The Pastor's Duty and Claims
J. Dorrington. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock… I. THE BUSINESS OF THE PASTOR IS IMPLIED: he is to "preach the gospel." Note — 1. The subject of his ministry — "the gospel," i.e., all the gospel fairly implies, its promises, commands, &c. The term taken thus comprehensively, clearly instructs us in — (1) The fallen condition of mankind. (2) God's great pity on our fallen race (John 3:16). (3) The obligation of those who believe to act worthy of their relation to the Saviour. 2. His duty with regard to it. He is to preach "the gospel." Every pastor is bound to do this out of regard to — (1) The honour of Christ. (2) The edification of the Church. (3) The conversion of sinners. II. THE DUTY OF THE FLOCK POINTED OUT, viz., to support their pastor. There are two ways of doing this, either by compulsory laws or by voluntary contribution. The former has, indeed, some advantages. It renders the minister independent, and if his flock is destitute of principle it is well for him that the law compels them to the performance of duty. But the law of Christ binds the people voluntarily to the support of their minister, i.e., it binds them to the duty, but leaves the amount to them according to the rule in 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2, and Matthew 10:8. Now this is to be done — 1. From a principle of justice. It is not benevolence, but equity, and he is not just who withholds from the minister the due remuneration of his labours (ver. 7). The person who refuses to meet the just claims of the physician is reckoned dishonest, and is he less so who withholds from the pastor his equitable support? 2. From a regard to our own advantage. We all know that our prosperity depends on the Divine blessing; and should we not be chiefly concerned respecting soul prosperity? God's blessing may be hoped for in the use of the means when those means are suitably valued and employed. But are they so when the support we could give is sinfully withheld? (2 Corinthians 4:6-10; Malachi 8, 9). 3. From a regard to our final account. (J. Dorrington.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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? WEB: What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk?