrificial time to the work of the kingdom.

How will Christ honor them?

Christ will honor them with a great reward..

[wifee]

3a)Paul didn’t want to receive funds from Corinthians, because he didn’t people to have any cause to be distract themselves from his teaching,&he wanted to distinguish self from false teachers seeking finance reward

b)He was more free to speak, knowing his staple needs wasn’t affected by what he said.

c)They mistakingly thought false teachers requesting payment, meant better teaching.

d)Ensure they have regular resources, finances given anonymously, so nobody has greater influence, or becomes a distraction for M leadership.

e)Receive God’s honour, good &faithful servant & blessing allowing ministry to flourish

[Craig]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

 

Paul wanted to set an example of hard work and reliance on God and to prevent being controlled by others.  This enable him to go where the spirit lead him and freed him to preach what the spirit placed on his heart. 

 

We can pray and support those that give their time sacrificially to minister for Christ.  Jesus Christ will bless their ministry and their lives for eternity.

[WinstonY]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them? 

 

Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him because he was afraid that being paid my have interferred with the message he was preaching. He writes "I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed." One wonders if there were special conditions at Corinth when Paul accepted support from the other churches? or were the other churches more  mature?

 

The Corinthians or the others  would not be able to say that Paul was doing it for the money!

 

We can either pay them, give them an honorarium or to work especially hard along side of them.

 

​As  the last will be first and the first last they and we can not expect any special reward. We will all sing before the throne in glorifying the Lord.

 

 

 

 

[lighthouse2014]

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them?

I believe Paul refused support from the Corinthians because he enjoyed preaching the gospel for free. It was a great joy to deliver Gods word, but instead of taking support from Corinthians, he worked as a tent maker to support himself. I do not know the circumstances of the Corinthians as to why Paul did not want any support from them directly.

By not taking support from the Corinthians helped Paul prove his authority as an apostle, therefore he did not feel obligated to spend all his time with them, as would a paid minister would have to avail himself to them at all times.

Though Paul was not getting support from the Corinthians and working for his support, perhaps the Corinthians thought they could bother him because obviously he had no family to spend time with.

We can honor working Christians such as clergy, lay and general workers by supporting them financially and providing other needs, most of all they need our prayers so the Lord will look after them and keep them safe. This allows them to dedicate their full time to the ministry. This helps especially in foreign countries where the people are very poor and can not support a full time minister.

Christ will honor these full time pastors, clergy and lay who give full time to the building up the church. Their pay may be minimal but the best reward of all will be in heaven.     

[Krissi]

I know I sound like a broken record, but again, the biography of George Mueller I finished reading a couple weeks ago so influenced me that I'm determined to pray silently for my needs, without asking others for help or even letting others know of my need. God alone provides when I have the faith to ask and believe. 

Mueller often was tested right up to the moment. He would pray that God would provision the orphanages with food and clothing/sundries for the kids and not get an answer. Suddenly, food would appear and the children would be fed. Perhaps they weren't given the best of food, but they were nourished. Mueller NEVER let anyone know about the financial needs in his ministry. He would pray privately. Even his employees, at the beginning, anyway, didn't know of the dire situation.

Paul didn't take God's provision this literally. He let it be known to the congregation at Corinth that other congregations had supported him; he even seemingly bragged about privation and suffering want. He was able to support himself, but the bible rarely mentions Paul working, thus I wonder if most of his time was spent traveling and preaching/evangelizing/ministering, not tent-making.

---

I believe, now, that I should honor the work of ALL Christians -- full-time or not -- by obeying the still, small voice within me that asks me to give out of need, not excess. This is how Christians should be supported and how those who are supported should regard those who support them. If I need something, I should go to God in prayer. Silently. Without involving others. Just me and God. I should tell Him, specifically, what is this need, and then wait for Him to answer the prayer and fill that need. My faith is thus increased in His answering of prayer. And, the need is met. 

Mueller would lay out his needs before God like a lawyer. He'd explain his needs, why he had those needs, why they were in line with the calling and purpose God had placed on him, and then ask God to meet the need. 

Again, I write as a failing and flailing sinner. My needs are great and faith often falters, but it appears that God expects me to come to Him first and perhaps only.