1 Timothy 5:17–25 (ESV)
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.
In this passage, we get another set of instructions from Paul to Timothy regarding ministry and practice.
The passage is part of a larger section from 5.1-6.2a that carries many instructions for Timothy as he serves in a leadership role for the believers in Ephesus. Here we have five sets of instructions:
- Verses 17-18 are regarding compensation for those who teach and preach. In Greek, the word “honor” refers to money and is not about giving double respect to the person. This opens up a conversation about finances, generosity, and giving, which we don’t have space to explore here. Paul quotes from the Old Testament in Deuteronomy 25 and is echoing Jesus’ words in Luke 10 and Matthew 10, as well as echoing his own writings from 1 Corinthians 9.
- Verses 19-20 are instructions regarding how to begin to process accusations against leaders. This is a beginning and not an end or entirety of the process.
- Verse 21 is a great word to slow down, to not rush to judgment, and not to show favoritism as we seek, in love, to correct those who are wandering or are out of line, even if they are a friend (Psalm 141:5).
- Verse 22 instructs us to take our time when putting people in leadership. This is a process that shouldn’t be rushed. I love this instruction for a couple of reasons, but especially because there is the inference that we are to come alongside others and help them grow and mature, much like what Paul is doing for Timothy.
- Verse 23 is interesting in that there is a little correction for Timothy to dial it back a bit for the sake of his own health. Timothy knew the problems associated with drinking too much wine and was most likely convicted to avoid wine at all costs, but this created health problems for him. Back then, commonly, the water was contaminated and made people sick. Wine, with alcohol in it, killed off the bad bacteria in contaminated water.
So again, I find myself thinking, “Good stuff.” Good, sound instruction that is very helpful, but what does it all mean? Other than practical steps to take as we live out our faith in Christ in leadership, in community, and in relationship with the culture around us, what does it mean?
But that’s really the thing, isn’t it? If I were considering this passage for a sermon, I would say, “All theology must be practical.” After all, theology is the dialogue between Scripture and how we’re called to live out our faith in our culture. So yes, we need the heights and loftiness of good theology. But we also need to have down-to-earth connections for our journey in life. We need both. Good theology informs and helps us discern how we live out our faith in Jesus personally, in leadership, in community together, and in response to our culture.
This brings me to my biggest thought today. Our faith in Jesus isn’t an abstract, an ideal, a good moral teaching, or a component of life that we like as an addition for us, only touching on it when it’s easy and convenient.
No, our faith in Jesus is a relationship that transforms our lives in very practical and visible ways. More than that, this relationship with Jesus is very personal, meaning that it’s more than a friendship or an acquaintanceship. This relationship with Jesus is something that we engage in as we encounter Jesus every day. We are called into a deep, rich, and life-transforming relationship with Jesus, the Son of God. It’s a relationship that impacts, better yet, infects everything that we do and every relationship that we have, and it brings about God’s amazing goodness in and through us.
A life well lived is one that is lived for Christ as we pursue our personal relationship with Him: knowing, loving, serving, and following Jesus wherever He leads—growing in our awareness of His presence with us and reflecting our relationship with Him in our relationships, our culture, and our world.
So, this is more than just a set of simple rules and instructions. This is the practical outworking of a personal relationship with Jesus.
Good, good stuff.
God bless you, and know that you are prayed for this morning.
Scott