Stand Firm

Introduction

A great cause for problems with in the church is partiality and favortism shown by leadership and to leadership. It is only a given and natural that one will be closer to a group of people or an individual more so than than another group of people or individual. This even evident through Jesus’ relationship with the people throughout His ministry. Jesus ministered to the crowds. He had compassion on them and had a gut wrenching response to their spiritual condition as we find written within the Gospels, But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36).

With that in mind, it is easy observe within the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Jesus was closer to the twelve than He was the crowds. Even within the twelve, He had three that He was closer too, Peter, James, and John. Yet again, we find that within the three, He was closer to one, the beloved disciple, John. What does this show us? What does this have to do with our text today?

Paul, within our text, writes to young Timothy to stand firm, and emphatically insists that Timothy practice the principles he commanded to be observed in relationship to leaders (vv.17-20). He declares that this observance is not to be with prejudice. He did not tell Timothy that he could not be closer to some than others, but did say, when it comes to choosing and correcting leadership, be slow, methodical, intentional, and without prejudice. In doing so, Timothy would protect himself and the church. We need this leadership style within the church today. Not only do we need this leadership within the church today, God demands it.

Focus Passage

1 Timothy 5:21–25 (NKJV) 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. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. 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.

Outline

Paul has just given Timothy instructions on how to relate to leadership within the church (vv.17-20). He states those that serve and serve faithfully, respect and support. He states in opposition to that, those that are unfaithful, correct and rebuke openly as an example to others within the church.

Paul knew that there were those within the church leadership that were influential and causing problems already. He writes to Timothy...

1 Timothy 1:20 (NKJV)20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2 Timothy 2:17 (NKJV)17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,

May we realize that not every influence and influencer within the church is a good influence, even if they are in leadership. Paul knew that Timothy would find those within the church that would oppose this teaching. He knew that Timothy would face pressure without and within to compromise and share partiality or not follow through on this vastly important teaching to the church. So, how does Paul address this possible scenario? He brings to him an emphatic directive, I charge you.

Paul’s emphatic directive to Timothy (v.21)

1 Timothy 5:21 (NKJV)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.

When Paul brings this emphatic directive, I charge you, he calls for a three-fold witness for accountability in Timothy’s faithfulness to this directive. These three witnesses all reveal three powers that judge.

I. Paul calls upon a three-fold witness for accountability

A. He calls the judge over all as a witness - ‘I charge you before God...’

B. He calls the coming judge of the earth as a witness - ‘I charge you before…Jesus Christ’

C. He calls the executioners of God’s judgment as a witness - ‘I charge you before…the elect angels’

II. Paul calls for Timothy to be faithful to obey and preserve his teaching

Paul, had just wrote in his letter how to properly address, support, and correct leadership, Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine...Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all (5:17-20). Now, he calls on Timothy to be faithful in obedience and preservation of this teaching, that you observe these things.

It is hard for many to face confrontation. It is even harder for leadership to correct other leadership at times. When those that we must correct are fellow co-workers, those that you have a relationship with, it becomes even harder. I have never felt good about correct any employee or felt joy in firing an employee. With that said, it is necessary to have accountability, especially of those in leadership that have influence on others. He also knew that not only was it hard to discipline those that you work with, it is especially hard to not show favoritism to those that you are closer with.

III. Paul calls for Timothy not to show favoritism

He writes, observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. As God is not a respecter of persons, we are are not to be.

Acts 10:34 (NKJV)34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

Do not be hasty in your decisions (v.22)

1 Timothy 5:22 (NKJV)22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.While leadership is important to have in the church, the process by which we choose leadership is equally as important. Paul understood this. He also understood that a new church would need direction. He knew that any pastor would be under pressure to not only lead a church through this process but would feel the pressure of delivering as soon as possible on this responsibility. With this in mind, Paul gives clear direction to Timothy within his epistles in choosing leadership.

Paul had already given him clear direction in what to look for in the area of character (who they were in private just as much as they were in public). These righteous character traits were given in (3:1-13), in describing those of the both the office of bishop/overseer/pastor and that of the deacon. Paul, within our current text tells Timothy...

I. Take your time in choosing leadership

Paul writes to Timothy, Do not lay hands on anyone hastily. Many churches have erred in choosing pastors, deacons, and other leadership when they chose the candidate in haste. They feel this over whelming need to feel the vacancy of pastor quickly. They feel that we must have so many deacons or we just have to have a deacon period. In this situation, they do the process in haste. They do not take time to pray, to search through the Scripture, and truly seek God’s will. They all to often give into the flesh and the cry of members stating we need a pastor, youth pastor, deacon, Sunday school teacher, etc., and they never take time to work through the process and give God time to work. In doing this they have hindered themselves.

