29 May 2023
We pick up the thread in 1 Timothy 5:17. A good elder is hard to find, so those who shepherd well warrant "double honor". I previously noted in regard to 1 Corinthians 9 that Paul wanted ministers to be compensated for their ministry, on the grounds that the Old Covenant proscribed muzzling oxen when threshing grain. Here he pointedly says it again regarding elders. He also insists the elders not be easily charged with sin. Don't even entertain an accusation unless there are multiple witnesses.
Yet, because of the gravity of their position, if they do not repent, their private mistakes are publicly rebuked. Leadership by example cuts both ways. Acting as an apostle, Timothy is solemnly required to play no favorites. Spiritual leaders should be first in line to embrace God's wrath on their own sins. Paul warns Timothy against ordaining anyone until after a period testing. Ordaining someone shares a symbolism with marriage: You want people to prove themselves by demonstrating how they handle various situations. It's not as if we expect anyone to be perfect, but we need to a chance to see their weaknesses and how they fail. You'll be stuck with them ostensibly for life.
Then Paul says something subtle that most people miss. The context of discussing leadership has not changed. It sounds at first like he's giving Timothy advice about his digestion problems, but that's merely the symbol for something more important. Does Timothy need the wine to keep his stomach problems in check? That is how God made him, and it's apparent the Lord was not going to heal that problem. Don't be embarrassed about such things; God does not bend to human logic.
Paul says: Be your own man, Timothy. Be the man God made you to be. Don't hide behind a false image of perfection. None are flawless. Some men in this world are quite obviously flawed, and others keep it hidden until they are gone. We should prefer the former, because they give us a chance to evaluate whether we can live with their limitations. Those who try to hide their flaws will eventually manifest them; give God time to expose imperfection His way. Thus, the last three verses of this chapter are still all about selecting good elders for ordination.
In Chapter 6, again echoing what we've seen elsewhere in this series, Paul teaches that slaves should accept their situation with grace. Indeed, consider themselves on loan from God to their earthly masters. This is part of our testimony. By the same token, if their owners become Christians, don't become contemptuous simply because they are now spiritual equals. Don't agitate; serve sacrificially. Let God deal with the master's conscience if He wants the Christian slave freed.
Here in verse 3 is where the final chapter should begin. Paul sums up his letter with the warning that what he has covered here is the firm ground of the gospel message. Anyone who argues is to be treated as an outsider. Paul knows in particular the argumentative posture of Pharisees and how the Judaizers encouraged this constant bickering, questioning every little thing and striving to show off as clever, as a way to disrupt faith in Christ. That kind of constant fussing has no place in Christ.
And there are plenty who simply believe that taking their pet theories on the road is a good way to take advantage of churches and their generosity. Haven't we seen enough of that today in modern churches, with hucksters selling their latest books and programs? Genuine godliness brings peace and contentment, not ambition. You can't take it with you. All we really need is what enables the mission of glory while we are here. With just food and clothing, we celebrate God's generosity. Yes, there really is something very wrong with people living in great comfort from the gospel ministry.
Then Paul ends the letter with a stirring encouragement about adapting to a challenging life in this world, because we are too invested in a different world -- Eternity. He also wants Timothy to warn the wealthy not to be too attached to their wealth. God grants the wealth, and God can take it away.
Finally, he tells Timothy to take no scolding from anyone. Human reason is a lie in the face of revealed truth.
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