Christ Honoring Leadership 1 st Timothy 5:17-25

5:17 – “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” 5:18 – “For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain”, and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 5:19 – “Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.”

1 st Timothy 5: :20 – “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.” 5:21 – “In the presence of God and of Jesus Christ and of elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.” 5:22 – “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.”

1 st Timothy 5: :23 – “(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)” 5:24 – “The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.” 5:25 – “So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.”

Elders Who Rule Well Are To Be Honored Elders are honored because of their work – Elders are to rule the church – Elders are to labor – Elders are to preach – Elders are to teach Elders are honored by being respected

Elders Who Rule Well Are To Be Honored Elders are honored by being supported financially – Do not muzzle an ox - Deut. 25:4, 1 st Cor. 9:9 – Laborer deserves his wages – Lk 10:7, Matt 10:10 – Churches are to offer financial support – Elders have the right not to accept the support 1 st Cor 9:15-23, 1 st Thess 2:9

Elders Who Do Not Rule Well Are To Be Disciplined Discipline is to be carried out only after making sure of the facts. Discipline is to be done publicly if the sin persists. – Church discipline – Matt 18 - One to one, Take 2 or 3, Tell it to the church Discipline publicly so others will fear Discipline is to be done impartially.

Elders Selected to Serve Are To Be Selected Very Carefully Elders selected to serve are not to be chosen quickly. Elders selected to serve are to have a godly lifestyle. Elders selected to serve are to be observed beforehand.

Elders Selected to Serve Are To Be Selected Very Carefully Verse 23 – “No longer only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” – Teaching the use of wine for medical purposes, not for social drinking – Paul didn’t tell Timothy he was going to be healed – Timothy is still to serve God even with his illness