1 Timothy 5:17–22
17The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.
Focused Thinking:
What is the churches responsibility to pastors?
1 Corinthians 9:1–14
Deuteronomy 25:4
Luke 10:7
Elders who were faithful to do their work well should receive double pay (honor refers to payment or money as in verse 3).
What is the truth behind the principle of double honor?
Is it luxury or adequate provision and support?
The pastor has the responsibility of godly stewardship; but the church has the responsibility of generous provision.
The objective is to reduce or remove financial distractions so that the pastor can fully devote himself to teaching and leading.
Personal Application:
What should we do to cultivate an attitude of generosity?
Teach about the importance of the personal and family health of every staff member.
The staff is not an expense; the staff is an investment.
I want to create a competitive environment where we expect the best and we provide the best.
Who should champion this truth?
Elders, Trustees, Leaders
What were the sources of Timothy’s problems with his officers?
It appears that Timothy was having trouble with some of his officers (5:19–21).
- Pastors and officers make mistakes.
It appears that part of the problem may have originated from the fact that he had chosen and ordained some of them too quickly (5:22).
- I’ve done this multiple times.
It appears that he had also misjudged some of them (5:24–25).
- I’ve done this multiple times.
How should we address problems in leadership?
Get the facts (5:19).
Evaluate over time (5:20).
Discipline publicly (5:20).
- The hope is repentance, reconciliation and restoration.
- Public sins demand public repentance.
Maintain these principles without partiality (5:21).
Maintain high standards personally and corporately (5:22).
We should believe the best until facts confirm otherwise.
We should operate with trust until facts confirm otherwise.
We should apply Matthew 18 principles to this situation.
We should factor in the importance of time in the Matthew 18 process.
We should be very cautious and broken about public discipline.
We must not be a respecter of face in regards to discipline.
We must learn from our previous mistakes.
We must be diligent about maintaining high standards.
How do leadership troubles affect the leader?
1 Timothy 5:23
No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
Paul was urging Timothy to take care of himself.
- Should we interpret dynamically or legally here?
- The principle is important here, not the specific application.
- Paul prayed and offered a practical remedy for Timothy.
How can leaders support leaders?
They offer friendship.
They offer experience and expertise.
They offer encouragement and accountability.
They offer leadership and service.
They help protect and promote the doctrine of the church.
They help exercise the discipline of the church.
They help discern and execute the direction of the church.
How can we strengthen and protect our leaders?
Provide care
- The care role needs to be reversed from time to time. We need people to take us out of the position of care-giver and help us to be a care-receiver.
We need more help running the organization.
- It is virtually impossible to be the pastor and executive at the same time. I need to be the pastor and vision-caster, but I can’t carry the responsibility for all of it.
We need more vacations.
- We need to get away from the people in order to be good with the people. The pressure is overwhelming. The pace is overwhelming. Honestly, we need the financial ability to get away. We need the ability to get away without that creating a financial pressure.
The reality is this: The enemy never quits attacking. He is always attacking our people and he is always attacking us as leaders. This is a constant battle against the enemy, against sin and against the ways of the world. It is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually difficult to swim upstream against the current all the time.
We need trusteees, staff and deacons so that we as the elders of the church can devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word instead of being consumed with all the details.
Interactive Prayer-I think I’m feeling too brutally honest to pray online today.
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