Scripture teaches that those who minister spiritually should be supported and appreciated by the community of faith. In 1 Timothy and 1 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul instructs believers to honor and respect their spiritual leaders, providing for their needs. Similarly, Galatians and 1 Corinthians emphasize the importance of sharing material blessings with those who teach and guide in the faith. By doing so, believers demonstrate gratitude for the spiritual nourishment they receive, as Hebrews encourages obedience to and prayer for those who watch over their souls, that they may do their work with joy.
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Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?
‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’
In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”