I Timothy 5:17-6:2b (ESV)
Having previously written the qualifications for elders (chapter 3), Paul wrote about the relationship and responsibilities between elders and the flock, with the focus on how the members treat their pastors. Timothy was charged with restoring something that was broken, in 5 key areas: honor, care/provision, protection, public rebuke (when necessary), and careful selection.
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest stand in fear. 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. Do not be hasty in laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
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. 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.
If you are a Christian, then you too are under the yoke of Christ, a bondservant of the Lord. Our testimony is more important that any personal liberty. As Gal 3:28 reminds us there is no “bond or free….for we are all one in Christ.” We still live in a world of owners and employees, supervisors and workers. Why live in the manner Paul describes? So that God and His Word will not be slandered. Eternity matters in the work place. Do your work unto the Lord. The truth of the gospel rests on you as you work.
Summary Points:
-Healthy relationships between pastors and members is essential to being a healthy flock. We are in this kingdom work together. Otherwise, we devolve into an “us” v. “them” divide, with the clergy distinct and separate from parishioners.
-Honor (provide/care) your pastors, especially those who labor in the Word. Whether here or if the Lord plants you elsewhere, you will be apart of a healthy gospel ministry, if you do this. Hebrews 13:17 indicates this is important and in the members’ best interests. Disregarding or dishonoring pastors inflicts significant injuries throughout the flock.
-Wherever the Lord plants you, wherever you live, learn, work, or play, the gospel rests on you and me. It is not for others to live and to declare. It is for you and me.