Leadership issues 1 Timothy 5 17 25 Leadership

Leadership issues 1 Timothy 5: 17 - 25

Leadership issues • • BACKGROUND Letter written by Paul in around 64 AD Written to Timothy who he had left in Ephesus to lead the church there In this section of the letter (5: 1 through to 6: 2) Paul advises Timothy regarding relationships within the church family, God’s household Here he deals with leadership issues

Leadership issues HONOURING LEADERS (17 – 18) • The church is the family of God and within that family there needs to be mutual respect and honour • The Ephesian church was experiencing problems with false teachers hence Paul reemphasises that the appointed Elders should be treated with respect – IF they lead well • We might say that the Elders should be treated like fathers (see 5: 1)

Leadership issues HONOURING LEADERS (17 – 18) • Elders/overseers – those tasked with running, overseeing the church • Some Elders also have teaching and preaching responsibilities • Here in 5: 17 -18 they are described as Elders rather than Overseers (see 3: 1 – 7) and have specific responsibility for teaching the word of God and doctrine

Leadership issues • • HOW TO HONOUR (17 – 18) Double honour – probably means in terms of respect and possibly in terms of financial support No real basis to say that the leader deserves twice as much financial reward as others Paul quotes from both the OT and Jesus’ words in Luke’s gospel The imagery of oxen and labourers show that hard work is expected

Leadership issues • • LEADERS ARE NOT ABOVE REBUKE (19 – 21) This section is probably especially relevant in Ephesus because of the problem of false teachers but the principles are still current If a leader does wrong then they need to be held accountable Necessary for 2 or 3 witnesses to uphold an accusation If they have been proved to have done wrong they are to be publicly rebuked

Leadership issues • • • LEADERS ARE NOT ABOVE REBUKE (19 – 21) These are serious matters No room for malicious slander in the church No room for favouritism Need to maintain the reputation of the church in the world – no cover up Process similar to Matthew 18: 15 18

Leadership issues HIRING LEADERS TOO HASTILY (22 – 25) • People need time to mature • It takes time for candidates for ministry roles to be examined regarding character and gifting • Those appointing are responsible before God for their actions • Leaders need to maintain their personal purity • A personal note to ensure Timothy understands that drinking wine for medicinal purposes will not compromise his purity

Leadership issues HIRING LEADERS TOO HASTILY (22 – 25) • Character takes time to develop (fruit takes time to grow) • Inherent behaviour will show itself over time, for good or ill • Taking time over appointments gives an opportunity for discernment to be used wisely – in the parable of the sower it was not immediately obvious whether seeds would develop (Mark 4: 1 - 9)

Leadership issues LESSONS FOR TODAY • Leaders should be rewarded appropriately – respect and finance • Teaching and preaching leaders must work hard to bring God’s Word to the church • Leaders are not above criticism should they fall short of the standard expected • Do not be hasty in appointing people – take time to discern true character