Honoring the Man and Woman of God (for Lexington)

REWORK THIS SERMON FROM THIS PASSAGE

JN.9.4   MATT.10.7   Using same title.  (for Mt. Sinai  May 2007)

Honoring the Man and Woman of God

1 Tim. 5:17+

(for Lexington 2007)

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

(5:17-20) Introduction: this is a day in which the minister of God is being attacked not only by the world, but most unfortunately, by those within the church. The attackers are causing a loss of respect for Christ and a neglect, ignoring, abuse, and persecution of the ministry as has seldom been experienced in civilization. Because of this, ministers are being neglected when it comes to meeting their financial needs and quickly deserted when gossip and rumors swirl about their heads. Whether the rumors are true or not, few people care and are willing to support the minister of God. This passage deals with both
subjects—critical subjects for our day.

      1.The honor and pay of an elder (v.17-18).

2.The discipline of an elder (v.19-20).

5:17–25 The source of much of the Ephesian church’s difficulties was the inadequacy of the pastors. So Paul explains to Timothy how to restore proper pastoral oversight. He sets forth the church’s obligations in regard to honoring, protecting, rebuking, and selecting elders.

• Inadequate  Maturity  (Novice…1Tim.3)
• Inadequate Doctrine   (Study to show thyself… 2Tim.2.15)
• Inadequate Confidence  

WHAT IS AN ELDER?

(a)     is used of age, whether of the "elder" of two persons,   "an old man, an elder,"<Luke 15:25>,

(b) of rank or positions of responsibility,

           (1) in the Jewish nation, firstly, those who were the heads or leaders of the tribes and families, as of the seventy who assisted Moses, <Num. 11:16; >,

           (2) members of the Sanhedrin, consisting of the chief priests, "elders" and scribes, learned in Jewish law, e. g., <Matt. 16:21; 26:47>;

           (3) those who managed public affairs in the various cities, <Luke 7:3>;

           (4) in the Christian churches those who, being raised up and qualified by the work of the Holy Spirit, were appointed to have the spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over, the churches. To these the term "bishops,"  or "overseers," is applied (<Acts 20, v. 17> with <v. 28>, and <Titus 1:5> and <7>), the latter term indicating the nature of their work their maturity of spiritual experience.

The duty of "elders" is they were appointed according as they had given evidence of fulfilling the divine qualifications, <Titus 1:6> to <9>; cf. <1 Tim. 3:1-7> and <1 Pet. 5:2>;

WHY ARE THEY TO BE ‘Double’ HONORED?

• Because God has called them
• Because God has prepared them
• Because God has placed them
• …..that rule well…

• ……double honour

 Elders who serve with greater commitment, excellence, and effort should have greater acknowledgment from their congregations. This expression does not mean such men should receive exactly twice as much remuneration as others, but because they have earned such respect they should be paid more generously.

1Thes 5:12-13

12        And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13        And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

….especially they who labour in the word and doctrine

especially. Means “chiefly” or “particularly.” Implicit is the idea that some elders will work harder than others and be more prominent in ministry.

labor. Lit. “work to the point of fatigue or exhaustion.” The Gr. word stresses the effort behind the work more than the amount of work.

word and doctrine. Or better, “preaching and teaching” . The first emphasizes proclamation, along with exhortation and admonition, and calls for a heart response to the Lord. The second is an essential fortification against heresy and puts more stress on instruction.

WHO IS TO HONOR THEM?

These men were paid by the church, since God’s command is that those who teach the Word should live from the Word (1 Cor. 9:1–14)

5:18 For the Scripture says. (Deut. 25:4)

These Scriptures teach that an ox which is used in the harvesting process should not be deprived of a share of the grain. Also, a laborer is entitled to a portion of the fruit of his labor. So it is with elders. In spite of the fact that their work might not be physical, yet they are worthy of the support of God’s people.

Thought 1. Scripture has already deplored money-grabbing (1 Tim. 3:3). God equally deplores inadequate compensation. The point is: if God ordained that working oxen should be cared for, how much more has He ordained the church to adequately care for the working minister

5:19 Since elders occupy a position of responsibility in the church, they become a special target of Satan’s attack. For this reason the Spirit of God takes steps to guard them against false accusations. The principle is laid down that no disciplinary action should be taken against an elder unless the charge can be corroborated by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Actually, this same principle applies to disciplining any church member, but it is emphasized here because there was a special danger of elders being unjustly accused.

5:20 In the case of an elder who had been found guilty of sinning in such a way as to harm the testimony of the church, such a man should be publicly rebuked. This action impresses all believers with the seriousness of sin in connection with Christian service and serves as a strong deterrent in the lives of others.

5:21 In dealing with matters of discipline in the local church, there are two dangers to be avoided. The first is prejudice, and the other is partiality. It is easy to be unfavorably prejudiced against a man and thus to prejudice the case. Also, it is all too easy to show partiality toward a man because of his wealth, position in the community, or his personality..

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“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his
fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy
brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more,
that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect
to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican”
(Matthew 18:15-17).

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

“This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13).

“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no
man despise thee” (Titus 2:15).

“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject”
(Titus 3:10).