Post for May 22, 1 Timothy 5:17-25

1 Timothy 5:17-25 : “17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.”

Within the first verse in this passage Paul makes it clear we are to honor our elders, or those who teach and preach and who also excel in leadership. We want to honor our elders because it also honors God in doing so. If we cannot show honor or respect to elders within the body of Christ, it could be a direct reflection of our relationship with God. God puts elders in our lives to honor and support in order that we may honor and serve Him ultimately. They are also there in our lives to be used by God in order to direct and counsel us; therefore they should be respected because they often make themselves available to you where you might need advice or counseling in your life. And if we are being counseled, to let our guard down and be honest, we must not be so defensive about our own actions and so quick to give an answer, instead listen to those leaders in our lives who faithfully counsel us. Those elders in our own church who are older than us have experiences in their own lives that we probably do not and it is important to seek their counsel as they can help you through situations where they have had to go through similar situations.

Some other verses that can be helpful as well would be Hebrews 13:7. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Also Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” I think it is also important to note verse 1 in chapter 5 of Timothy, “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,”