The book of First Timothy is a letter that Paul wrote to Timothy as a young pastor at the church of Ephesus. Throughout the letter Paul gives Timothy instructions on the organization of the church and the need to address the issue of false teaching and disorderly conduct in the church. In chapter five we see some valuable principles for the church. These principles are very practical and if rightly applied will bring a tremendous blessing to the church.
Pay the Pastor(s) well. In verses 17-18 Paul gives instructions to the church to take care of their pastors. He mentions that those who labor in the Word and in the teaching of the doctrine are worthy of double honor. The principle here is that the pastors should be paid as well as the church is able. The pastors should be in a position where there is no financial stress that would hinder them from serving faithfully in the church. Wiersbe writes, “Double honor” (1 Tim. 5:17) can be translated “generous pay.” (The word honor is used as in “honorarium.”) It is God’s plan that the needs of His servants be met by their local churches; and He will bless churches that are faithful to His servants.”[1]
Do not accuse a pastor unnecessarily and publicly. In verse 19 Paul is very clear that we should not bring an accusation against a pastor without two are three witnesses. A simple complaint against a pastor should be kept to oneself and not openly shared. However, if it is believed that a pastor has sinned and is bringing harm to the church, then the pastor should be approached by several individuals, preferably through the avenue of the deacons. If such a meeting is needed, there should be a documented presentation of all the facts involved, this helps to alleviate any unwarranted accusations.
Rebuke those who accuse the pastor falsely. I have a slightly different take on verse 20. Some may say that this verse refers to the fact that if a pastor is found to have sinned, he should be rebuked publicly. This is certainly true in the case that the issue was addressed in the appropriate way and a public response is needed or even the removal of the pastor in question from his position. However, another way to look at this verse is that if someone sins in accusing a pastor wrongfully, he or she should also be rebuked publicly and, if needed, removed from church membership so that greater harm would not be caused and to warn others not to behave in such a matter that disrupts the work of the Lord in the church.
Do not show partiality. Verse 21 encourages Timothy to stay faithful to the preaching of the Word and to not show partiality. In the context of this verse, it seems that Paul is instructing Timothy to not allow who is sitting in the pew to affect what and how he preaches. He is also encouraging Timothy that when it comes to church discipline, no partiality should be shown. It does not matter who the person is, if they are doing something that is harmful to the church, it should be dealt with.
Be careful who you place in positions. The first part of verse 22 gives a stark warning concerning who you place in certain positions in the church. To lay hands on someone is a reference to approving of them for a certain work. Many times, churches make the mistake of putting someone into a certain position just because no one else will do it and the person has great zeal. Churches can suffer a lot of stress for many years when someone gets into a position they ought not be in. It is much more difficult to get someone out of a position than it is to put them in one. Therefore, we should be extra careful that we are not deceived into giving someone a position in which they are not qualified or worthy of.
Do not get involved in another’s sins. At the end of verse 22 we are given the instruction to not go along with the sins of others. Too often we fuel the flame and enable people to continue in sin by our inaction or by our approval of them. We should also be careful to keep ourselves pure lest we fall into the same sins that others practice.
Take care of yourself. Verse 23 is not a justification for drinking alcohol. Rather, Paul is instructing Timothy to take care of himself physically. He tells Timothy to take proper medicine to deal with any physical ailments he may have. This principle is particularly important for a pastor. The role of a pastor is a high-stress work and therefore, the pastor should take care of himself physically to lessen the impact of his work-related stress.
Your works will be known. The principle we see in verses 24-25 is that your works whether good or bad is seen by all. Your reputation precedes you. Therefore, guard your heart and make sure your work is worthy of honor.
These principles are very practical and timely. May we all strive to keep these principles so that together we can be the church that God desires us to be.
[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 232). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Pastor Chris Noland 