Why Give to Traveling Ministers?

1. Because the Bible encourages us to support traveling ministers. In fact, the following verse encourages us to help them even if they are not coming to minister to us, when they are passing through our area, on their way to minister somewhere else. This giving can also include good hospitality.

     a. 3 John 1:5 [AMPC] Beloved, it is a fine and faithful work that you are doing when you give any service to the [Christian] brethren, and [especially when they are] strangers. 6 They have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to forward them on their journey [and you will please do so] in a way worthy of God’s [service].7 For these [traveling missionaries] have gone out for the Name’s sake (for His sake) and are accepting nothing from the Gentiles (the heathen, the non-Israelites). 8 So we ourselves ought to support such people [to welcome and provide for them], in order that we may be fellow workers in the Truth (the whole Gospel) and cooperate with its teachers.

     b. 3 John 1:5 [AMP] Beloved, you are acting faithfully in what you are providing for the brothers, and especially when they are strangers; 6 and they have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to [assist them and] send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For these [traveling missionaries] went out for the sake of the Name [of Christ], accepting nothing [in the way of assistance] from the Gentiles. 8 So we ought to support such people [welcoming them as guests and providing for them], so that we may be fellow workers for the truth [that is, for the gospel message of salvation].

     c. 3 John 1:5 [NLT] Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 7 For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. 8 So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.

     d. 3 John 1:5 My beloved friend, I commend you for your demonstration of faithful love by all that you have done for the brothers on their journey, even though they were strangers at the time. 6 They have shared publicly with the congregation about the beautiful acts of love you have shown them. Now, if you would be so kind, send them on their way with a generous gift, in a manner that would honor God. 7 You see, it was their passion for the glory of the name of Christ that launched them out, and they’ve not accepted financial support from unbelievers. 8 They are deserving of all the support we can give them, because through our giving we can partner with them for the truth.

 

2. Because the Bible says God will supply all of your need for partnering with them

     a. Philippians 4:15 [AMPC] And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time. 17 Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]. 18 But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19 And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

     b. 3 John 1:5 My beloved friend, I commend you for your demonstration of faithful love by all that you have done for the brothers on their journey, even though they were strangers at the time. 6 They have shared publicly with the congregation about the beautiful acts of love you have shown them. Now, if you would be so kind, send them on their way with a generous gift, in a manner that would honor God. 7 You see, it was their passion for the glory of the name of Christ that launched them out, and they’ve not accepted financial support from unbelievers. 8 They are deserving of all the support we can give them, because through our giving we can PARTNER with them for the truth.

 

3. Because there is a prophet’s reward, etc., for blessing them.

     a. Matthew 10:41 [NKJV] He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

4. Because it is about Honor. It is an Honor thing.

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

     b. Elders – G4245 presbuteros pres-boo’-ter-os… Christian “presbyter”: – elder (-est), old.

     c. 1 Timothy 5:17 [NLT] Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”

     d. 1 Timothy 5:17 [NLT] The pastors who lead the church well should be paid well. They should receive double honor for faithfully preaching and teaching the revelation of the Word of God. 18 For the Scriptures have taught us: “Do not muzzle an ox or forbid it to eat while it grinds the grain.” And also, “The one who labors deserves his wages.”

     e. 3 John 1:5 My beloved friend, I commend you for your demonstration of faithful love by all that you have done for the brothers on their journey, even though they were strangers at the time. 6 They have shared publicly with the congregation about the beautiful acts of love you have shown them. Now, if you would be so kind, send them on their way with a generous gift, in a manner that would HONOR God. 7 You see, it was their passion for the glory of the name of Christ that launched them out, and they’ve not accepted financial support from unbelievers. 8 They are deserving of all the support we can give them, because through our giving we can partner with them for the truth.

5. Because the Bible says don’t muzzle the ox: That the laborer should be paid.

     a. 1 Timothy 5:18 [AMP] For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].” [Deut._25:4; Luke_10:7]

     b. 1 Timothy 5:18 [TPT] For the Scriptures have taught us: “Do not muzzle an ox or forbid it to eat while it grinds the grain.” And also, “The one who labors deserves his wages.”

 

6. Because the Bible says to minister monetary and material things back to those that minister God’s Word to us.

     a. Galatians 6:6 [NKJV] Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

7. Because the Bible says to be a blessing to those of the household of faith as you are able to and have opportunity to.

     a. Galatians 6:10 [NKJV] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

     b. 2 Corinthians 8:12 [NLT] Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

 

8. Because the Bible says give and it shall be given to you

     a. Why Give to Them? Because the Bible says give and it shall be given to you!

     b. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

     c. (TPT) Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! Your measurement of generosity becomes the measurement of your return.”

     d. (AMP) Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”

     e. (AMPC) Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.

9. Because the Bible says what you’ve done to the least of these you’ve done unto God.

     a. Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

     b. In other words, God takes it personally.

 

10. Because the Bible says God Rewards Diligence. 

     a. So diligently be a vessel God can flow through, to bless those who diligently minister God’s Word. 

     b. An as you are diligent to find a way to bless them, God will reward your diligence.

     c. This diligence may at times require that you seek God to find creative ways to sow into them, to bless them. And then put diligent effort into doing so. 

     d. It may require that you sell something to have the money to sow into them.

     e. It may require that you give them something, that God knows that they need. See if God lays it on your heart to give them something that you already have.

     f. Hebrews 11:6 [NKJV] But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

     g. Proverbs 10:4 [KJV] He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

     h. Proverbs 28:20 [KJV] A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

     i. 2 Timothy 2:15 [NKJV] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

     j. 2 Timothy 2:15 [AMPC] Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

 

SO ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE VERSES, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND BLESSINGS TO THOSE WHO GIVE TO THE GUEST MINISTERS?

1. Harvest: We reap a blessed harvest: We reap blessings from what we sow. As we give, it is given unto us, Luke 6:38 – Gal. 6:6-7

2. Reward: We will share in their reward, in this life and in the life to come, by giving to them– Matt. 10:41, 1 Samuel 30:24-25

          a. 1 Samuel 30:24 [AMPC] Who would listen to you in this matter? For as is the share of him who goes into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.  

3. Partnership: We Enter into a Blessed Partnership – Phil. 4:15-19.

4. Supply: All of your needs will be supplied – Phil. 4:19

5. Honor: As we honor them by our giving, we honor God, and He will honor us – 1 Sam. 2:30, Matt. 25:40, 1 Tim. 5:17

Matthew 10:41 From Some Other Translations

[KJV] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

(AMP) He who receives and welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous (honorable) man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.

(AMPC) He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

(BBE) He who gives honour to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, will be given a prophet’s reward; and he who gives honour to an upright man, in the name of an upright man, will be given an upright man’s reward.

(CEV) Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person.

(ERV) Whoever accepts a prophet because he is a prophet will get the same reward a prophet gets. And whoever accepts a godly person just because that person is godly will get the same reward a godly person gets.

(GNB) Whoever welcomes God’s messenger because he is God’s messenger, will share in his reward. And whoever welcomes a good man because he is good, will share in his reward.

(MSG) Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small.

(Murdock) He that entertaineth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward: and he that entertaineth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

(NIrV) Suppose someone welcomes a prophet as a prophet. That one will receive a prophet’s reward. And suppose someone welcomes a godly person as a godly person. That one will receive a godly person’s reward.

(TLB) If you welcome a prophet because he is a man of God, you will be given the same reward a prophet gets. And if you welcome good and godly men because of their godliness, you will be given a reward like theirs.

(Williams) Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive the same reward as a prophet, and whoever welcomes an upright man as such will receive the same reward as the upright man.