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Q3. (3 John 5-8) What are the reasons given in these verses for supporting Christian workers in their ministry? What reward comes with becoming a "co-worker," by assisting Christian workers? How effective can Christian workers be without those who support them?
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Q3. Supporting Missionaries
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#2
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Posted 18 November 2009 - 04:20 PM
Q3. (3 John 5-8) What are the reasons given in these verses for supporting Christian workers in their ministry?
It is a fine and faithful work, (especially when they are strangers...amplified), honored by God, and it forwards them on their journey. We are fellow workers in the Truth cooperating with its teachers, and this support indicates that we are living in the Truth.
What reward comes with becoming a "co-worker," by assisting Christian workers?
As fellow workers, we receive the same reward as they who do the work.
How effective can Christian workers be without those who support them?
Having little or no support greatly limits effectiveness. When we provide financial support it frees them to do their ministry work, instead of trying to earn a living. Prayer support is like the "wind beneath their wings", and bouys them up emotionally and spiritually against attacks from the enemy who works against them.
It is a fine and faithful work, (especially when they are strangers...amplified), honored by God, and it forwards them on their journey. We are fellow workers in the Truth cooperating with its teachers, and this support indicates that we are living in the Truth.
What reward comes with becoming a "co-worker," by assisting Christian workers?
As fellow workers, we receive the same reward as they who do the work.
How effective can Christian workers be without those who support them?
Having little or no support greatly limits effectiveness. When we provide financial support it frees them to do their ministry work, instead of trying to earn a living. Prayer support is like the "wind beneath their wings", and bouys them up emotionally and spiritually against attacks from the enemy who works against them.
#3
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Posted 18 November 2009 - 05:54 PM
These verses give several reasons for supporting Christian workers whose occupation is their ministry.
1) It is a demonstration of love to the church.
2) It is "well-doing" to support them in a manner that honors God.
3) They do their work without support from unbelievers, only for the sake of "the name" which is common to believers - Christ the person of God, His message, and His reputation.
4) In following the model of the early church, we're called to share in meeting needs of fellow members of the Body and to participate in taking the Gospel message to the whole world.
Two analogies come to mind. A sports team has members with common calling, purpose, head leadership, and name. The teammates have varied roles to play but all must support each other to work in unity. For example, in football the defense has a specific function that differs from the offense, but neither can be successful without the other. Another comparison is the cast of a dramatic play. There are many cast members, each with their own part, dialogue, and scenes. But they are all components of presenting the same story and each is dependent on the others. And the whole cast relies on the numerous people behind the scenes - directors, costumers, set-producers, and technicians who never appear out front before the audience. The message won't be effective unless every individual is working for the benefit of the whole.
Members of our Body are called to function in a similar partnership. As "teammates" we must support each other in our varied roles in order to reach the ultimate goal with the effective excellence that is worthy of our supremely excellent Savior. Some are called to go and the rest of us are called to give as God provides, even if it demands sacrifice on our part. When a sports team achieves "the win", every member shares in the victory, reward, and glory. The entire cast and crew enjoy the applause and critical acclaim of an award-winning play. We will share in the rewards and commendations of anything done for God's kingdom, no matter what our individual role. Except our recognition won't be trophies or accolades that will eventually forgotten. It will be in heaven for eternity to the glory of our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ!
God can and does make much out of little, but Christian workers will never be able to be as effective as possible if they are constantly distracted by the demands of providing their own support for ministry and basic personal needs. There will be some inevitable loss of reach and/or impact of their work for expansion of the kingdom. And there are probably calls on the lives of many that have been hampered, curtailed, or even unrealized because of lack of support from the Body of Christ.
1) It is a demonstration of love to the church.
2) It is "well-doing" to support them in a manner that honors God.
3) They do their work without support from unbelievers, only for the sake of "the name" which is common to believers - Christ the person of God, His message, and His reputation.
4) In following the model of the early church, we're called to share in meeting needs of fellow members of the Body and to participate in taking the Gospel message to the whole world.
Two analogies come to mind. A sports team has members with common calling, purpose, head leadership, and name. The teammates have varied roles to play but all must support each other to work in unity. For example, in football the defense has a specific function that differs from the offense, but neither can be successful without the other. Another comparison is the cast of a dramatic play. There are many cast members, each with their own part, dialogue, and scenes. But they are all components of presenting the same story and each is dependent on the others. And the whole cast relies on the numerous people behind the scenes - directors, costumers, set-producers, and technicians who never appear out front before the audience. The message won't be effective unless every individual is working for the benefit of the whole.
Members of our Body are called to function in a similar partnership. As "teammates" we must support each other in our varied roles in order to reach the ultimate goal with the effective excellence that is worthy of our supremely excellent Savior. Some are called to go and the rest of us are called to give as God provides, even if it demands sacrifice on our part. When a sports team achieves "the win", every member shares in the victory, reward, and glory. The entire cast and crew enjoy the applause and critical acclaim of an award-winning play. We will share in the rewards and commendations of anything done for God's kingdom, no matter what our individual role. Except our recognition won't be trophies or accolades that will eventually forgotten. It will be in heaven for eternity to the glory of our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ!
God can and does make much out of little, but Christian workers will never be able to be as effective as possible if they are constantly distracted by the demands of providing their own support for ministry and basic personal needs. There will be some inevitable loss of reach and/or impact of their work for expansion of the kingdom. And there are probably calls on the lives of many that have been hampered, curtailed, or even unrealized because of lack of support from the Body of Christ.
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