Honor Elders

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Honor Elders

Date: Aug. 25, 2023

Passage

1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 (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.

1 Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. 2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.

Teach and urge these things.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:5:17

She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,

Paul says that elders who teach and preach are worth double honor. The need for elders in the church who are shepherds of God’s flock is so vital. We should respect them and not entertain false accusations against them. On the other hand, if they are in the wrong, we should take them to task. We should not show favoritism, even if they are our relatives, shepherds, or close connection. The church must guard itself against nepotism.

Paul also gives Timothy various other instructions. He should not lay his hands freely on others until he is sure they are committed Christians. He should not be legalistic about drinking wine, since it could help his stomach problems. He should have discernment about who is sinning and who is doing good by looking at the outcome of their actions.

Lastly, Christian slaves should honor their masters. Though in Christ they enjoyed equality with their brothers, they should be sensitive to the Roman world around them and be a good influence that leads others to Christ when they submit to their masters.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for the elders who sacrificially serve you as Bible teachers and preachers of your word. Please help me honor them and pray for them to do what is right.

One Word: One Word: Honor elders who teach and preach

God Judges Those Who Break His Covenant

Ezekiel 17:1-24

Key Verse: 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.”

Today's Question

For what do we pray in the fourth request?

See answer and references