Tag: 1st Timothy 5:17-21
Honoring and rebuking elders
Scripture reading for September 15th: 1st Timothy 5, Psalm 35, Proverbs 30
1st Timothy 5: 17-21 “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.”
Paul taught Timothy about how to deal with elders in the church with integrity. First, elders who ruled well and labored faithfully in teaching and preaching were worthy of double honor. They should be held in high esteem and given an offering for their support. This is God’s plan. If there is a charge of sinful behavior against an elder, it must be confirmed by two or more witnesses. Care must be given not to prejudge the person before all facts are established. If true, the elder is to be confronted and if he refuses to repent but continues in the sin, the rebuke is to be in the presence of the congregation. There is to be no partiality or preferential treatment! This is to instruct all in the congregation to fear the Lord Who is just and without partiality.
Psalm 35:1-3 “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise to my help! Draw spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!””
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are just and without partiality. I thank You that You desire mercy for each person. Thank You for these instructions on honoring elders who rule well and for disciplining those who are caught in sin. I trust You to lead the elders in Your church in Your ways of Truth and integrity, with no prejudging or partiality. Forgive those who have not faithfully followed these rules.
Proverbs 30:10 “Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.”
Do not be partial with Elders!
Scripture reading for July 1st: 1st Kings 9, 2nd Chronicles 8, 1st Timothy 5
Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 5:17-21 “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.”
Paul gave some simple instructions to Timothy concerning the treatment of elders in the Church. First, elders that ruled well were to be given ‘double honor’. Teaching and preaching were to be held in esteem and those laboring honorably were to receive proper compensation. However, if there was sin involing an elder, there must be two or three witness before considering the charge. If found true, public rebuke was required if there was no repentance. Both of these ‘rules’ were to be kept without partiality. All heaven is watching!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, thank You for clear instructions for elders in Your Church. I have sought to keep these instructions without partiality. Help me to continue in sound teaching and preaching to honor You alone!
2nd Chronicles 8:15 “And they did not turn aside from what the king had commanded the priests and Levites concerning any matter and concerning the treasuries.”
No partiality!
Scripture reading for September 30th: 1 Timothy 5, Psalm 45, Proverbs 10
Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 5:17-21 “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.”
Paul gave practical and scriptural advice to Timothy concerning church discipline. Elders must be properly taken care of and if accused of wrong, it must be established by two or three witnesses. Persistent sin in the life of an elder must be dealt with publicly to teach holy fear. God is impartial and church leaders must be also.
Faith Confession: I will not be partial and will seek to conduct myself in the fear of God and honor of His Holy Name. Let God be known and exalted among the nations!
Psalm 45:17 “I will cause Your Name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.”