Paul’s instructions to Timothy to maintain order in the Church. 1 Timothy 5 & 6
As we saw in yesterday’s Blog, Paul said The Family had the primary responsibility to care for its own, while the Church could help those widows who had no other means of support. He set rules in place to protect the reputation of the believers, no widows under sixty and only those of good character (actually those still Contributing by their good deeds in the body).
The next group Paul addresses are the Elders in the Church, interesting that he spoke to the Care of the Widows BEFORE the leaders, opposite of the world! Paul appeals to the believers to honour good leaders, to value them and pay them double! Do we realise the value of good leaders in the body today?
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour (actually double honoraria or payment), especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’
His next statement is a protection for leaders, because they’d need it.
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 favouritism.
When there was sin in the leadership it had to be dealt with publicly as a warning to others.
Paul exhorted Timothy to take care of himself, his wellbeing was a key to the whole body. God cares for His leaders, those carrying the burden of leadership.
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of FULL RESPECT, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.
Paul’s final exhortations are to those who are slaves in the Church; they are to treat their masters (today, employers more fitting) with Full Respect, so that the reputation of the Church wouldn’t be damaged. A good friend and businessman had a text in the entrance of his business premises,
So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the PEOPLE WORKED with all their HEART.
We all serve someone, but with what Attitude are we serving?
God bless and keep you today.