A note from our Pastor:

”For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

1 Timothy 5:18

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this morning, the Apostle Paul continues his instruction to Timothy regarding the care for the ministry by the community of believers. These teachings from the Apostle were not intended to imply that a congregation had to support a full-time minister, but rather were a reminder to provide what could be provided for the care of the minister and his family.

In writing this instruction, the Apostle was quoting from two other sources to establish the authority of his statement. We will consider each of the scriptures he quoted and the meaning behind them in this study.

The first sentence of our study verse is a reference to Deuteronomy 25:4. The 25th chapter of Deuteronomy contains various laws and instructions from God the Jews. The laws are given without much explanation and the chapter reads more as a list than a narrative. In the 4th verse, the people are instructed not to muzzle the ox when he treads out the corn. The law implies that the animal doing the work for the people should be allowed to enjoy some of the fruit of his effort.

The second sentence is a reference to Luke 10:7. In this chapter, Jesus is sending the seventy ministers out to preach the gospel. He provides them with various instructions regarding not carrying extra supplies or money. In this verse, he instructs them to go to a house when they arrive and if the people accept them then they should stay in that house as long as they are in the city. The ministers will be provided for in that house, and if they are preaching the gospel they are worthy of the reward.

Thus, the Apostle combines thoughts from both of these verses. He is telling Timothy and others down through time that the work of the ministry is much like an ox treading corn. It takes great effort and patience but will render a valuable product. That product is the understanding of the gospel by the community of believers. Therefore, when this is accomplished the minister should be cared for as a result. This concept is reinforced by what Jesus told the seventy when he sent them out to preach the gospel.

Let us, within our community of believers, remember to care for the ministry when the ministry is doing the work to grow the gospel understanding.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah