The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
There are several practical applications of this passage.
On a commercial aircraft, passengers are always instructed that in the event oxygen masks are needed, they should put their own mask on before helping children or others. That might seem selfish, but the fact is, you won’t be able to help anyone if you’re unconscious from lack of oxygen.
Our country—indeed, the world—has gotten this principle in reverse due to the perceived wealth of the U.S. Every day someone cries out in anger that America is either not doing enough or is doing less than we once did. This, despite the fact that many of the countries doing the complaining aren’t doing anything to ease the burden themselves. They’ve gotten so used to America’s help—and they’re either unaware or unconcerned about our own needs—that they’ve forgotten the principle in this verse.
“America First” is not selfishness. It is the only way we can hope to continue being a help to others.
The most immediate and common application is that pastors ought to be cared for materially so they can care for others spiritually. Scripture supports this in several places.
Spiritually, John Gill writes of this passage: “Ministers of the word ought first to be partakers of the grace of God, the fruits of the Spirit, and of the Gospel, and rightly and spiritually understand it, before they preach it to others...”
No doubt, that is true.
But the context of the passage is intriguing. It follows: 2 Timothy 2:3–4 (KJV)
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
In this light, Gill continues:
“The words may be rendered [I prefer to say 'understood' as I am loath to change any wording of the King James Bible], and which seems more agreeable to the context and to the apostle’s argument: ‘The husbandman must first labour before he partakes of the fruits.’ So a minister of the Gospel must first labour, and endure hardships in this life, before he sits down in the kingdom of heaven, and takes his rest, and enjoys the crown of glory, which fades not away, which the chief Shepherd shall give unto him.”
While this may not be the most pleasant application, it’s very likely the one that most closely follows the context.
#FirstPartaker #EndureHardness #LaborBeforeFruit #MinistryBeforeReward #AmericaFirstIsBiblical
Labor Like a Soldier, Reap Like a Farmer: No Crown Without Combat
👉 Are we helping others to our own detriment? 2 Timothy 2:6 reminds us: "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits." Before we can minister, lead, or serve, we must be spiritually and practically prepared ourselves.
💬 Question for you: Do you think “America First” aligns with biblical principles of stewardship and responsibility? Why or why not?
✝️ This principle applies to nations, pastors, and everyday believers alike. We must labor first—then partake, then serve.
📲 Like, comment, and share this if you believe laboring in the Word must come before leading others.
📲 Hungry for more solid, biblical teaching? Visit marvinmckenzie.org for Bible studies, videos, and resources rooted in the King James Bible.
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