Paul’s comments about sharing all good things with the one who teaches might initially seem to be a random thought, an out of place comment. Read in context however, the purpose becomes clear. In the verses beforehand (Galatians 5:26–6:5), Paul has told the Galatians that they must each bear their own load. That is to say, they all have individual responsibilities given to them by God and they must make it their aim to meet them. Yes, we should share with fellow believers when it comes to our finances, time, and energy—we are family members and teammates, not competitors. But we must not expect a free ride. We do not become part of God’s church so that we can kick back our feet and let others look after us.
Of course, this teaching, very naturally, raises a question about pastors. They are also members of God’s church, just like everyone else. Surely, they should be expected to pull their weight and provide for themselves?
No is the answer. No, not because they have permission to be slothful and lazy, 1 but because they are called to give themselves to the study and preaching of God’s Word. We want them to focus on the correct interpretation and application of what the Bible teaches us about who God is and what he wants from us.
As members of God’s church, we have all benefited from faithful Bible teaching, and it is our Christian duty to share with God’s preachers, so that the ministry of God’s Word can continue. If we neglect to do so, then the assumption is that the gospel will stop being the focus of our meetings. Why? Because it is not easy to prepare a sermon. It is not always apparent exactly how a passage of Scripture connects with the work of Jesus Christ. Diligent study and reflection take time, and if time is short, ministers are forced to rely on the opinions of others, typically those who are more influential and in step with wider society.
Given our natural sinful propensity to compare ourselves with others and find a place for our own works in salvation, we should expect that this will increasingly be heard in the preaching if our ministers are not adequately supported. It is the message that our society wants to hear. The result of such preaching is that we do not examine ourselves in the light of God’s law as a means to reveal our sins and need for Christ. Instead, we will begin to hear that it is the means to salvation. Where the gospel is perverted, we will reap corruption rather than eternal life (Galatians 1:6–9).
This is not to say that providing for a minister automatically results in faithful preaching. There are sadly many examples where this is not the case. Still, in general, if we want faithful Bible teaching, we need to make sure that Bible teachers have time to think and prepare.
In the context of the Galatians, it seems as if Paul’s instruction might also be connected to the presence of the Judaizers. That is one of the ways in which his comments about sowing and reaping can be understood. If we give our money to support false teachers, like the Judaizers, then we are sowing to the flesh, we will get a different gospel, and we will not be prepared for the final judgement. Why not? Because we will be trusting in our works rather than in Christ. By contrast, if we sow to the Spirit, if we support faithful Bible teachers, then we are more likely to hear of Christ and thereby ready to reap eternal life.
In short, giving to support the faithful ministry of God’s Word is not an optional extra. Do not be deceived. It is one of the ways we sow to the Spirit. It is a concrete example of how we must honour and worship God.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.