In 1 Timothy 5:19-25, Paul gives instructions for dealing with elders who sin. Their discipline is to be public. And these commands must be obeyed. They are from God!
Lecture Outline Detailed Outline Remember ItThe sin of an elder has greater ramifications for doing damage within the church. The world needs to see that we take sin seriously and do not hide the sins of our leaders. Also, by doing this, we stop the rumor mill, which is very destructive. But most importantly, others will fear the shame of public exposure and of sinning and gain a deep sense of the gravity of sin. This fear is a powerful deterrent to further sin.
God will someday judge these issues and how Timothy obeys Paul’s command. God is watching. All this will be brought up at the Judgment Seat of Christ. We should fear God’s judgment more than man’s judgment.
- What is the point of saying an elder’s sin is to be judged without bias and without preferential treatment? What problem does this address?
- Why do most churches avoid keeping “these rules” emphatically laid out by Paul before the church? What reasons/excuses do they give?