From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 32—The Joy of Liberal Giving

In his first letter to the Corinthian believers, Paul gave instruction regarding the support of God's work. He inquired: TT 177.1

“Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? ... For it is written in the law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.’ Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does He not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop.” TT 177.2

The apostle further inquired, “Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:7-10, 13, 14, RSV. TT 177.3

The priests who ministered in the temple were supported by their brethren to whom they ministered spiritual blessings. “They that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law.” Hebrews 7:5. The tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord for the priesthood. See Deuteronomy 18:5. One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own, and to withhold the tithe was regarded by Him as robbery. TT 177.4

Paul referred to this plan for the support of the ministry when he said, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” “The laborer is worthy of his reward.” 1 Timothy 5:18. TT 178.1

Payment of the tithe was but a part of God's plan for the support of His service. The people were taught to cherish a spirit of liberality. Numerous gifts and offerings were specified. At the harvest and the vintage, the first fruits of the field were consecrated to the Lord. The gleanings and the corners of the field were reserved for the poor. The first fruits of the wool when the sheep were shorn, and of the grain when the wheat was threshed, were set apart for God. So also were the firstborn of all animals, and a redemption price was paid for the firstborn son. TT 178.2

Thus the people were reminded that God was the proprietor of their fields, flocks, and herds; it was He who sent the sunshine and the rain that ripened the harvest. They were but stewards of His goods. TT 178.3