To Whom and For What Should We Give? (Part 1)

1. Missionaries laboring to take the gospel to all peoples of the earth, fulfilling the great commission of Christ
God's plan from the beginning was to bless the whole earth, all nations, through the seed of Abraham. The gospel of Jesus proclaimed to Jew and Gentile alike is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Gen 12.
The laborer is worthy of his wages; the proclamation of the gospel is a work that ought to earn a living.
We ought to support such men so that we may be fellow workers with the truth, and we do well when we send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. Of course this includes prayer and encouragement, but it also necessarily includes material provision to equip them for work of ministry.
2. Faithful elders equipping saints for the work of the ministry through the ministry of the word and prayer, shepherding the flock of God
Paul explains in detail the wisdom of God and the Lord’s direction that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living from the gospel. He exhorts us to share all good things with those who teach us, and that elders who rule well are worthy of double honor. These are not just encouraging good feelings or words of affirmation, but physical gifts and material provision for those who labor in the gospel for the sake of your souls.