Grace Giving to Laborers
Giving is one of the most misunderstood practices in the church today. Many confuse giving with tithing, which was a requirement under the law with curses associated for disobedience.
“[8] Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. [9] Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.” – Malachi 3:8-9
Fortunately, Christ became a curse for you and you have a new pattern of giving under grace.
“[10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. [11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. [12] And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. [13] Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” – Galatians 3:10-13
“[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
If you have been manipulated by those who would twist the Bible to put you under the law, requiring a tithe and promising you blessings for your tithing, please do not give to that ministry. You will not get extra blessings from God if you give, for you already have all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph 1:3). You will not earn God’s favor or assuage His wrath by giving, for you are justified by faith and at peace with God through the abundant grace of Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1-2).
God wants believers to give willingly, eagerly, and excitedly in order to support the propagation of the gospel of grace and of His truth. In 1 Corinthians 9:4-18, we get additional insight on the role of giving, especially in the context of giving to those who labor for the gospel.
Wisdom from the Law
“[8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.” – 1 Corinthians 9:8-10
While we are not under it, Paul uses the Law to teach principles that are valuable even under grace (Rom 6:14, 7:12). For instance, Deuteronomy 25:4, which speaks of not muzzling an ox while it treads out corn, illustrates that a worker deserves to benefit from their labor. This wisdom implies that those who labor in preaching, according to sound doctrine, should be supported (1 Timothy 5:17-18). However, under grace, giving is not compulsory, but a generous outpouring from the heart as grace works in the inner man (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Reaping, Sowing, and the Gospel
“[11] If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? [12] If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 9:11-12
Paul had labored fervently for them and had the right to reap carnal things from them. However, he never asked for money, but desired their spiritual growth. Paul didn’t exercise his right to receive financial support from the Corinthians so no one would say that Paul was in it for the monetary gain. He did not want to hinder the gospel in any way, even if his intentions were pure. This is the application of the weaker brother principle at its finest.
“[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. [16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. [17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” – Philippians 4:15-17
“[33] I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. [34] Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. [35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:33-35
The fruit you bear from sowing spiritual things is spiritual (Gal 6:7-9). You don’t sow spiritual things looking to get paid, this is wrong and shows that your heart is after money, not people’s salvation and growth. It also means you are more willing to corrupt pure doctrine (you might not even know it) in order to keep the cash flow strong (Titus 1:7-11).
Not Abusing His Power for the Gospel’s Sake
“[15] But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. [16] For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! [17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. [18] What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.” – 1 Corinthians 9:15-18
Paul, despite having the power to do so, did not use his right to financial support and was not seeking to guilt the Corinthians into giving (2 Corinthians 12:14-15). His willingness to forsake financial benefits for the sake of the gospel reflects the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). Paul’s reward was not monetary but the privilege of preaching the gospel freely, helping souls be saved and saints be edified, all while maintaining the gospel’s purity and preventing any misconception of his motives.
While Paul received money from other churches, he never required it. Paul also worked in order to be an ensample to other believers.
“[1] After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; [2] And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. [3] And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. [4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” – Acts 18:1-4
“[7] For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; [8] Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: [9] Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10
The Essence of Grace Giving
Grace giving is rooted in the transformation of the inner man, resulting in the outward manifestation of the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25). It reveals the giver's heart and prioritizes spiritual growth over material transactions (Mat 6:21). As believers, we are to give cheerfully, not out of necessity, reflecting the grace that we have received in Christ.
Paul’s teaching on giving underscores the importance of supporting those who labor in the gospel while also emphasizing the need for those laborers to uphold the integrity of the gospel above material gain. Giving under grace is an act of worship, a demonstration of love, and a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit within us. It’s about serving others and ensuring the gospel is offered freely, without hindrance or the perception of profiteering. Paul's ultimate desire, and the goal of all Christian service, should be souls saved and saints edified, irrespective of personal cost.
