Elders who rule well.

John Farley
Pastor Teacher
Sunday,
December 13, 2020

Elders who rule well

1Ti 5:17-25

He next turns his attention to the elders.

The duty of elders is to rule, and to preach and teach.

1Th 5:12-13

time (tee-may'); a value, i.e. money paid; by analogy, esteem.

The context makes it clear that this refers to compensation or wages.
(Verse 18)

1Ti 5:18

Deu 25:4

1Co 9:9-14

The Lord expects those who benefit spiritually from the ministry of elders,

and preachers and teachers particularly, to adequately compensate them.

1Ti 5:19-20

Timothy had to hold a court case to determine guilt or innocence.

Deu 19:15-20

2Co 13:1

1Ti 5:20

The purpose of discipline is to convince a person to stop sinning.

If mild discipline does not work, more severe discipline must follow.

Mat 18:15-17

There comes a time when the sinner must be rebuked in front of the congregation.

But what sins are in view in 1 Tim 5:19-20?

So it must be referring to serious sin that an elder persists in even after being warned in private.

What are those standards?

1Ti 3:2-7

Heresy, greed, drunkenness, and sexual sin (adultery in particular).

1Ti 5:21-22

He cannot be biased: He can’t pre-judge the case before hearing all the evidence.

He cannot be partial - a respecter of persons.

i.e., influenced by personal relationships, or favoring the rich and powerful.

Don’t short-circuit the process. Carefully evaluate each candidate.

1Ti 5:23-25

Drinking wine for one’s ailments is a far cry from being addicted to wine.

It’s not always easy to spot defects in a man’s character.