Reaping Carnal Things for Spiritual 1 Corinthians 9:11

Paul the apostle referred to the words in “the law”, “he that plows should plow in hope” as he referred to ministers receiving remuneration for their services, and in chapter nine and verse eleven of First Corinthians, Paul asked the Corinthians since he had “sown spiritual things” should he not “reap your carnal things” where we read:

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

The verse begins, “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, ...” Paul began with the words, “If we” which means “Paul, Barnabas and his companions” “have sown” or “have scattered and spread” “unto you” or “with and toward the Corinthian church members” “spiritual things” or “that which relates to the human spirit or rational soul as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ”. Paul reminded the church members how he and his companions “sowed spiritual things” among them.

The verse goes on to say, “... is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?”. Paul added the words, “is it a great thing” or “a thing esteemed highly for it's importance; of great moment, weight and importance” “if” which means “whether” “we shall reap” which means “Paul and his companions receive and harvest” “your” or “the church members in Corinth's” “ carnal things” which refers to “fleshly, bodily and pertaining to the flesh things”? Paul questioned the church members if they thought since he provided “spiritual things” to them, should if be a “big or great thing” that they should receive “fleshly” remuneration for it.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see how the minister is to be provided for by their church members. Ministers are to provide “spiritual” truths from the word of God to the church members, and the church members should provide for their physical needs such as food, clothing and shelter. This must not be abused by either party of the church of Jesus Christ, and both the minister and the church members should be encouraged not only by Paul's exhortation, but also from “the law” of God.

Next time Paul asks the church members what should be done, “If others be partakers of this power over you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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