In 1 Timothy 5:19-25, Paul gives instructions for dealing with elders who sin. Here, the speaker focuses on verse 19 and protecting elders from false accusations.
Lecture Outline Detailed Outline Remember ItBy not listening to unsubstantiated accusations against an elder.
What is the Old Testament legal principle that Paul uses to protect an elder from malicious slander?
Deuteronomy 19:15 (and 17:6) – “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with an offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.”
God is a righteous judge (Ps. 7:11). Thus, we should be just and fair. We should require proper verification of all accusations of sin.
- According to Proverbs 18:8, why do people love to hear scandalous tales and rumors, especially about their leaders?
- When you hear a scandalous rumor about a church elder, what should you do immediately?
- How does 1 Timothy 5:19 fit into the flow of Paul’s instructions (starting in verse 17) regarding elders?
- Read the entire text of Deuteronomy 19:15-21. Be sure you understand this important passage of Scripture. If possible, use a commentary to help you understand this passage better.
- Consider how you feel when someone makes a false accusation against you. Identify how you want to be treated in that situation. Then, apply this to how you treat others when you hear an accusation made against them. Come up with a statement saying how you will react when you hear accusations about other people.
Use your Bible concordance and look up all the verses on God’s demands for righteous judgment for others.