1 Tim. 6:6-10 - The love of money...

6 Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.
7 For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.
8 But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.
9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

If I Were a Rich Man...

Vs. 6: - Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.

"godliness combined with contentment" - Today's devotional in "Jesus Calling" was about living victoriously as you live in deep dependence on Jesus - about not worrying or fretting about what is to come. It struck me as I read and pondered: it is about being content in Jesus. Sometimes life seems like a hard scrabble, or maybe bumper cars. As circumstances blow by us, we are buffeted - heads snapping right or left, abrupt stops with our chest slammed against the steering wheel. Jesus invites us to 'live life abundantly'. (John 10:10) He was very clear that this does not mean having lots of money and stuff. (Luke 12:15-21)

My son listened to some pretty 'interesting' music when he was a teenager. One group, ‘Sisters of Mercy’, did a song named "More". It is in the 'Techno/Industrial' genre, so it is a hard driving beat, and goes on for 8-1/2 minutes. (It's a great running song!) However, the lyrics show someone who is not content:

Some people get by - with a little understanding. Some people get by - with a whole lot more. I don't know why you have to be so undemanding. This one thing I know. I WANT MORE. Chorus: I need all the love I can get. I need all the love I can't get, too.

The verses are sung fairly quietly, but with intensity. The last line of the verse is a scream. The chorus is done by a choir, repeated multiple times like a worship song. One of the verses tells us you are not what you live with, but what you take. Not an uplifting spiritual song, it is someone who is not content with what they have. Being content with what you have gives you more time to focus on Jesus. Compare "I want more" with "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Phil. 4:6-9)

Where would you rather be: screaming "I want more", or in the peace of God that is beyond understanding? It's your choice.

Vs. 7: - For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.

"brought nothing... " - We can't take it with us, either. Lack of contentment, at least in this case, is lusting for more money and possessions. Jesus warns us about greed. See Luk. 12:15-21. The parable shows a man who is not interested in godliness. One of the political themes in the last few years was to question the wealth of rich people. The conclusion of this theme is the government should take more taxes because the rich have 'more than enough'. The rich aren't paying their 'fair share'. That's not exactly what Jesus is saying in this parable. Note there is no mention of tithing by the rich man. There is no acknowledgement that his good fortune is the result of God's grace. It is not clear that God is anti-rich, anti-wealth. He opposes the proud. See: Jam. 4:6; Deut. 8:14. He expects the rich to help those in need. It is to be a personal commitment, not leaving it to the government. I call the latter attitude Vicarious Altruism. You don’t actually have to do anything, but yet you get to feel good about yourself.

Is it possible the rich man would have survived the night if he had thanked and glorified the Lord for his successful farming? Is it likely the judgment would have been mitigated had the man given thanks for the largess and decided to give to the Lord to care for those who needed? That is for us to speculate based on our understanding of God's love for the widow, the orphan, the needy, the stranger and the poor. (See: Exo. 22:22; Deut. 16:11; Zech. 7:9-10)
It would be better for the rich man to use his riches to benefit others. Not through the government, but personally, as a witness to the grace of God. Is God glorified when a person says, "God has blessed me. I am sharing that with you."? Most likely, yes. Is God glorified if a person does it in secret? (The caveat is beware of the pride of the Pharisees, "See what good I am doing, because I am so good, so much better than others.") Again, probably, yes. See: Matt. 6:19-21, 24.

Vs. 8: - But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.

"food and shelter" - We want too much. We expect too much. You were born with your soul and spirit as your only possessions of value. When you die, that is all you'll take with you. God wants to focus on what is important, necessary, (Luke 10:38-42) and not to fret about collecting things. See: Matt. 6:25, 31-34

Vs. 9: - But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

"long to be rich" - These are people whose main desire is to be rich. This is more than earning a lot because they provide a better product or service. You have heard the presumptuous saying, “You can never be too rich, or too thin” used to justify excessive pride. Think of the movie "Wolf of Wall Street" , or crime lords, drug gangs, Ponzi scheme perpetrators, etc. (Okay, crime gangs are also after power and control. They are not in it for the good of others.) When the goal is money alone, God warns us that temptation, traps, senseless and harmful desires will drag us to destruction.
In the movie "The Great Gatsby" (latest version) - the wild and mindless parties with booze and sex flowing equally, harmed many lives. Our own lustful nature draws us away to death (lust is not just about sex!). "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death." Jam. 1:13-15. It is too easy for us to rationalize wrong behaviors because we want something enough to turn our backs on God.

