17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 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. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. —I Timothy 5:17-24
The Importance of the Church
The Church’s Responsibility To Their Pastor(s) and Elders
Three Words are used interchangeably in the Greek New Testament to describe the office we call Pastor:
“presbuteros” = elder
“episkopos” = overseer or bishop
“poimen” = pastor or shepherd
A Distinction:
Senior Pastor
Pastoral Staff
Elders
Honor and Respect The Pastor(s)
I Timothy 5:1-18 “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.”
Honor Them
Compensate Them
Deuteronomy 25:4 “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.”
I Corinthians 9:9-10 “For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.”
A Word of Testimony…
Be Generous
Generosity is a
“You don’t have to be rich to be generous, you have to be generous to be generous.” —Johnny Hunt
Protect and Defend Them
I Timothy 5:19 “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.”
What about when the Pastor(s) are in sin?
Rebuke Them
I Timothy 5:20 “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”
Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
Matthew 18:16 “But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”
Show No Partiality
I Timothy 5:21 “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.”
Choose Them Carefully
I Timothy 5:22a “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily…”
Do Not Ignore Their Sin
I Timothy 5:22b “…do not participate in another man’s sin but keep yourself pure.”
A Personal Word for Timothy and Us
I Timothy 5:23 “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities”
Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise”
Observe People Over Time
I Timothy 5:24 “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.”