1 Timothy 5:17-21
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
Devotion
I was recently asked the question: What does an elder at Oak Pointe Church do? Back in chapter three, Paul addresses the qualifications for elders or overseers. In some translations the word here is translated bishop or pastor. Elders or overseers were men of godly character that provided spiritual leadership in the early church. The role of an elder involved authority, particularly in preaching and teaching. Here in chapter five, Paul writes, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” The “honor” mentioned here had to do with ample or generous compensation. But it is important to note that their compensation was directly linked to their ability “to direct the affairs of the church well.” A special emphasis is placed on those who preach and teach the Word. Elders will serve the church in ways that utilize their calling and gifting. Not all elders are going to preach and teach.
In verse eighteen, Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 25:4. The principle here is that a person who works for something should be able to benefit from it. “The worker is worthy of his wages” is a direct quote from Luke 10:7. Paul wants Timothy to understand that a divine authority underlies the principle of fair provision for those who serve the church. Too often a miserly attitude has been maintained towards faithful people who have labored for Christ in the interest of others. I am grateful that Oak Pointe Church is generous to those who are committed to serve in many different capacities. In this letter, Paul warns about the dangers of loving money too much, but he equally deplores inadequate compensation.
Paul now addresses the matter of accusations being brought against an elder. Because of their position, Paul thought it was important to safeguard innocent men against false accusations. As was the case in Jewish law, it was required that two witnesses must come in agreement before a man might be called upon to answer a charge. So now, Paul is instructing Timothy to apply the same principle in the church. Elders must be protected against malicious intent; but if there are grounds for accusation, then disciplinary action should be done publicly as a stern warning to others who serve in this capacity. In his commentary of 1 Timothy, Donald Guthrie writes, “The abuse of discipline has often led to a harsh and intolerant spirit, but neglect of it has proved a danger almost as great.”
Paul closes out this section by instructing Timothy “to observe these things without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism.” Basically, Paul is instructing Timothy to treat everyone in the church alike. It takes godly character to resist the urge to show favoritism. As an elder in the church at Ephesus, Timothy must be both unprejudiced and impartial, never allowing personal feelings to bias his judgment. This was good instruction back in the first century, and its good instruction for those called to lead in the church today.
Questions to Ponder
What does Paul mean by “double honor”? What might this look like in the 21st century? The purpose of discipline is restoration. (See Galatians 6:1-3) How do Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 5:19-21 validate this statement? In your church experience, how has discipline been applied to leadership? Why do you think Paul encourages Timothy to publicly rebuke elders caught up in sin?
Prayer Points
- Praise the Lord for being the Head of the church, Sovereign overall and the Good Shepherd whose leadership is perfect!
- Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal to you anything you may need to confess to a pastor, deacon, elder, or anyone in leadership over you.
- Tell the Heavenly Father you are sorry and give time to receive His forgiveness and mercy. Ask Him to help you to pray for those people now.
- Thank you, Abba, for Your Word, and for setting apart men of God to watch over and protect His Church. I pray a blessing over our Oak Pointe Novi Elders who are actively serving: Bob, Jim, Dan, Rick, Hoang, Wendell and Barry. I pray a blessing over Jim, Daryl, Peter, Tom, Ken, Matt, Steve, Tom, Blaine, Dave, Ron. Thank You for our Elders! Bless their wives and families with sweet communion with You, each other and all of us, the flock.
Suggested Prayer
Loving Father, thank You for all our Elders, those in full time ministry and those who are out in the workplace. Watch over them Father, protect them, grant them wisdom, understanding and empowerment to be servant leaders. Thank You for holy resolve, thank You for how they are rooted and grounded in Your Word. Protect their alone time with You Father, draw them away in Your Word. I ask that each of their family members will know You Jesus and be used for Your glory. Grant them joy and love as they gather together in meetings, be in their midst. Bless those who also speak and teach in different capacities. Teach us how to keep them in our prayers of thanksgiving and supplication. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.