1 Timothy: Session 10

We pick up where we left off in chapter 5 of 1 Timothy. This section of Scripture is focusing on the logistical or organizational side of church function.

Last week, we ended on a bit of an unusual note after looking at a passage regarding widows.

There are two classifications given - widows who have access to help (or should) through their family and widows who have no access to help. Paul emphasizes that families should step up widows within their circle. The church is to rise up and help widows with no access to care.

This is a point regarding stewardship. It also speaks of God’s design regarding family and community care. Problem is in our day and age… we are seeing a breakdown of families which is leading to an increase of folks who have no help coming from anyone.

Bottom line: God cares for all and has set up a system of care for all. Prayerfully with His help, NO ONE will go without being provided for.

As we jump back into chapter 5, we are going to see three more logistical reminders given to Timothy regarding ministry. Again, the church is an organism, but it has an organizational side that must be taken care of as well.

The three points we are going to look at are solid reminders… timeless reminders… for God’s church that should be taken to heart. And the first point is a truth or principal that is important to remember in contexts outside the church as well.

No Leader is Above the Law

Now… in using this term “the law” I do not want to misguide us this evening. It just had a nice… western feel to it! But I think you know what I am saying. With leadership comes a level of power and authority… and sometimes leaders will bend or twist “rules” in their favor. However… when it comes to the church of God… there is no bending or twisting. Why? Because sin is sin. And no one can redefine or pretend that what Scripture says about sin does not apply to them.

Look at 1 Timothy 5:17 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” e and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 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. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Taking on a role of leadership in any context (work or church) is a daunting task. As I mentioned before, a certain level of power and authority is given, but with it comes responsibility and duty.

Paul begins by saying give credit where credit is due. But he quickly shifts gears to the negative. He says to be careful in bringing accusation against a leader but if sin does in fact exist… it must be dealt with accordingly.

Why is it important for leadership - specifically church leadership - to be on the level? And what I mean by “on the level” is in good standing with the Word of God.

They serve as examples in and outside of the church. They will either demonstrate a life lived according to the Word or a life lived according to the world.

Remember the original command given to Timothy in chapter 1. False teachers were becoming a problem in Ephesus and this very well might have included “elders” within the church.

Here’s the deal… no matter what “title” or position a person might hold, they are NOT above the teachings of Scripture. Their given “power” is not to be used or abused in their favor, but is to be used in serving others for the glory of God!

The word Paul is implying in this teaching but never outright says is… compromise. Paul is warning about making compromises for those who are in leadership or for those seeking to be a part of leadership.

First he gives warning in verse 21 against showing partiality or favoritism. How could these two things lead to compromise regarding improper behavior within leadership?

What is partiality? Unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another

What is favoritism? The showing of special favor.

What both can lead to is an overlooking of sin or wrongdoing because of bias or favor. what both can lead to is COMPROMISING what we know to be right for someone doing things we know to be wrong in the eyes of God.

Secondly, he gives warning in verse 22 regarding the laying on of hands. What is Paul speaking of here? Ordaining. The setting apart a person for ministry or leadership.

Paul says do not do this in haste. WHY? Because if that person is living a compromised life… they will do harm serving as a compromised leader!

And Paul’s warning goes even deeper than that. He says, “do not share in the sins of others” which I take to mean as saying “If you allow for sin to be in the camp, you are sharing in the sins of the camp.” Keep yourself pure by not entertaining sin at any level.

Sin is something that CANNOT be overlooked when it comes to church function and leadership.

No amount of bias, partiality, favoritism, makes up for the compromise. If the biblical standards of the church begin to fail, the integrity of our ministries and methods will also fail. People may not believe our massage… if we act like we don’t believe it either!

Sin is sin no matter what position you might be in.

Only entertain valid concerns and handle the situation accordingly. Do not jump to conclusions… but if sin is present, then so must reprove be present.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Paul gives Timothy some… interesting personal advice. And we see it given in one verse.

This instruction reads 1 Timothy 5:23, “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

Evidently Timothy was suffering from a recuring illness that prompted Paul to give this instruction… and the point Paul is making to Timothy is… take good care of yourself.

So… why wine? What medicinal purpose did the wine bring to the table?

Ephesus had a bit of trouble with the water. Some suggest it had a high alkali content (a mineral salt) that causes stomach issues. Wine was something that would neutralize the issue and help with the stomach problems.

Ancient Greek writings on medicine suggests that wine used for the stomach was often (but not always) unintoxicating. It was described as “sweet wine” that “does not make the head heavy.” Whatever the case, wine brought relief to the physical issue Timothy was facing.

We can ascertain from this instruction that Timothy had chosen to abstain from all wine. Paul is a bit pointed when he says “stop drinking only water” and then goes on to say take your medicine!

And this is GOOD INSTRUCTION. Many times in ministry, we have a tendency to take care of others while neglecting our own physical needs. But we must realize that we will not be able to serve others if we physically go down ourselves.

“Pastor, don’t we get our strength from God and power from the Holy Spirit?” Yes we do. But this vessel is still a physical vessel that requires rest, exercise, and sometimes… medicinal care. Make a habit to take good care of yourself!

Never Underestimate what God is Doing

This last instruction is something we all need to remember. 1 Timothy 5:24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

Paul gives a comparison. Sometimes it is easy to spot sin issues… and sometimes it can be difficult. Likewise good deeds are often seen… and unseen… but they will eventually come to the surface.

The emphasis here is on what? The good deeds. Paul uses an illustration to communicate to Timothy that no matter if they are seen or unseen… the good deeds make a difference. Their effectiveness will, in time, come to the surface.

I feel we often underestimate what God is doing. I’ve struggled with this feeling before myself. We work, we serve, we help, we preach, we teach, we pray, we disciple… but we don’t always see the result of the seed we are planting. And church… we might never see that result in our lifetime.

Yet, the work must continue. The mission must be our focus. Eventually, the results will come but remain faithful to the cause of Christ.

Consider this - in 2019 the world watched the Notre Dame Cathedral suffer a tragic fire. The construction of that cathedral began in 1163. It took 182 years to complete the build. My point: the people that laid the cornerstone never got to see the completed project… but had they not started the work… the job would have never been completed.

Never underestimate the good work the Lord is having you do. Seen or unseen… it is making a BIG difference!

Taking Care of Business

I want to close chapter 5 with this thought. We have been talking about organizational needs within the church. Needs that range from leadership standards, to stewardship, to taking good care of yourself.

ALL such needs are coming from where? THE WORD OF GOD. The church is an organism that requires a ouch of organization. But even that organizational structure comes from God’s Word.

He has given us all we need to faithfully carry out His mission. Let’s stay on mission and stay grounded in His Word!