Vs.10: - For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

"the love of money is the root of all evils" - Having money, being rich, is not evil, nor a sin. Avarice is more than wanting money. It is an overweening desire to get money, no matter how much you have now. Some commentaries have asked, "There is no sin that won't be committed for monetary gain." That is almost beside the point. Some people will commit sins because their hearts are as hard as stone, and money-for-sin is a perk. Some will commit crimes out of desperation, thinking they no other choice.
The 'love of money' shows a decision to turn away from a dependence on God. That is the 'root'. The declaration of independence from God puts your self on the throne of your life. "Sin is active rebellion or passive indifference to God" (See note 1) Self on the throne is deciding to do what you will in defiance of Jesus. That defiance is the source of all sin, beginning with Satan, then Adam. It is of a mode of thinking, feeling, acting that is base, wrong, and wicked. It leads to behaviors that are troublesome, injurious, pernicious, and destructive.

"strayed from the faith" - No where in the Gospels, or any of the letters is there an encouragement to take care of yourself first. In grasping for money we can forget the commands to love one another. (1 Cor. 12:25; Gal. 5:15; John 13:34; Rom. 12:10, 13:8) This not about earning because you provide a good product or a good service (remember the old saying: if you invent a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door). This is falling prey to 'lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life.' (1 John 2:15, 16)

"stabbed themselves" - Basically, committing spiritual suicide. (Gal. 5:7; Col. 2:8)

***
Note 1: (Campus Crusade for Christ - 'Four Spiritual Laws'.)
***

1 Tim. 6:3-5 - Fruit of False Teaching

3 If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,
4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. This gives rise to envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions,
5 and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

The Source of False Teachings

Vs. 3: - If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,

"spreads false teachings" - This boils down to any teaching that contradicts the Lord Jesus Christ, that of Paul, Peter, John, and James. Here we are 2000 years after Christ's resurrection, and we know there are heresies. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that less than 30 years after the world changing 'Easter' event, the church could be bedeviled by false teachings. In reality, lies started almost immediately.

For example:

'Gnosticism', which denied that Jesus existed as a physical being (an extremely simplified version) was one the first heresies. The Jewish leaders, at the time of the crucifixion, attempted to deny Christ had risen from the dead and the body was stolen. (O.K. Imagine a couple of fishermen taking out a squad of Roman soldiers guarding the tomb. These are equivalent to U.S. Army Rangers or Marines - the best in the world. It ain't happening!)
Today we have people saying it can’t be proved scientifically. Probably not. But look at the lives changed - the proof is there.
Unfortunately, there are people claiming to have the answers, or claiming to be the return of the Messiah. Be careful for they are making claims that cannot be supported by Jesus' teaching, or that of the apostles.

Vs. 4-5: - he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. This gives rise to envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions, and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

"conceited and understands nothing" - The teaching of those of us who are not the apostles or Jesus, must be compared to the words of the Lord and the apostles. Look in the gospels and the writings in the New Testament. There are people who claim to have new and previously hidden knowledge. They claim to have the answers. If the new and previously hidden knowledge contradicts Christ's words - it is wrong. What is 'known' by these people is not known at all. See: 1 Cor. 8:2. False knowledge is not knowledge at all, but lies. That way leads to death. Those who lead you to death obviously do not understand the gospel, and who Christ is. See: Acts 4:12, 20:32.

"unhealthy interest" - The reasons for preaching and teaching doctrines that contradict Scripture are hardly ever for your benefit. The reasons are usually for personal gain. Sometimes the 'gain' is self-aggrandizement, seeing if you and other people can be bent to 'their way of thinking'.

"controversies and verbal disputes" - Some of our biggest disagreements come from trying to determine the meaning of words. And then there are people who delight in being contrary. I have worked with people that do this. One guy, "Jim", seemed to have the contrarianism down to a science. He had an objection to whatever engineering decisions were forwarded. Sometimes it seemed his objections were unfounded, and sometimes they were just plain frustrating. One time Jim so frustrated a fellow engineer, that engineer shoved Jim up against a wall and shouted in his face. Jim had crossed the line, and was quiet for a while (only for a while.) Sometimes the purpose for the controversies are to create division in the body, and pull people away.

"envy" - A growing root of bitterness toward others because of a desire. If you can make people want something they don't have, especially if they think it was gotten unfairly - envy can grow. (This is profoundly different than living the Christian life in such a way that people will want to know Jesus because of the joy in your heart.)

"dissension" - This is the kind of upset in a church that would seem to come from Satan. One of the best things (in terms of destroying the witness of the church) Satan can do is promote dissension, division, arguments, and quarrels within the church body. Note: these arguments are seldom over important doctrinal issues, but more over the color of the cushions on the chairs, or robes for the choir, or guitar versus organ and piano for worship. Dissension can rip a church asunder.

"slanders" - Dissension leads to gossip and slander. "Have you heard about 'X'? He doesn't believe in the virgin birth!" "Well. What about 'Y’? She doesn't believe in baptism!" I know from personal experience how these rumors (lies) can hurt and harm.

"evil suspicions" - All of this comes from the heart of Satan. If Satan can get the church arguing over suspicion, slander, and meaningless controversy he has slithered between us and Jesus. Our witness is defeated.

"corrupted in their minds" - Slander, suspicion, controversy are rot that starts on the inside and finds it way out into the church body. See: Matt. 15:18; Prov 23:7. It doesn't take much cause a breakdown. See Gal. 5:7-9 "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough."

"making a profit" - Some will choose any opportunity to make a buck. The church is a non-profit operation. The preacher and teacher is worthy of their pay. Salary to meet their needs - food, clothing, shelter. What is 'enough'? What is 'excessive'? You'll know it when you see it.

***

1 Tim. 6:1-2 - Rules for Harmonious Living - Part 1

1 Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.
2 But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach them and exhort them about these things.

6:1-2 - Slaves and masters

Vs. 1: - “Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited.”

"slaves" - Other than slavery to sin, the Bible does not put an end to slavery. It is puzzling.
The Bible seems to treat slavery as a human institution that will persist. Let me pose this theory: Until a significant portion of people believe in God and in Jesus Christ, or their government and society lives under those principles there is little hope of ending slavery. The impetus to end slavery was driven by the Christians in England (e.g., William Wilberforce and others) and America (e.g., Abraham Lincoln, abolitionists, the founding fathers and writers of the U.S. Constitution, and others). The inherent value of mankind, the equality of all races and nationalities are foundational in the Christian doctrine. God is 'no respecter of persons' - ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All need the saving grace freely offered. NONE can work their way to glory. The glory is all in the holiness of God, and he sheds it on those who believe and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

"so that... " - We are to treat our bosses (or 'masters', for slaves) with respect. Why is this display of honor or respect important? So much of this letter is about living so the non-believing world is impressed by believers, and that our beliefs drive our actions. This is similar to the admonition that deacons and elders should be of good reputation, honorable, above reproach.

Paul instructs in verse 3:15 "... I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God". Even more important is that God's reputation is not diminished. This has been discussed previously - See 1 Tim. 5:14. If we use our faith (religion) as an excuse to goof off, Jesus' name is defamed. Do you need to work hard if your boss is not a believer? Of course! The assumption here is that you might be tempted to treat a a non-Christian with some disdain because they don't believe. Why? Why would you do that?

Jesus commanded we love one another, just as He loved us, and we are family so we will deal with Christians favorably. A common belief in the world is that 'family' and 'blood' demands more loyalty than friendship. God is saying, "You are in the family of God by the blood of Jesus. Your loyalty is to Me. Be sure the way you treat non-believers does not make Me look bad."

Let no one say they didn't accept Jesus as Lord and Savior because of your testimony - the way you demonstrated your faith.

Vs. 2: - “But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach them and exhort them about these things.”

"masters" - On the other hand, if you work for a believer serve them even better. Why? The fellow believer, a member of the same family of God and a recipient of the grace of God through Jesus Christ are to benefit and be loved.

"Teach and exhort... " - Treat non-believers well. Treat believers even better. That's the principle. Emphasize this until it is 'caught'.

1 Tim. 5:21-25 - Sage Advice

21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.
22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 (Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion and your frequent illnesses.)
24 The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment, but for others, they show up later.
25 Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.

- An Exhortation -

Vs. 21: - “Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.”

