1 Timothy 5:17-25

Honoring the Elders

The Elders - men set apart to shepherd the church (Have the elders of the Church stand to be recognized.)

Elders are called to:

Exercise government and discipline;

Visit the people at their homes, especially the sick;

Instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, nourish and guard the children of the Church;

Set an example to the flock entrusted to their care

In their zeal to reach the lost and make disciples.

Praying with and for the people, seeking the fruit of the preached Word among the flock.

In our reading this morning from God’s Word, we find instruction as to how we are to provide for, protect, punish, and even prepare our elders in their ministry.

Providing a Double Honor

We honor our elders by providing for them

Especially those who preach and teach. Why is this important?

Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ, and that salvation is proclaimed in the ministry of the Word.

Ro 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

The ministry of the elder, in particular the teaching elder, is to put before the people the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ and its implications for your life.

This is a labor - toiling in the word - and applying it to your hearts and minds

God has promised to work in and through the faithful preaching of the word - the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16)

The preaching of the Word of God is so critically essential for the spiritual vitality of every church because it is the primary ordinary means of grace.

The Church provides for the teaching elder he may be free from worldly concerns

Deut 25:4 Do not muzzle the ox as it is treading out the grain

Luke 10:7 A Workman deserves his wages

Aside - Paul quotes Moses, then quotes Jesus - the gospels were already on the level of OT as the authority of God’s Word

Paul says in 1 Co 9:11 “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” and in Gal 6:6 “One who is taught should share good things with the one who teaches.”

One of the most direct ways we can show that we honor our elders is by compensating well those who labor in the word.

We also respect those in authority

Biblical Warrant

1 Th 5:12–13 “respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord… and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.”

Heb 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”

To submit to their leadership, ruling and judgment.

When they call you to worship, when they say “This is good…” or “you should refrain from this…” to listen and obey, that their service would be a joy.

Protecting the Elders

Why is this important?

Satan is attacking the word, and those who would preach it.

It is a spiritual battle.

Eph 6:12 “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

When the message strikes close to home, we lash out in response. We lash out at the message and the messenger.

How these accusations appear: Charges of scandal, whispers of slander, a stubborn refusal to follow.

No accusation without two or three witnesses.

Biblical Warrant - Dt 19:15 “Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.”

We honor our elders by applying the same principle given to every member.

No careless whispers, no anonymous letters, no baseless accusations.

Practice Sound Discipline.

But when there is unrepentant sin in an elders life, when charges are brought with 2 to 3 witnesses, the elder is to be rebuked.

When an elder is shown to be in sin, it must be dealt with.

Matthew 18:15-17 If a brother sins against you - go and tell him his fault, if he does not listen, take witnesses, if he refuses, take it to the church, if he still refuses - let him be as a Gentile or tax collector.

No prejudice or partiality - be fair in hearing accusations, and just in bringing discipline.

Rebuke in the presence of all.

Why public discipline?

To demonstrate a concern for righteousness in the church.

As goes the king, so goes Israel.

2 Ch 12:1 “When the rule of Rehoboam (son of Solomon) was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.”

As goes the elder, so goes the Church -

If the elder is called to set an example to the flock, and he is caught up in sin, or turning from the Word of God - where then will he lead the people?

To remind others to repent and keep from sin - that others may stand in fear.

The purpose of discipline

The repentance and restoration of sinners

The glory of God

The purity of the Church

Prescribe Self-Care

A personal note to Timothy

He was very concerned for his own purity - and rightfully so - as goes the Pastor, so goes the church

In his pursuit of purity - he abstained from wine - so as to not even give the appearance of drunkenness.

He had stomach issues - so Paul recommended he drink a little wine.

How this applies today.

The Church ought to ensure that their elders are taking care of themselves spiritually, physically, and mentally.

Patiently Prepare New Elders

Do not be hasty in laying on of hands

Laying on hands is a sign of commissioning, setting apart for ministry

If you ordain a man to ministry, you are joining in his ministry -

If he is a man of bad reputation - you are joined in that reputation

It is better to have an unfilled seat among the elders, than an unqualified and unprepared man in leadership

Don’t rush in - but allow their qualities to show over time

Bad works are evident - or soon will be

Good works are conspicuous - or soon will be

Honoring the Elders

The Elder is called to serve well, to toil diligently in the word and for God’s people.

Pray for your Elders, encourage and support them, hold them accountable, that they may find joy in their service before the Lord.