Visible Models of Christianity

Elders in Leadership

1 Timothy 5:17-22

Part 1

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Outline/Context:

1. “HONOR” Respect your elders and their ministry – 17-18

2. Refuse to criticize your elders without witnesses – 19

3. Rebuke those who continue to sin – 20

4. Respond to them without prejudice or partiality- 21

5. Resist choosing them or supporting them without prayerful

6. Consideration – 22

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“Elder”

“17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

1 Timothy 5:17

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Observation 1:

The Term “Elders” [presbuteroi]

In the early years of Christianity, spiritual leaders in local

churches were consistently identified as “elders”

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Observation 2:

The Term “Overseers” [episkopoi]

As Paul and his fellow missionaries partners expanded their church-

planting ministry into areas the heavily populated with Gentiles, spiritual

leaders were eventually identified as ”overseers” or “bishops”

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Observation 3:

The Term “Manage” [proistemi]

One of the basic terms N.T. writers used to describe the overarching function

of elders/overseers was

“to manage”.

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Observation 4:

A unified team

As the biblical story unfolds in the N.T., it becomes increasingly clear that each local church was to be managed and

shepherded by a unified team of godly men.

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Observation 5:

A primary Leader

The N.T. definitely teaches and illustrates that when there is a plurality

of leadership, someone needs to function as the primary leader of the

team.

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Observation 6:

Function & Form

The biblical story on local church leadership does not describe specific “forms” [patterns,

methodologies, means, techniques] ---only “functions”

and “directives.”AVS 4 22 12

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,”[a] and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”[b] 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

1 Timothy 5:17-22AVS 4 22 12

A theological term:

Pericope: Unity of thought.

The structure of this pericope is similar to that of the preceding verses dealing with widows. In both sections Paul began by

showing genuine concern

“HONOR” [5:3,17] AVS 4 22 12

PERICOPE: “HONOR” What did Paul refer to? Argument #1

“The term ‘HONOR’ does not refer merely to an honorarium but failure to give proper pay would simply imply a lack of honor. The idea of “DOUBLE” may refer to the double portion the oldest in the family received [Deut. 21:17]

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Double Honor

V. 3 it is obvious that it involves remuneration.

v. 18 consistent in meaning.

“time” [greek] renumeration.

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What did Paul refer to? Argument #2

“The double honor did not necessarily include a monetary or salary but consisted of the respect intrinsic to the office plus the joy of a job well done”

-Hiebert[A critical and Exegetical handbook]

**built-in, central to; naturalAVS 4 22 12

18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,”and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

• Moses • Jesus

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Outline/Context:

1. “HONOR” Respect your elders and their ministry – 17-18

2. Refuse to criticize your elders without witnesses – 19

3. Rebuke those who continue to sin – 20

4. Respond to them without prejudice or partiality- 21

5. Resist choosing them or supporting them without prayerful

6. Consideration – 22

AVS 4 22 12