From the Gospel to Good Works: A Church’s How-To Manual for Elders (1 Timothy 5:17–25)

/ davidsschrock

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From the Gospel to Good Works: A Church’s How-To Manual for Elders (1 Timothy 5:17–25)

What are you supposed to do in church? What are elders supposed to do in church?
And how do elders and members work together in the church?

On Sunday I answered these questions with six “how-to’s” from 1 Timothy 5:17–25. In this section to Timothy about elders, Paul gives inspired counsel for providing for how to honor elders, protect elders, rebuke (sinning) elders, and appoint elders—to name a few things Paul says.

You can hear the whole sermon online. Response questions and additional resources about elders and churches are below.

Response Questions

  1. What instructions does Paul give to church members to guide their relationships with the elders in respect to their physical needs (vv 17-18), reputation (v 19), and holiness (v 20)?
  2. Why would Paul charge Timothy in such a fashion (in the presence of God, and of Christ Jesus, and of the elect angels)?
  3. What dangers does Paul warn Timothy against when it comes to keeping these instructions? (v. 21)
  4. Why is careful patience of such significance when it comes to the appointment of elders? (vv. 22-25)
  5. Why Paul’s note to Timothy about wine?
  6. How do all of these instructions help us focus our life together in the gospel? What happens when we neglect these instructions?
  7. In the age of #metoo, how do these instructions protect pastors and those who have been hurt by pastors?
  8. How might these verses help you in your service at OBC?
  9. How might they help you find a new church, if the Lord moves you to another place?
  10. In what respect might you need to grow in relationship to the elders of OBC?

Additional Resources

Soli Deo Gloria, ds