October 18, 2022

1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 (HCSB)
Honoring the Elders
17 The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and the worker is worthy of his wages. 19 Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. 20 Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will also be afraid. 21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Don’t be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Don’t continue drinking only water but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 Some people’s sins are obvious, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others surface later. 25 Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.
Honoring Masters
6 All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and His teaching will not be blasphemed. 2 Those who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but should serve them better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

James Burns
Paul continues with his guidance by supporting the use of honorariums for church leaders in good standing because their work is valued. He also provides advice concerning those making accusations against elders by requiring two or more witnesses. Further, sinful behavior should be called out publicly – both for the individual and, also, as a deterrent to others. Paul, then, warns against ordaining individuals “too hastily” – i.e. before their character is better revealed. While advising Timothy to take “a little wine” to help with his stomach issues, it’s important to note that the alcohol content was significantly less than our alcohol fermented with modern techniques. He then advises against quickly judging individuals because motives, for both good and bad works, is not easily discerned. In Chapter 6 verses 1 & 2, Paul advises that a servant treat his master as a “brother in Christ.” For us this means giving our very best to honor God in our jobs.