Be What You Are Called To Be. Let God Be God In The Process

The third principle could be interpreted in a number of ways. The hardworking farmer should receive a share of the crops first. This could be either materially or spiritually. Spiritually, when a pastor studies the Word in order to preach or teach it, he gets the first fruits of the crop. He applies it to himself and grows from what he learns. He gets to think about it more and chew on it more. This also could be referring to being willing to receive compensation from the congregation. Perhaps Timothy was shy about receiving compensation since Paul didn’t. But Paul in multiple places says that a minister shouldn’t be ashamed to receive a living from those he feeds with the Word, so that he can give his full time to preaching and teaching. Timothy shouldn’t be ashamed to receive from them, and they shouldn’t be hesitant to reward their preacher for the work he is doing among them.

And if that’s what God wants for His called workers, then you have a part of that as well, in the way you budget your own offerings, so that our pastors and teachers can be paid for what they do. God has called us to provide a treasure of the Word for you, and this ought to be your most cherished treasure.

Sometimes, when you’re in the midst of doing what you are called on to do, it is easy to forget WHY you’re doing it. What’s the use? Why was Timothy called to be a minister? Paul said it simply. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, a descendant of David, in accordance with my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, along with eternal glory. Don’t forget, this is all about Jesus, who died for your sins and rose from the dead. You need his grace and forgiveness every day, for your lack of discipline, your lack of fight, your sins of mis prioritizing your life. Don’t forget that you aren’t serving a dead God, but a living Lord and Savior, ruling in the heavenly realms, for YOU. Don’t forget about the power of the Word of God. Timothy, you aren’t dealing with a weak thing. You are dealing with powerful dynamite, which forgives all sins, cleanses hearts, changes lives and saves souls!

Think of what happened with Paul! Even though Paul was imprisoned, he used that time to write more books of the Bible, and those books still speak to us today. That Word is still read and studied to bring people to faith and help them grow in faith. In the end, while trying to shut him up, Paul’s imprisonment ended up unleashing an eternal power on the world! They could chain up Paul, but they couldn’t chain the Word. Timothy needed to remember that! And Paul reminded Timothy, don’t forget who you are making these sacrifices for, God’s elect children - so that they can end up in heaven and obtain Christ. Eternity is at stake here - heaven and hell - this is serious stuff.

Remember that as a parent with your children. There’s a reason you bring them to worship. You want you and your children to hear that powerful Word of God, so that you can all obtain salvation in Jesus Christ. You don’t want to see yourself or your children in hell. Don’t forget the eternal consequences of what is at stake here, for us and for our salvation. There’s a glorious cause here, a noble cause, a saving cause - with eternal glory.