August 10
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 5
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 people 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. – 1 Timothy 5:17-25
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 5 HOW TO TREAT THE ELDERS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord appointed the office of the Elders and he chose them
Just like any person who works for an office, he too deserves a wage
Since he labors to preach and teach the word of God
He also deserves to be renumerated for his works
Just as hard as a person works to earn a living
These Elders also spend time studying and teaching
Treat the Elders with honor for they work for the Lord
Do not judge them based on a hearsay from one man
Let there be two or three witnesses when you charge an Elder
There is a process that should take place when sins are addressed
Because they are required to be righteous doesn’t mean they are sinless
Dealing with sins done by leadership must be publicly done
By doing this, we hold them accountable to stay uncorrupted.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think verse 20 says that the Elders who sins must be rebuked publicly? What happens if they are kept in secrecy?