Liger

2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; "Not greedy of filthy lucre" says it all. The term Bishop, as used Biblically is interchangeable with pastor. See also the passage below. Basically pastors are to feed the flock, not themselves. They, like all believers will have physical needs, however, 'all things in moderation.'

7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. If a pastor has a lavish lifestyle he has perhaps forgotten Jesus' words 'you cannot serve God and mammon'. Further to all this, if such a situation exists then the church which he is supposed to be serving is all the poorer, and perhaps has itself ignored the Biblical qualifications for a servant of the word.

=== === == If Exodus 28 is any indication, then the answer is YES, they can live lavishly. If it's commanded by the God of the Bible, then there's nothing wrong with it. Please see Discuss Question page.

In the Old Testament Moses, at God's direction gave details for the conduct of religious ceremonies that were to apply under the Old Covenant. These were quite specifically for the children of Israel. An example of this is the adornments on the garments of the priests given in Exodus 28.

Such rich garments which contained jewels and gold were specifically for the Levitical priests of the Old Testament era. Further to this, it is addressed even to them in their priestly role of service around the tabernacle and later the temple. If this applied today in the Christian dispensation then you would find everywhere Christian pastors wearing breastplates, and an ephod, and robes and broidered coats etc.

Perhaps this issue is being confused by the introduction into some churches with the name of Christian of much that is indeed lavish into the attire of the 'pastors', and much pomp and ceremony into the worship. Although the question specifically says 'live lavishly' which is talking about the 'other part of life' apart from worship.

When Jesus sent out His disciples to preach, He gave them instructions on how they were to live. It did not involve anything lavish. He also said 'you cannot serve God and mammon' (money, material things).

10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. Godly simplicity is the New Testament pattern, not lavishness. Even in Judaism, I don't think the Exodus 28 details are followed, at least partly because there is no temple.