Daily EncouragementSample

Paul’s main point here is to encourage proper support for the ministry. Some commentators actually interpret “double honour” as meaning double pay! Then, as now, among the elders there were those whose special gift and work was “preaching and teaching.”

“Preaching and teaching” is work, much of it outside the pulpit. The greatest have worked hard. Johnathan Edwards’ “thirteen hours, every day in his study” is proverbial. The biographer of the renowned Charles Simeon writes, “Behind most of Simeon’s sermons lay not less than twelve hours of work.” And someone commenting on Campbell Morgan said, “genius played some part in his success. But hard work combined with a dedication to one Book accounts for the larger share.” Of Alexander McLaren, W. Robertson Nicoll said, “He toiled terribly that he might be an effective preacher.”

But “preaching and teaching” is a labour of love. “I rejoice at thy word like one who finds great spoil,” (Ps. 119:162, RSV). The Psalmist’s reaction is the preacher’s too. “It is the greatest work in the world, the most thrilling, the most exciting, the most rewarding, and the most wonderful.” So said Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and he knew what he was talking about.

Let us honour the elders and especially the preachers among them!