"solemnly charge you" - This charge, with God, and Jesus, and the angels as witnesses is almost like the prophets speaking, "Thus says the Lord..." Teach the church these precepts. Show them the way to keep them.

Side question: who are the 'elect angels'? Is it Gabriel, or Michael, or the seraphim? (These are only two mentioned by name - not counting Lucifer since he was booted from heaven.) Perhaps these are the angels that did not defect and rebel. See: Jude 6; 2 Pet. 2:4.

"without prejudice or favoritism" - And, basically, don't show any favoritism. To anyone. "Those guilty of sin must be rebuked." God is not a "respecter of persons" - Jam. 2:1-9; Gal. 3:26-29; Rev. 2:11.

Vs. 22: - “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”

"lay hands on anyone hastily" - Do not rush when asking a man to be an elder of the church. See: 1 Tim. 4:14. If the proposed elder is not of good reputation (1 Tim. 3:2-9), the sins of that leader will be reflected on the local church body. The leader must pass the 'respectable' test. (1 Tim. 3:10).
The laying on of hands has been discussed in 1 Tim. 4:14. We see this practice often in our church - especially when someone is going to be a missionary, or is leaving to be a pastor of a church. The church elders gather around the person. Some or all of the elders place a hand on the head or shoulder of the one going out. Prayers are said (offered up - in church talk) to ask for blessing and success for the endeavor. Is this an official imprimatur? The Protestant churches do not have a hierarchy like the Catholic Church. This is as close as the evangelicals come - pastors and elders present this worker to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit through these prayers. We are saying we believe this person was called by God to do the work, and prepared, able and willing. We are saying this worker is adequate for the good work the Lord will have him do. The worker is being blessed by the church through the elders, and being launched into the world for God to use for His glory and as He sees fit. This is why we are not to be hasty, for we the church body is saying this person represents Jesus and the church in which we fellowship. If something goes wrong, heaven forbid, the world wonders what we were thinking to send ‘that person’. If the world sees ‘that person’ denigrate the name of Jesus, why would it have any respect for those who sent ‘that person’?
Think of the times you have cringed when a pastor or a priest of a church is accused of some sin - sexual abuse, immorality, greed, embezzlement. Several things have happened (beyond the sin committed). The pastor or priest was no longer of 'good reputation', the sins were covered up by the church until they could no longer be hidden, and the secular public sneers at the church, thinking, “Those ‘holy’ ones are worse than the rest of us.” The name of Jesus Christ has been shamed.

"identify with the sins" - Some versions say, “share responsibility” - What? I wasn't involved! Why must I share the responsibility? Because you are the church, shame brought upon the church by the sins of a leader stains you also. Sharing the gospel is so much more difficult when the person with whom you are talking doesn't want anything to do with the church. The behavior of the believers turns them off. That is a mighty barrier to surmount. Yes, we share the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit. But, how will they call upon Jesus to save them if they haven't heard? How will they hear if they won't listen because the church's reputation deafens them to the message?

"keep yourself pure" - This can also be read "keep yourself free from sin." The church, the local body of believers, must have a spotless reputation, must be stable, above reproach, respectable. Of course there will be lies told about the church. The lies will fall away, the truth will out. Exposed sins of leaders and church members are an acid eating away at the facade of the church.

- Parenthetical advice -

Vs. 23: - “(Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion and your frequent illnesses.)”

"use a little wine" - Paul was well aware of how physical illness hampers a ministry. (Gal. 4:13-15) We can only guess what Timothy's illness might be - indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea. Fatherly advice to be careful and stay healthy.

- Behavior will be revealed -

Vs. 24: - “The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment, but for others, they show up later.“

"sins of some people are obvious" - Some are committed in full view of everyone around. Some in secret and known only to themselves, or maybe a few others. Neither will escape judgment. (See: Eccl. 11:9; 12:13-14; Matt. 10:26; Rom. 2:16; 1 Cor. 2:5) Nothing can be hidden from God.

Vs. 25: - “Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.“

"good works are also obvious" - This is a good thing. This brings glory to Jesus. That is our goal as Christians.

*** [End of Chapter]

1 Tim. 5:19-20 - Accusations Against Leaders

19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.
20 Those guilty of sin must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest.“

Leaders Who Defame Jesus’ Name

Vs. 19: - “Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.”