I have always said and will continue to encourage our church’s nominating committee to be wise in their search for servants of the church. I would rather have blank spaces where names use to be on committee and teachers, than to nominate someone just have a warm body in place. The work of the kingdom of God is far more important than just having warm bodies. Those who serve and lead in a church are to be morally chaste, active in attendance, giving, and worship. They are to be faithful to the Lord and His bride. Those in leadership should only be chosen after prayer. As we find in the book of Acts, Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13:3 NKJV). Paul not only tells Timothy to be sensitive and cautious in choosing leadership, he explains why.

II. Be cautious not to join in the sin of others

Paul writes to Timothy, nor share in other people’s sins. What does he mean by this? He is reminding Timothy, that and the church are guilty by association. What he is stating is that when a church, in haste, chooses leadership and that leadership is consumed in sin, the church is just as guilty as the leader in sin. They did not take their time to test the spirits. They did not take their time to seek the Spirit’s will and direction. They accepted the leader without first checking the candidate thoroughly. We must understand that we, as the church, the bride of Christ, are to test spirits. We are not to associate, partnership with those that live a life in disagreement with the Word of God no matter the need or the area of service that needs to be fulfilled. As we find in the Scripture...

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV)14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

Often we use these verses in conjunction with relationships. This is a biblical truth within our relationships: boyfriend/girlfriend and husband/wife, friends v. acquaintances. The idea in either of these verses is dealing with fellowship. We have fellowship with those that we are in a close relationship with. We may have acquaintances that are lost, but those we have fellowship with, we have a bond with, according to the Word of God, our rule book, we are not be in strong bonded fellowship with the lost. This does not mean that we exclude them from relationship though. If we exclude those that we are to reach from relationship, then we defeat the purpose of ministry and sharing the gospel.

With this said, these verses are not limited to intimate relationships within partners and spouses in life. They are also within the church’s relationship with leadership. This is why the word of God says to test the spirits of others. This is why Paul tells Timothy to train himself in godliness. This is why Paul states for the church not to rush in choosing those she places in leadership.

III. Be guarded to protect your own integrity

Paul writes to young Timothy, keep yourself pure. He has already called Timothy to train himself to be godly.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

Paul knew that when Timothy and the other church leaders would lay hands on other leaders to ordain them for ministry, they would be identifying with that individual. They would in essence be approving that leader’s character. If one approved of another’s character, then their character matches that leader’s character. It is highly important to be watch one’s own integrity and character as others will influence you. Then leaders in general influence the church. We must all be guarded and accept responsibility for our actions, our character, and our integrity. We are responsible for us. When we allow ourselves to be bound to a relationship with those that are lost, or even those that claim to be Christian and yet their lives echo the world, we are bound to be influenced by them.

This is why it is so vastly important to guard your integrity. We guard this through Bible study and prayer. We guard this through being choosy in who we enter into relationships with, enter into friendships with, who we choose and accept as leaders. This is also done by being choosy in our day-to-day routines from what we watch on TV, to what we listen to on our latest playlist, to what is viewed on youtube, snap, and most definitely Tiktok. With all that said, are you truly guarding your integrity as an individual? Are we guarding our integrity as a church?

Time will tell (vv.24-25)

1 Timothy 5:24-25 (NKJV)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.

Paul was intentional in his writing to Timothy and instruction on taking time in choosing leaders for the church. He was intentional on his teachings and warnings toward Timothy not to join in the sin of others. He was especially intentional in his writing to Timothy to guard his integrity. All this comes to ahead within vv.24-25. He writes to Timothy that time will tell who one truly is. As Jesus wrote to His disciples...

Matthew 7:15–20 (NKJV) 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Paul writes to Timothy...

I. Time will tell whether a man is of sinful character

Paul writes that some of the sins of men are very open and public, some men’s sins are clearly evident. In that their sin is clearly evident and public, they automatically disqualify themselves from leadership within the church, preceding them to judgment. However, there are those sins that are not so public: pride, greed, materialism, lust, etc. These sins are only revealed over time. While no one is perfect, there should never be a pattern that sets itself up in a Christian life outside of the pattern of striving against sin and the embrace of those things of God.

While many in this life try to hide their sin and feel that their sin will forever be hidden, no that God will eventually reveal that sin if one does not truly repent and seek forgiveness. As we find in the Scriptures...

