1 Timothy 5:17-25
Honor the Elders
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
We within the body of Christ, the church, are told to greatly honor those put over us in the churches who labor hard (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) in the word of God and doctrine for our sakes. We the flock of Christ have these under-shepherds appointed over us for our sanctification in the Lord through teaching, preaching, and imparting the truths of God’s word as scribes (Matthew 13:52) of the truths of the gospel in scripture brought to light (Matthew 28:20, Luke 24:27) for our building up in the Lord. Truly these are worthy of the work they put into the word of God and prayer for our sake! Therefore, when an accusation is made against one of these faithful men, there must be certainty sought out as to the truth of the matter as proven by more than one person, and if found to be true then that man must take the responsibility of rebuke publicly to cause others to see the seriousness for us all of following Christ in spirit and truth with holiness and sincerity. This must be done fairly without special favoritism to any one man because the Lord is watching with a heavenly audience of angels and we all are held to account in the end, both the one sinning and the one rendering judgment. This is sobering and keeps us from making quick and unfounded accusations against the servants of our Lord. We are to discern rightly and not cover sins with the result of sharing in them ourselves in the process. Then Paul reminded Timothy to care for his health as well as his spiritual life and ended with an admonition to watch closely over time for God to reveal good works and sins in others, not making snap judgments but allowing God to bring out what we need to see to judge accurately and fairly. We are to honor our God-given shepherds for their labor of love (1 Thessalonians 5:3, Hebrews 6:10, 11-12) as we ourselves do not get lazy in the work of the gospel for the good of one another. Amen.
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