The Bible has a lot to say about money and giving. When it comes to preachers asking for financial support, Scripture provides wisdom on generosity, stewardship, and the heart behind our giving.
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What Does The Bible Say About preachers asking for money
1 Timothy 6:5
“and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
This verse warns against those who see godliness as a way to make money, highlighting the corrupt mindset behind such actions. It reminds us that true godliness should not be motivated by financial gain, but by a genuine love for God and others.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and joyfully, rather than being pressured or compelled by others. It encourages believers to give from a sincere heart, without any expectation of receiving financial gain in return.
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
This verse highlights the importance of helping the poor and those in need. It reminds us that generosity towards those less fortunate can bring blessings and abundance, whereas ignoring their needs can have negative consequences.
Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Jesus instructs his disciples to freely give what they have received, including spiritual and miraculous gifts. This verse reflects the selflessness and lack of financial motives that should characterize true preaching and ministry.
Acts 20:33-35
“I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
In these verses, the apostle Paul testifies to his own integrity and self-sufficiency in providing for his needs and the needs of others. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and helping the vulnerable, rather than seeking financial gain from preaching.
1 Peter 5:2-3
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
These verses remind church leaders to serve with willing hearts and not for the pursuit of dishonest gain. It encourages them to lead by example, caring for God’s people with humility and integrity.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse teaches the principle of sowing and reaping, indicating that generous giving can result in receiving blessings in return. However, the focus is on giving and not on giving with the expectation of personal financial gain.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
These words of wisdom emphasize the blessings that come to those who show generosity, particularly to the poor. It reinforces the idea that giving should be motivated by compassion and a desire to help others, rather than seeking financial gain.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
These verses encourage believers to prioritize treasures in heaven over earthly possessions. It teaches that our focus should not be on accumulating material wealth but on investing in heavenly pursuits and serving God faithfully.
Luke 12:33-34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus challenges his followers to be willing to give up their possessions to help those in need. This verse illustrates the importance of generosity and storing up treasures in heaven rather than relying on earthly wealth.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This proverb highlights the reciprocal nature of generosity. It emphasizes that those who give generously and refresh others will themselves experience blessings and refreshment in their own lives.
Matthew 23:23
““Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
In this rebuke, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for being meticulous in giving a tenth of their possessions while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It reminds us that financial giving should not overshadow the essential aspects of our faith and obedience to God.
3 John 1:7
“It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.”
This verse refers to missionaries who went out to spread the gospel without relying on financial support from unbelievers. It serves as a reminder that preaching and ministry should be driven by a devotion to God’s mission rather than using it for personal financial gain.
Galatians 6:6
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”
This verse acknowledges the responsibility of believers to support those who provide them with spiritual instruction. It highlights the importance of providing for the needs of teachers and leaders within the church without exploiting them financially.
1 Timothy 3:3
“Not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
This verse identifies one of the qualifications for church leadership, which is a characteristic of not being a lover of money. It reminds us that those who are entrusted with spiritual authority should have pure motives and not be driven by financial gain.
Proverbs 23:1-5
“When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
This passage advises against excessive desire for wealth and warns of its fleeting nature. It reminds us not to obsess over financial gain, but instead to focus on principles of contentment and trust in God’s provision.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
These verses caution against the dangers of pursuing riches and the love of money. It warns that such pursuits can lead to spiritual ruin, straying from the faith, and experiencing many hardships and sorrows.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.””
This verse encourages believers to find contentment and security in God’s presence and promises, rather than being driven by the love of money. It reminds us that God’s faithfulness is more valuable than any earthly wealth.
Proverbs 28:25
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.”
This proverb highlights the negative consequences of greed, which can lead to conflicts and strife. It contrasts with the promise of prosperity for those who trust in the Lord rather than seeking personal financial gain.
Mark 8:36
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
This question posed by Jesus raises the importance of prioritizing eternal salvation over worldly wealth. It challenges the notion that financial gain alone brings true fulfillment or lasting value.
Philippians 4:11-13
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul’s words in this passage emphasize the importance of finding contentment in every circumstance, regardless of material wealth. It teaches us to rely on God’s strength and provision rather than pursuing financial gain as the ultimate source of contentment.
Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Jesus highlights the incompatibility of serving God and serving money simultaneously. It emphasizes the need to prioritize our allegiance to God over the pursuit of financial gain.
Proverbs 13:7
“One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.”
This proverb challenges the notion that material wealth is an indicator of true prosperity. It reminds us that true riches are not always visible or measured by worldly standards, and that our focus should be on the condition of our heart rather than our financial status.
Matthew 13:22
“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
This verse warns of the potential dangers of wealth becoming a distraction and hindrance to spiritual growth. It cautions against allowing the pursuit of financial gain to overshadow the importance of nurturing our relationship with God and living out His Word.