Tag: 1 Timothy 5
Take care of teaching elders!
Scripture reading for September 30: 1 Timothy 5
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of other; keep yourself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:17-22
As a believer in Jesus, we should all be a part of Christ’s church and involved in a local assembly where there are seasoned elders who teach and preach God’s Word. Men and women who are called by God and given to the church are a blessing. Church members should give them the double honor of the respect for their office and giftings and faithfully paying tithes to support them in their assignment. Paul, an elder himself, quotes Deuteronomy 25:4 as an illustration for the church family to help them in their new world view. As an ox grinding grain is not to be kept from eating, so a preacher must be fed!
In this passage he also warned Timothy and the elders not to be hasty to lay hands on anyone to ordain them into pastoral ministry. Each one involved in this ministry must first be tested for faithfulness and sound doctrine. Their lives must meet the test of obedience to God’s Word in their home and family and community before they can manage Christ’s church. Also, if there were charges against elders, they must be brought by two or more witnesses before consideration. No unsubstantiated charges were to be considered. If the elder was found guilty and would not repent, he must be rebuked in front of the church so that all may have holy fear and check their own hearts. Paul emphasized that he gave these instructions to be kept without partiality, with God, Jesus, and the holy angels as witnesses.
If you belong to a church, have you been giving your pastor and elders the double honor proscribed by Paul? Have you ever had to bring a charge against an elder for sinful behavior? How did the church leadership handle the charges?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the order and instructions that You have provided for churches and their leadership. Thank you for the gift of pastors and teachers, to which I have been called. Help me to follow and teach the full counsel of Your Word. Thank You for church members who faithfully provided for me and my family as we have taught and preached. Amen.