6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Vs. 6 - “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.”
“share all good things with the one who teaches” - From early on the church had teachers. The only ‘Bible’ they had was what we call the Old Testament (aka: Law and Prophets). The gospel was passed on orally. The preachers and teachers learned from the Apostles. See: 2 Tim. 2:2 “And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.” See also: Phil. 4:9 “And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Teachers, Preachers, and Evangelists were devoting all their time and effort to build up the body of Christ. It was decided those who dedicated their time and lives to the gospel would be supported by the church. (See: Acts 6:1-7). This is part of the reason Paul is so adamant that teachers hold to the true gospel. Paul is furious that false teachers are turning the local church to falsehoods. (See: Gal. 1:9).
“Do not be deceived” - Sometimes it seems statements such as this sentence are aphorisms thrown in, like Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. It is jarring - how does this fit it the discussion? Is this about false teachers, or paying teachers adequately?
And it raises a few questions - Does this mean that a church which does not pay the preacher adequately will get a lousy preacher? Vice versa, if paid very well, the preacher will be great? I think this is more about the false teacher than the church. Those teachers and preachers who purposely teach a false gospel in order to lead people away from Christ and salvation will not get away scott free. “All creation lies open and exposed before the eyes of God. He will bring every act to judgment. And it is to Him we will give an account for ourselves.” (See: Heb. 4:11, 12.) Don’t fool yourself.
Another way of looking at this verse: Don’t think you can teach whatever version of the gospel that floats your boat. Teaching a false gospel is mocking God. He is a jealous God, and will not tolerate being treated lightly. You cannot make a fool out of God. Preach a false gospel and you receive the just reward. I have heard a person say to another, when the first person believes he has been duped, “First time, shame on you. Second time, shame on me.” Which is saying the first incident may have been an accident; if it happens again I’ll know it was on purpose.
“whatever a man sows” - If you are defying God, and teaching a false gospel, you will not escape. God does not forget. By rejecting the gospel, God’s wrath remains on you. (See: John 3:36) Openly and deliberately defying God, including but not limited to teaching a false gospel, is mocking Him and His word. You are saying, “You can’t touch me. You are not greater than me. I am in control, not You.” A person may teach a false gospel out of ignorance, but if corrected and continues to spread the lie, God will not let that pass. He will not be mocked. I just read 2 Kings 18 in which the king of Assyria sent a general to king Hezekiah. King Sennacherib of Assyria and his general mocked Hezekiah and the Lord. It did not end well for the Assyrians.
This will not end up well for you.
“Sows to his own flesh” - A continuation of the thought regarding defying God. We cannot rely on ourselves to save ourselves.
Another viewpoint is based on the theme of this letter: legalism versus faith in Christ. See: Gal. 2:16 - “yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” See, also: Titus 3:5, 6 - “he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,” Depending on the Law, or any other set of rules is ‘sowing to his flesh’, i.e., relying on the strength of your own efforts.
“Reap corruption” - The end result of us saving ourselves is death.
“From the Spirit reap eternal life” - We are saved by faith in Christ. We receive the Holy Spirit as a ‘down payment’ and proof that our faith in Christ is rewarded. (See: John 7:39, 14:26; Rom. 8:16) If we have the Spirit we have life eternal. (See: John 6:63; Rom. 8:2, 6, 11; 2 Cor. 3:6; Acts 10:45, 19:2, 6; 1 Cor. 6:17) We are drawn to Christ by God through the Holy Spirit. (John 6:44) If we have the Spirit we have life (eternal) See: Rom. 8:13; 1 Cor. 2:12.
Vs. 9 - “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”“not lose heart in doing good” - It can be wearying to do the right thing in the face of opposition. Do not be deceived, if we follow Jesus in our daily lives, we will face opposition. We may face criticism from fellow Christians, even in our own local church. We definitely will get criticism from non-believers. See: Phil. 1:27-29 - “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that - whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent - I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation - a sign which is from God.For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him,”
“we will reap” - Our hope is based on nothing less than the powers and promises of Jesus! He will reward! See: Jam. 1:12 - “Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.” He will repay! David wondered what to do when urged by others to abandon the Lord. It bothered him until God revealed the end of those enemies of God. See: Psa. 73:11-17.
Vs. 10 - “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”“while we have opportunity” - This is echoed in Hebrews, See: Heb. 10:24-25; 13:15-16. While we are alive on this earth we are to live for Jesus. Every day live in a manner worthy of the Lord. See: Col. 1:10; Phil. 1:27.
“especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” - Live perfectly among non-believers in order that some may be won to Christ. Treat them well, but be more aware of the needs of fellow believers.
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