"Do not accept an accusation" - Accusing a leader of misconduct is not to be accepted lightly. I do not mean accusations should be brushed off, or ignored. If someone brings an accusation, they should bring corroboration. This is a principle taught throughout the Bible. A witness or two is always required if a person is being accused of breaking the Law (both for leaders and non-leaders). See: Deut. 17:6, 19:15. The principle was reiterated by Jesus. Matt. 18:16. When a leader is accused, per the above procedure, action must be taken.

The encyclopedia of laws in the new covenant has been drastically reduced. The primary 'laws' of the church are: Love Jesus. Love one another. Make disciples.
All else follows those. From there it is common sense.
Ask yourself, "If I do this, will my love for (insert name here) be demonstrated to the non-believing world?"
Or, "Will my love for Jesus be seen?”
“Will He be glorified, or will He be profaned?"
If you can answer positively to these types of questions, or if the Holy Spirit does not convict your spirit, then your action is acceptable.

Censuring an elder of the church is not to be done on a whim. Rebuking an elder may bring shame on the church. Letting a leader offend without reprimand will bring even more shame. It has to be done. Just know there will be a cost, and sometimes that cost must be paid.

Vs. 20: - “Those guilty of sin must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest.“

"Those guilty of sin must be rebuked..." - If a leader is the offender, that person is not free from consequences. Look back to chapter 3 and the character requirements of elders and deacons. The phrase 'above reproach' jumps out. The leaders of the church must never defame the name of Jesus.
What sullies the reputation of the body of believers the most? Doesn't your heart drop when you hear on the news, "Pastor John Doe of the Big City Church congregation has been arrested for..."? That church had no one that exhorted or rebuked the leader. His misdeeds multiplied until he became a criminal.
A church should never cover up bad behavior. Which was worse for the Catholic Church - priests committing sexual abuse, or the coverup of the crimes?
When someone fails, we are to help restore such a one, even and especially our leaders. See: James 5:16.

1 Tim. 5:17-18 - Take Care of Your Leaders

17 Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.
18 For the scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The worker deserves his pay."

Vs. 17: - “Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.”

"effective leadership" - Paul doubles back to his instructions pertaining to leaders - see the discussion of 1 Tim. 3. The leader of a church should be supported, paid by the church. See: Matt 10:10; Luk 10:7; 1 Cor 9:14

"Work hard" - Teaching and preaching. The elders are the key leaders of the local body. Not only are they to be familiar with the members, their needs, failures, and successes, but also to provide the instructions necessary to grow in the faith.
Teaching and preaching - how information we need is transferred to us. Dr. Howard Hendrix once said, "You haven't taught, until the concept is caught." Those who guide their flocks best are those who enable us to visualize and apply the scripture to our lives.

There are people who will say that we don't need preachers and teachers. After all. We have the Holy Spirit. He's been given to us to teach us what we need to know. (See: John 14:16, 26) It is also true that God has given spiritual gifts - see 1 Cor. 12:8, 28. Some have the gift of wisdom - being able to see the spiritual importance of scripture or prophecy (also a gift). Some have been given the gift of knowledge - being able to apply the spiritual information practically. Some are evangelists. Some are healers, or administrators, and some are teachers.

Vs. 18: - “For the scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The worker deserves his pay."”

“Do not muzzle an ox...“ - From Deut. 25:4. This is a command to the Israelites, in the midst of a couple of chapters of various laws about community living. I do not know if the Jews had any cattle or grain when in Egyptian captivity. We know for sure they didn’t have some of this while wandering through the wilderness for 40 years. There must have been some sheep or other type cattle to be used for offerings and sacrifices. They were fed manna and quail - bread and meat. In those wandering years, the adults that escaped from Egypt died. Perhaps the knowledge of how to raise, harvest and process grain was lost when the adults died.
Try to imagine how the grain would be separated from the stalks of wheat. My minds sees an ox connected to a post, and the ox walks in a circle with harvest grain laying on the ground. The tromping hooves broke up the heads of grain and the stalks. The resulting wheat would then be winnowed, leaving just he kernels of grain. If the ox is going to be worked all day long, it would be cruel to prevent the animal from getting an occasional ‘snack’ - after all, the animal earned it, saving the humans from such labor! By the way: Wikipedia has a really good explanation of indoor and outdoor threshing. (See: threshing floors.)

