17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
The leaders of our churches deserve honor. When accusations come we must consider the source and there must be more than one witness. People who do not get their way or are offended may lie to get revenge. But with this consideration comes the reality that their sin will become public should the charges prove true. Show no favoritism take every charge seriously.
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,
These are personal instructions for Timothy. The laying of hands was a recognition of God's call to ministry. Timothy as the leader of this church was to be careful of his choices. So are we when we chose leaders.
and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
I can hear my mother saying, "If all your friends were jumping off a bridge would you do it too?". Just because others are doing it does not mean it is OK for you to do it. Keep yourself pure.
23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
Many illnesses in Bible times were water born. Because of the process of wine making the germs would be killed. Therefore wine was safer to drink than the water. That's it. There is nothing else meant or implied by this passage. However many people, especially teens, have used this as a reason to drink as a reaction to some churches over reaction to drinking. Let's clear the air.
No where in scripture is any Christian forbidden to drink. Period. Scripture is very clear on drunkenness. Scripture is very clear on the foolishness of the abuse of beer and wine. We are forbidden to do it. It's a sin. Period.
Some people have decided that because of potential abuse they will not drink. That is great...for THEM. The problem arises when they being to elevate their personal convictions to the level of scripture. I've attended churches where not drinking was part of their doctrinal statement. Like the Pharisees they have added rules to protect their flock from sin. Though well intended, it does not address personal growth and personal conviction before God. It's just another "don't" added to the list.
The principles for how we are to treat this area can be found in 1 Corinthians 8. Paul is discussing meat sacrificed to idols, but you can substitute any activity and apply the point Paul is making.
My personal take on alcohol. I drink, just not to excess. Should I be entertaining a brother or sister in Christ who's position on alcohol I do not know, I willing and freely abstain for the good of him/her. I do not wish to be a stumbling block. It's easy if you love them. If you as a Christian can't have a meal without drinking then the alcohol is controlling you and not the other way around.
24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Your actions for good or bad will be exposed. Think your getting away with somthing? Wait. You will be busted someday. Even if it's by God himself at the judgement. Think your work is going unnoticed? Be patient. It will be rewarded. Even if it's by God at the judgement. In truth even better if you have to wait till then because any reward from God will last FOREVER.
All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.
Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are
dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.
Do your work for God and for his glory. Serve your boss as if serving God. If you have a Christian boss do not abuse that relationship. Serve him even better.
May the grace of or Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
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