1 Timothy 5 Pt. 4 Take Care Of Your Pastor. Deal With Sin In The Church.

1 Timothy 5:17   Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 

Having dealt with instruction for widows, the apostle Paul turns Timothy's attention to additional truth relating to elders, pastors or bishops.

The elders are held to higher accountability before God, because they are spiritual leaders in the church.

Therefore, an elder must meet spiritual qualifications for the office, and must discharge their duties faithfully with excellence.

An elder who "rules well" leads by setting a good moral example, and is a capable teacher of God's truth. 

Such an elder is to be counted worthy of "double honor." This phrase indicates that the church should take care of the elders or pastors, who serve them. 

This would include meeting their physical needs of food, clothing and shelter, so that the elder can concentrate on their spiritual responsibilities. 

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13  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. 

Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica to remind them to become familiar with the elders who oversaw the churches. 

These men offered corrections as needed, so that sin did not plague the church. 

They put in the necessary work to read and understand the scriptures, so that they could be effective leaders.

Church members were to hold in high esteem those elders who faithfully led them in learning the Word and by example of godliness.

An elder must be able to put their energies toward laboring as they seek to prepare for preaching and teaching the word. 

Elders need to be able to clearly communicate sound doctrines of the faith to the church body. 

1 Timothy 5:18  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the labourer is worthy of his reward. 

Therefore, Paul reaches back to the Old Testament law, to demonstrate how each local church must support their elder or pastor (Deuteronomy 25:4).

An ox is an animal who treads out the grain put on a threshing floor when the harvest is being brought in for processing.

As such, an ox is to be allowed to eat some of the grain that they are threshing on the floor. This is their due reward for working. 

In like manner, the pastor or elder is treading the corn of God's Word, to feed the redeemed people of God. He must be cared for by the church. This is God's plan.

1 Corinthians 9:9-11  For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?  10)  Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11)  If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 

Paul repeats this admonishment to the churches so that the elders and pastors will be cared for by the church.

1 Timothy 5:19-20  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.

The idea is that believers in the church must be cautious of receiving evil reports against an elder. 

Do not consider an elder as guilty of any alleged crime, unless it is proved by two or three witnesses. This is in accord with the law of Moses. 

Under Roman law, a commoner might be condemned on the testimony of one credible witness. 

The reason why 2 or 3 witnesses are required is this: An elder whose business is to correct others may have many enemies because they hated being confronted with truth. 

 Great caution should be used in admitting accusations against such persons.

1 Timothy 5:20-22  Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21)  I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22)  Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.  

Here is the fundamental truth Paul is pressing upon young Timothy. 

Whether it is a lay person or an elder who is accused of sin, they must be rebuked before the church, so that the fear of God is maintained. 

Sin must be dealt with in the manner prescribed by God, and without partiality. In other words, a pastor or elder's sins must be held to account, just as if it was the poorest person in the church.

Paul's direction to Timothy is very much like Ananias and Sapphira lying to Peter, and losing their lives (Acts 5). 

Sin in the church is serious business. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ may be adversely impacted by sin. The name of Jesus Christ will be dragged into the mud if sin is not addressed. 

1 Timothy 5:24-25  Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25)  Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 

Some men profess faith in Christ, and they openly sin. Their profession of faith is not genuine. Others sin flagrantly and are judged directly by the Holy Spirit or by the exercise of church discipline.

In like manner, those who make a true profession of faith in Christ, live a life that matches their profession of faith.

May these truths be followed in all Bible believing churches today. 

May the Lord Jesus Christ be honored in each church, and may His glorious name be held in the highest esteem by each Christian. 

Bob