"worker deserves his pay" - God has always provided for those who serve Him as priest - or as teacher, preacher, and evangelist. The Levites were supported by the tithes the people brought to the tabernacle or temple. (See: Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:15; 25:4) Our pastors and elders are supported by our tithes and gifts. It has been this way since the beginning of the church in Jerusalem. See: Acts 4:33-37.

***

Gal. 1:10-12 - Appointed by God

10 Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!
11 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.
12 For I did not receive it or learn it from any human source; instead I received it by a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Personal Testimony

This starts a long section of this letter in which Paul gives personal history (See verses 1:13-2:14). He is defending and justifying his apostleship. He is giving his background to Christians of Galatia who may not have met him.

Vs. 10 “trying to please people?” - Paul was committed completely to God even before he believed in Jesus. He was sure the early church was blaspheming God. He was so sure that he hunted them down, arrested them under the authority of the Jewish leaders to punish and execute them if necessary. All to please God!

Paul was flabbergasted when he met Jesus face-to-face on the road to Damascus. (See: Acts 9:1-5 )
God (Jesus) said, “Why are you persecuting Me?”
Paul’s response, “Wait. What?”

Paul knew this encounter was with God. No one else comes in blinding light! He knew, or at least thought he knew, persecuting Christians was serving God. Consider the confusion therein: he was passionately serving God, yet God just revealed He was being persecuted!

Paul asked, “Who am I persecuting, really?” (A rough paraphrase of, “Who are you?”)
The answer knocked Paul even further off balance, “I am…”
Instantly, Paul knew who was speaking! Jesus was God Himself.

Paul probably had memorized the scripture in which Moses asked, “Who should I say has sent me?” (See: Exo. 3:14) He KNOWS who “I Am” is.
The Jews knew Jesus’ claimed to be God. Jesus answered some question concerning His authority and the Jewish leaders parsed every sentence, every word Jesus uttered. See John 8:57-59. They knew exactly what Jesus meant. They were not confused. Up until this moment, neither was Paul!

The point is: Paul’s passion to serve God was not diminished by the encounter near Damascus, only redirected.

“I would not be a slave of Christ!” - We can desire to get approval from those around us, or seek God’s approval first. A man cannot serve two masters. (Luke 16:13, Matt. 8:21-22, Luke 14:16-24, 1 John 2:15-16) If people are pleased because we serve Christ, great. ( Col. 3:23-24 ) Sometimes in movies, a character saves another by some action. The second guy says, “I owe you one.” We are the second guy. We don't owe just one. We owe Jesus ALL.
Can we ever repay? Our mind, our soul, our spirit, and our body are His.
He paid for them. We can accept that fact and live for Jesus.
Or, we can reject Him and lose it all.
Being Christ’s slave is not onerous.
What a paradox: we are free, and we are slaves!

vs. 11 “not of human origin” - Paul did not receive the gospel from Barnabas, Ananias, Peter or any other human.
He learned the Law from Gamaliel.
He learned the gospel from Jesus.
That is one definition of ‘apostle’ - having learned God’s message of salvation from Jesus. Paul is unique. All the other apostles - Peter, James, John, and others - has personal contact with Jesus. They walked, talked, and learned from Him during His time here on earth. They were present during the sham trial and the real crucifixion. They met Him and talked with Him after the resurrection - in the upper room at Pentecost. They received the Holy Spirit, and preached in Jerusalem. Paul was not there for any of it. No wonder there was some skepticism about his commitment!

vs. 12 “revelation of Jesus Christ.” - The Good News was given to Paul by Jesus. See: Acts 9:15, 16. Think about that for a moment. Paul who was intelligent, learned, schooled in the scriptures (our Old Testament) after the encounter on the road to Damascus was taught by Jesus. I think he met Jesus face-to-face.
There is a cryptic reference in 2 Cor. 12:1-7, in which Paul refers to a man who was taken up into the third heaven.
Three Heavens! Per my understanding, are as follows:

1. Earth’s Atmosphere
2. Starry Night, the visible universe
3. In the presence of God and Jesus

There he was instructed, was given revelations too fantastic to be able to fully describe or explain! Paul does not say it was his own experience, but hints at it. As if it were too amazing to completely understand even though it happened to him. Look back at Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel who were overwhelmed by their experience.

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