Doth God Take Care for Oxen?

Temple Baptist Church - 11-5-2025

1 Corinthians 9:1-15

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Tonight, I get to preach to the “choir!” What a joy! Years ago, I preached a message entitled “Who Is Feeding Your Ox?” and nearly got “run out of town” in eastern Kentucky. The people there believed that God’s man should work a full-time job and pastor the church at the same time.  Therefore, this should be a lot better for me!

 

B. In the past couple of chapters, we find Paul’s answers to some questions that the Corinthian believers had.  These were legitimate questions that needed biblical answers in both Paul’s day and ours.  Paul explains the local church’s responsibility to support the man of God. The issue in Corinth was not about ability, as they had the ability, but about attitude—whether they valued the laborer God had sent among them.

 

C.  Verse 3 is the key to this message, as some of the Corinthians had “examined” the Apostle Paul.  Examined means to scrutinize or to inspect carefully.    The question that was evidently asked was whether God’s man should work to support himself and his family, or if the church was obligated to do so.

 

D.  One of the best ways to interpret Scripture is to outline it.  This does no harm to the context but helps us with the flow of it.

 

1. Paul’s Apostolic Defense (Verses 1–3)

 

a. In verse 3, we find the crux of the matter as Paul addresses those who had “examined” him. The word means to scrutinize or carefully inspect. They were questioning whether God’s servant should receive material support from them or from working a job. 

 

b.  The Apostle Paul never burdened the new church plant with having to support him.  He was a “Church Planter,” not a permanent pastor there.  He discusses this issue later in 2 Corinthians chapter 11 and again in both Thessalonian Epistles.

 

2 Corinthians 11:8-9  I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.  (9)  And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:9  For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:8  Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

 

c. In verses 1–2, Paul reminds them of his calling and work. He had been called by God on the Damascus Road and had founded the church in Corinth. The very existence of their assembly was the fruit of his labor. God used Paul to both win them to Christ and to establish the local church.

 

2. Paul’s Rights as a Minister (Verses 4–7)  Paul declares that he had the right:

 

a.  Verse 4.  To have his physical needs met – “to eat and to drink”

 

b.  Verse 5.  To have a family – “to lead about a sister, a wife”

 

c.  Verse 6.  To refrain from secular labor if supported by the churches.  “Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?”

 

He worked with his hands as a tentmaker, but that did not negate the church’s obligation toward God’s servants.

 

d.  Verse 7.  To share in the fruit of his labor.  “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?”

 

3.  Paul appeals to Scripture with an Old Testament principle. (Verses 8–10)

 

a.  A principle established.  “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” (Verses 8-9)

 

b.  A principle is a basis or foundation for a belief established.  Though we are not under the Old Testament Law, we are obligated to live by a principle established there.

 

c.  Paul’s question is rhetorical. Of course, God cares for oxen—but the principle was written for our sake (Verse 10). If God commands kindness to beasts of labor, how much more should His people show care for His ministers! 

 

(Deuteronomy 25:4; Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:17–18)

 

4. Why Some Ministers Work Secular Jobs

 

a.  Because the church is too small to support them fully.  Many faithful men are bi-vocational until their church is able.  When I came to Temple, I worked full-time. As the church grew, I transitioned from part-time to full-time ministry.

 

b.  Because they will not live within the church’s means of support.  I know of some pastors who refuse to sacrifice a high-paying job for the sake of the ministry.

 

c.  Because the church will not care for them.  This seems to have been the problem at Corinth.

 

5. The Church’s Obligation (Verses 9–11)

 

a.  The Pastor Has A Right To Live A Normal Life With Its Benefits – vs. 4-5

 

b.  To Have His Physical Needs Met – “power to eat and to drink”

 

c.  To Have His Family Needs Met – “lead about a sister, a wife”

 

1 Timothy 5:17-18  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

 

6.  How To Care For Your Pastor.  (Verses 12-15)    

 

a.  By Caring.  Most of you work for uncaring companies, as they give only what they are forced to provide!  Unfortunately, many churches starve God’s men.  There is an old saying, “Lord, you keep him humble and we will keep him broke!”

 

b.  By Being Consistent.  Many Churches do not have a systematic method for raising the salaries of God’s men.  They will give a good raise, and then it may be several years before they consider it again.  Pastors need to have consistent, periodic raises in pay.

 

c.  By Being Observant.  Most people are so wrapped up in their own lives that they fail to realize that the pastor’s salary depends upon them.

 

1)  Watching for changes in their personal needs.  Pastors get no overtime.

 

2)  Watching for drastic economic changes.  Sudden changes in the economy can quickly limit buying power.

 

Conclusion:  Temple Baptist Church, you have done well.  Above and beyond!  Good pastors will never hurt the church by “taking all they can get!”