Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Timothy

Elders in the Church (5:17-25)

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 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 favoritism. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.

1.     The leaders of the church have been called by God to positions of responsibility and authority. They must be respected. This does not mean that they are infallible or do not make mistakes in leadership. Only God is infallible, and the Bible must be the standard of truth. Church leaders must be accountable, and this is why there are multiple leaders or elders. Leaders must be humble and open to different opinions or perspectives where they do not conflict with the Bible.

2.     Paul quotes both the Old and New Testaments in making his point about the obligation church members have to support their leaders. (Dt 25:4; Luke 10:7) Why do you think Paul quotes from both Testaments? In what ways are church members to be supportive of their leaders?

3.     Two or three witnesses are required to bring an accusation of evil behavior. This principle is meant to prevent personal slander or make it easy for false accusations. (Dt 19:15; Mt 18:15-17) Elders who commit serious sin, that brings dishonor upon the church, must make a public confession and repent.

4.     Leaders are not to show favoritism among the members of the church. Those who are more popular, wealthy or talented must be treated the same as those who are not. How do those who give more money to the church sometimes expect that their ideas and desires will be followed? (Mt 23:5-12)

5.     When prominent people join the church, there may be a tendency to quickly advance them to positions of leadership. Paul warns against this. What might be some reasons why this would be unwise?