Wages

 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer deserves his wages.”
1 Timothy 5:18 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1ti.5.18.ESV

The two Scriptures have pretty much the same meaning. The labouring ox deserves to eat some of the grain its treading out, just as a labourer deserves remuneration. It's no different in the church of Christ.

I think because we freely receive the free gospel of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ, we think we shouldn't have to pay for it. I think the emphasis should be that no one should charge for the gospel, because it is a free gift. However, having freely received, we should freely give, and reward those who labour over us in the gospel.

Paul was special in that he didn't insist on his rights. He knew he had a right of remuneration. He didn't insist on it however because he knew that God would reward him more handsomely where stingy listeners refused to do so.

Just because God rewards those who voluntarily preach the gospel, doesn't mean to say we shouldn't reward those who share the gospel with us. The emphasis is on us all freely giving, rather than charging and taking. The gospel creates generous hearts.

'Dear Lord, please stir our hearts to reward those who labour over us in the gospel. May gospel workers do so freely and willingly, however, not just for the money. In Christ's name, amen'

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