Havasu Christian Church
November 9, 2025
I Timothy 5:17-25
“More about Elders? Really?”
INTRO: Paul had a lot to say to Timothy about Elders… What kind of men they should be, what kind of things they should do, how they should talk, how they should act..
Here in chapter 5, we Paul has even more to say about Elders.
I Timothy 5:17-25 The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.
21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.
23 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24 The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.
25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
- Paul speaks to Timothy about Elders, employed by their Church.
- Those who “rule well.”
- We’ve already talked about the type of “ruling” an Elder is to do…
- He is to lead by example.
- His decisions are made for the benefit of the Church and the Kingdom of God!
- He “rules” from a place of honor and integrity.
- He “rules” as a man who cares deeply about following Jesus.
- These men are worthy of a “Double honor.”
- Especially if they “work hard at preaching and teaching.”
- Preaching: Speaking to a group about or from the Word of God.
- The three main types of preaching are
- Expository: Expository sermons focus on explaining a specific Bible passage verse-by-verse.
- Textual: Textual sermons develop a sermon from a few key verses or a short passage.
- Topical: topical sermons are based on a theme or subject that is supported by various scriptures.
Over the years, I’ve had people tell me “You could make a sermon out of that…” Usually when they have heard or read something got their attention.
Spouting opinions and telling stories with no purpose are not preaching.
- Teaching: has a much more intimate feel. You can have a large group and still teach, but there’s usually more “back and forth.”
- Teaching is often “one on one.”
- As we learned a few weeks ago, an Elder is supposed to be able to teach.
- What is this “Double honor” that we read about.
- This is an Elder that spends so much time “Elding” that he isn’t able to make a living at his “job.”
- So, the Church pays him to be able to devote himself to being a good Elder.
- There is a Scriptural Precedent for doing this…
18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (This quote is originally from Deuteronomy 25:4)
- These Elders are not to be accused without multiple witnesses.
- One person’s accusation is not enough to be taken seriously.
- But if credible witnesses (plural) come forward, then check it out.
- The integrity of Christian leaders should always be protected.
- If an Elder is guilty, repentance is required!
- His position does not exempt him from scrutiny or the need for change.
(Verse 21) I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
- If an Elder is found to be in the wrong, Paul uses very strong words that he isn’t off the hook, just because he’s an Elder.
- “I solemnly charge you…”
- In God’s presence..
- In Jesus’ presence..
- In the Angel’s presence!
- These ALL are watching what we do!
- More than just words… Actions must change as well.
- To avoid these kind of problems, be sure and choose Elders wisely!
22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.
- If you make this mistake, you bear part of the guilt for what happens.
- Paul seems to make a big switch here. He’s been talking about Elders, and suddenly, it seems, he switches to a personal health issue that Timothy has.
23 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
- Perhaps, there’s more to it than that!
- Timothy has a stomach issue of some kind.
- He isn’t medicating it, because the medication suggested is wine.
- Maybe “Dr. Luke” recommended it!?!
- Even though it’s permitted, Timothy is trying to be a “better than good” example.
- Again, in those days it was common to mix water and wine.
- Doing this killed bacteria.
- Perhaps, this is more than medical advice… maybe it’s an object lesson.
- It’s ok to use the medicine available to help you with what ails you.
- Don’t be dumb, trying to set an example.
- How we live tends to show and be seen.
24 The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.
- When we allow sin in our lives, it often becomes very evident to those around us!
- Habitual sin changes us.
- Our thoughts….
- Our feelings…
- Our actions…
- Even if we fool Everyone who knows us, we still won’t fool God!
- This is also true when we live a righteous life.
25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
- When we live for Jesus, it SHOWS!
- Our change in thoughts…
- Lead to a change in feelings…
- Which leads to a change in actions!
Conclusion: Today, we’ve read and studied about Elders. But this all readily applies to all of us.
- We should all strive to live the kind of lives that Elders are expected to live.
- Honor
- Integrity
- Service
- Self-sacrifice
- We should all consider ourselves teachers and preachers of the gospel.
- Not necessarily from a pulpit.
- Not necessarily in a Sunday School class.
- But there are people that look at us as examples.
- There are people who trust us to tell them the truth that they need to know.
- Those people will be lost without Jesus!
- Patty Steffer with the kids downstairs.
- Seeds planted, every Sunday!
- We shouldn’t make accusations unless we are absolutely sure they are true!
- If you have doubts, talk to the person that you have the doubts about!
- If you are sure, bring a trusted brother or sister in Christ and talk to the person.
- Don’t assume that whatever bad thing someone tells you about someone is true!
- Some love to “stir the pot.”
- Some love to blast their suspicions everywhere!
- Give grace to the person being talked about…
Going to the diner for coffee.. Broke one week… A man started a rumor that I had been “kicked out of the coffee shop” for “picking on the waitress.”
One man who heard this, took the time to ask me if this was true.
- Take the time to choose leaders wisely, so we aren’t sorry later.
- The wrong leadership will be devastating to a church!
- The wrong leadership will be devastating to a life!
- Don’t be a “wrong leader.”
- Don’t follow a “wrong leader!”
- Live a life that you don’t have to be ashamed of when you get caught!
- Get caught living right!
- Get caught living your life for Jesus!
- Get caught living a life that others can look at as an example!
- Don’t be changed by habitual sin!
- Be changed by habitually following the Lord Jesus Christ!
- You won’t be sorry!
