1 Timothy chapter 5

We have learned of the pastor’s duties in his ministry to the church, beginning with the –  

        1).  Ministry to members  1 Timothy 5:1,2

and last week the –

        2).  Ministry to widows.  1 Timothy 5:3-16

Today we continue to learn of the pastor and church’s responsibility in –

        3). Ministry to pastors.              1 Timothy 5:17-22

Paul instructs Pastor Timothy and by him, the church, on the financial responsibility of the church to the pastor.  It is very important for the pastor and the church to understand God’s will in this matter.  Paul wrote in verses 17 and 18 of –

          a).  The pastor’s remuneration. (Simply put, the pastor’s salary)

1 Timothy 5:17-18  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward (hire, reward, wages)

            (1).  The reward is financial – money.

 This is dealing with monetary remuneration.   The word translated ‘honour’ here is used of money as noted in the following Scriptures:

Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

Acts 4:34  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Acts 7:16  And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

1 Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

            (2).  The reward is from the membership.

Galations 6:6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

The word communicate ‘means to have and having, to give’.

1 Corinthians 9:7-10, 14  Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?  Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?  For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?  Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope……..Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

     The pastor has the responsibility to teach the church the Will of God through the Word of God that they have to care for the needs of the pastor monetarily.  At times, the pastor finds this a difficult task since it relates directly to him, but he must obey God and teach the church.

            (3).  The reward is enough to care for his family and ministry.

The church must realize the financial needs of the pastor are going to be above the average income of the members.  The pastor is not only caring for his family, he is caring for the church and so needs enough to carry out his work effectively. 

Next, Paul instructs about –

          b).  The pastor’s reputation.

1 Timothy 5:19-22  Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

      Refer to –

Proverbs 2:10-11  When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

We learn that spiritual preparation is necessary to carry out that which honours the Lord in –

            (1).  Judgment             

1 Timothy 5:19-20  Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

             (2).  Impartiality

1 Timothy 5:21  I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

            (3).  Patience                        

1 Timothy 5:22  Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

Paul is not speaking of an angry assault upon a man, but he is instructing pastors to be patient and careful in the ordination of men into the ministry. The need of men to help in the work does not overrule the qualifications of the man for the work. 

These qualifications for the offices in the church, that of the pastor and of the deacon, have been carefully presented in chapter three of this letter.

The danger of ignoring these qualifications have been seen in churches throughout the ages through ungodly men destroying the faith of multitudes.  “…keep thyself pure.”  Do not recommend any that you do not have knowledge of their faith, trust, and devotion to the Lord.

Give men time to serve the Lord and demonstrate their willingness to obey Him in all things.  Time will tell and patience is needed.

1 Timothy 5:24-25  Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Sometimes it is obvious from the beginning – have nothing to do with them.  “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment…”

Sometimes they begin well but it is a show on their part.  The truth of their sinfulness will surface at a later time.  Do not ignore it, they are to be confronted.  “and some men they follow after…”

Hopefully most of the time, the man will show himself faithful in the beginning and continue on to the end.  “Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.”

This is our prayer, for lifelong faithfulness and to finally hear the words from the Lord –

“Well done, good and faithful servant…..”

And now we look back at verse 23, which many people wonder why Paul put it in this place.  He is giving Timothy in particular and pastors in general a word of –

            (4).  Encouragement             

1 Timothy 5:23  Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

The ministry of the Word of God takes a toll physically and spiritually.  The pastor must care for himself, making sure that he is fit in each realm in order to carry out the will of God for his life and for God’s glory.

Notice the situation of Epaphroditus –

Philippians 2:25-28  Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

When Epaphroditus was ministering, he became ill, almost to the point of dying.  Look at the distress his illness caused –

• His friends in Philippi were worried for him.
• He was worried about his friends being worried for him.
• Paul was worried about him being sick and about the people in Philippi being worried.

It is important for the pastor to take care of his spiritual and his physical wellbeing. Paul included this thought at this place at it is an important part of the life of the minister of God.