2 Corinthians 2:17
“For we are not, as so many ‘peddling (adulterating for gain)
The word of GOD’ but as of sincerity; but as from GOD, we speak in the sight of
GOD in Christ.” NKJV
“For we are not like men peddling The Word of GOD. Rather in Messiah
we speak in the sight of GOD with sincerity, as persons sent from GOD.” TLV
2 Peter 2:1-3 “But there are also false prophets among the
people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring
in destructive heresies, even denying The LORD Who Bought them, and bringing on
themselves swift (remember swift does not mean soon but sudden) destruction. And
many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom (the false prophets
and false teachers) The Way of Truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness (they
want your money) they will exploit you with destructive words; for a long time
their judgment has not been idol, and their destruction does not (will not)
slumber.” Study the whole chapter on false prophets!
So what is Paul saying? Something I have believed for many
years, that The Gospel of JESUS Christ is not for sale! This is a simple issue
that is complicated for people to work out in their ministry and life. I
believe that GOD’s Call will be provided by GOD’s hand, each one’s Call is
personal and GOD deals with each of us personally.
So first I am not condemning anyone who makes their living
off The Gospel or The Ministry that GOD has given them. That is between them
and GOD. Second in the current Church and world structure it will be painful
and difficult to change. But we, each believer, are responsible before GOD on
how we handle our finances that includes who we support.
I have heard it said that in The Gospels JESUS had nothing
good to say about money! I have not found anything good that JESUS did say
about money. Except, according to Paul who taught the Ephesian Church, “I have
coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these
hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have
shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak;
and remember the Words of The LORD JESUS, that He said, ‘It is more
Blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:33-35)
So what does JESUS say? First about the needs of life:
“Man shall not live by bread alone…” Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4
(Deuteronomy 8:3)
“You, seek first the Kingdom of GOD and His Righteousness and
all these things (food, shelter and clothing) will be added to you; do not
worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself, each day has its own
issues” Matthew 6:25-34 (33-34 my paraphrase) (Isaiah 55:6; Romans 8:31-32)
“…My food is to do The will of Him Who sent Me…” John 4:34
(Proverbs 13:2-3, 25; 23:1-8)
Instructions to the 12 whom He wanted to learn to depend on
GOD: “Freely you have received, freely give…A worker is worthy of his hire…” Matthew
10:5-15 (8,10), Mark 6:8-11, Luke 9:1-6
Instructions to the 70 whom He wanted to learn to depend on
GOD: “Go your way; behold I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither
money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.” Luke
10:1-12 (3-4) Why did He say to greet no one along the road? Don’t attract
attention to yourself, either with acquaintances or strangers; don’t tell
others what you are doing.
“…but whoever drinks of The Water that I shall give him will
never thirst again…” John 4:9-15 (14) “…If anyone thirst, let him come to Me
and drink.” John 7:37-39; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
“I Am The bread of Life!” John 6:22-59 (33-35, 48) 1 Corinthians
10:1-3
Then about money and treasure:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth…You cannot
serve GOD and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24 (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12).
“It is hard for a rich man to get into Heaven” Matthew 19:23, Luke 18:23
“To you who are rich…” Luke 6:24
John 10:1-11“…I have come that they may have life, and that
they may have it more abundantly.”
Mark 10:23-31 The only time JESUS says He will give us more
in this life is – but it comes at a high cost.
What do others say about riches and money!
Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin are death but the (Free) Gift
of GOD is Eternal Life in Christ JESUS.”
2 Corinthians 1:15-17 Paul was looking for help on his trip
to Judia.
2 Corinthians 11:5-15 Paul was supported by other Churches
and by his own hand (Acts 18:1-4, 11)
2 Corinthians 12:11-19 Paul was not a burden to the Church in
Corinth.
Ephesians 3:14-21(“…that He would grant you, according to His
Riches…”
Philippians 4:10-20 Paul was supported by them while he was
in Thessalonica.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Work for your own support and to help
support others.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 Paul paid his own way and each man
must do the same. (Ephesians 4:28).
1 Timothy 3:1-3, 8-9 Leaders are not to be greedy for (loving)
money. (1 Timothy 6:9)
Hebrews 7:4-10 Men receive tithes for the Work of The
Kingdom. (Numbers 18:21-26)
James 2:1-8 Poor of this world to be rich in GOD’s Kingdom.
(Proverbs 13:7)
Revelation 3:17-18 Be rich in The Kingdom not the world.
Revelation 18 The world gets rich from Babylon the Whore.
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