Day 1061: Keeping the rules - 1 Timothy 5 vs 17 - 21

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain”, and, “The labourer deserves his wages.”

19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20-21 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 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. 1 Timothy 5:17-21 English Standard Version

The letters from the apostle Paul to Timothy (and Titus) are important because they were written in the latter part of his life and were preparing the Church for the time when there would no longer be apostles, or people like Timothy who had been commissioned by an apostle. Paul was giving instructions for how local congregations were to live out the gospel message which was being passed on to them. The days were coming when the special miracles and revelations given to the apostles would be over, and believers would need to live by the words that the Holy Spirit had given through people like Peter, John and Paul. One important area of Church life would be the question of leadership. What is the, perhaps surprising, word that Paul uses to describe the work of those were called elders? (vs 17)

He uses the word rule. We usually associate that with Kings, and we know that some Kings were tyrants! However, the Greek word used here wasn't the word meaning 'to reign', but a word that meant 'to stand before'. So it meant leadership, but in the sense of 'looking after', or 'taking care' of the congregation. The apostle Peter put this beautifully when he likens the elders to shepherds, and says to them:“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight. Not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you. Not for shameful gain, but eagerly. Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)

What work of the elders did Paul regard regard as especially important? (Still in vs 17)

I'm sure he wasn't downplaying the work of getting alongside people who were struggling, and in need of help and encouragement. That is an important part of the work of a man we refer today as 'pastor' of a Church. He was also not saying that ‘all elders’ are called to preach. Rather, it would've become obvious that some elders were particularly able to teach and preach the message of the Bible. The priority he places on that is the same priority all congregations should give to God's word. The life we live in Christ must be in the light of what we learn from the whole Bible.

In vs 18 he reminded them too that those who laboured faithfully in teaching and preaching were worthy of support from the congregation. This surely included financial support, as such elders may have been devoting themselves full time to that work. The phrase 'double honour' doesn't mean they should have a huge salary, as earlier in this book he had said that those leading the Church should not be 'lovers of money'. (1 Timothy 3:3) But the implication is certainly that we should greatly value those who are good shepherds, and who preach God's word without compromise, because they are caring for our souls.

There can be times, however, when someone believes that an elder is falling short in their duty, or even behaving in an improper manner. But notice the caution Paul makes. (vs 19) How well the Holy Spirit knows our hearts, even after we've become Christians! Some complaints may just stem from someone who has a personal beef with an elder. But what if someone in the congregation, even an elder, was stubbornly continuing in behaviour that goes against what Jesus calls His disciples to be? (vs 20-21)

Whether it's an elder, or anyone else in the Church, Timothy was to publically rebuke them. There was to be no covering up of things, and no partiality shown! Even those who 'rule' the Church must keep to the rules the Holy Spirit has given.(vs 21) Sadly, this hasn’t always been followed by major denominations. Sins have been covered up, to the detriment of God's name. May God help us to keep to the good rules He has given us in His word for our well being, and for a witness to those outside the Church.