Numbers 32:23 (NKJV)23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.

As trust worthy as this is, that time will tell whether one is inundated with a sinful character...

II. Time will tell whether a man is of righteous character

Although we have those within the church with obvious righteous character, the good works of some are clearly evident, we also have those where their works are not quite that open, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. They are the ones that serve in the background, with quiet and humble spirits. They are truly not the pleasers of men but of God. Paul reminds Timothy, that the fruit of these men will eventually reveal themselves too. While they may not be the ones that push great influence or call for the greatest attention, they have the righteous character that God demands of His leadership for the church and that the church should want for herself.

And as Paul has addressed leadership, he also felt the need to address Timothy’s own care. And while this verse may seem out of place, we must remember that those we associate with will, without a doubt, have influence on us.

Encouragement of personal care (v.23)

1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV)23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

Paul, while addressing Timothy gives much effort in making sure Timothy is aware of his own need and care. As already stated...

I. Paul tells Timothy to be sure of his spiritual care

As we study previously, Paul writes to Timothy, exercise yourself toward godliness (4:7b). Paul continued this encouragement of the necessity of spiritual care. As he writes...

1 Timothy 4:8–9 (NKJV)8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.

Paul goes further in encouraging Timothy to take care of himself. He writes to him of the necessity of spiritual care, but he also writes to him of the necessity of physical care.

II. Paul tells Timothy to be sure of his physical care

During this time, there was great push in asceticism. Asceticism is where one severely self-disciplines and includes the avoidance of all indulgences. This is was emphasized by many of the different religions of the first century. We find this same trait among many differing religions today. We find differing religions that call for self mutilation, a teaching that they cannot drink kool-aide, and even others that refuse to eat pork, shrimp, catfish, and other bottom dwellers of the sea. We find those that don’t even accept taking prescription meds or allow blood transfusions. Others even state that one cannot celebrate birthdays or holidays. The list could go on. Why do they teach these things? They feel that indulgences are of the devil and will corrupt spirit of man. This type of doctrine finds its root in asceticism.

Paul knowing that Timothy would face this, and knowing that he had an abdomen problem of some kind, for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities, writes, use a little wine. The water during this time was not purified and carry many germs. However, there were those that felt that the only thing they could drink was water. In this case, they were repeatedly becoming ill. Timothy is instructed by Paul, no longer drink only water.

Notice a couple of truths to be brought out through this text. First, Paul did not write for Timothy to stop drinking water completely, but not to drink water only. Second, Paul did not tell Timothy to drink wine to get drunk, live up the party, or even for social reasons. He instructed him to drink the wine for medicinal purposes, use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. Often people use this verse and the first miracle of Jesus, Turning the water into wine, as excuses to indulge in drinking and drinking to the extreme. To use either of these verses to support drinking and especially drinking in excess, is to take both Scripture references out of context.

Conclusion

What should we take away from our text today? I bring part of this conclusion from a quote out of the Holman New Testament Commentary on 1 Timothy...

1, 2 Timothy, Titus ((2) Special Directions to Timothy (5:21–25))

Paul’s words contain advice for giving recognition, administering rebuke, and practicing caution. At least a part of the “double honor” Paul urged for the competent elder involved a recognition for a job well done. For us today writing a letter of gratitude, making a phone call of appreciation, and expressing a personal word of praise can accomplish the same thing. Paul also discussed the need for rebuking or correcting the leader who persistently sins. With compassion, but yet with boldness, wrongdoers today need a confrontation about their errors. Finally, Paul urged caution. Paul applied the caution primarily in the selection of leaders. As we select leaders today for God’s work, we must move slowly, deliberately, reflectively, free of unwise pressures, and with maturity in our evaluations of others.

Along with the choosing of and support of leadership, is the great need of protecting one’s on integrity and sphere of influence. Those we choose as friends, as partners, as spouses, and especially those in leadership, have a great influence and impart on our life. Whether we like it or not, we are associated with those we allow within our sphere of influence. We are associated with those of the church we attend, the pastor we have, youth and children’s pastor we have, the deacons we have, the other leadership we have. We are associated with our friends and family. While it may be important to guard and exercise oneself physically, it is even more important to guard and exercise oneself spiritually. This begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

For without Christ one is spiritually dead. Without the Spirit of God living within you, how can you can truly discern that which is right and that which is wrong. Do you know the Lord? Have you repented of your sin? Have you called upon the name of the Lord Jesus to be save? If not, may today be the day that you answer the call of the Holy Spirit.