Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

 (1Ti 5:22) “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”   It seems plain, “Don’t join another in sin.” We can do this unknowingly. Example: it is right to take up the offenses of another. Yet, remember, there are two sides to everything. I have seldom, in my many years of ministry, had an individual who came to me and said, “I am at fault.” Taking someone’s word for an event can quickly get us into trouble with God. Be wise. Be careful. Seek out the truth.

(1Ti 5:22) “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”  To lay hands speaks of confirming one to the ministry. The laying on of hands speaks of evidence of approval, that the person is called and doctrinally sound. A minister is responsible before God for his actions of approving another. So, we are not to do so “suddenly”, without proper knowledge of the person.  

(1Ti 5:21)  “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”  “Partiality”: our fallen nature does not naturally love all people. We love them who love us. Yet, Jesus said we are to even love our enemies. These referred to are blood-bought brothers and sisters. We must be careful to include all in our conversations, our fellowship. The house of God is the one place upon this earth where every person should be excepted and loved.

(1Ti 5:19)“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.”  Context: this is a pastor. Remember, Timothy is a missionary over various churches started by himself and Paul. In other words, he had the authority to act,  (1Ti 5:20) “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”  How does this apply to us? Answer: be very careful standing against a pastor. Be absolutely sure of the accusations of others. The man is God’s anointed, called to minister the Gospel.

 (1Ti 5:17)“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18)  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.” The pastor should not have to be concerned that the physical needs of his family are being met. It harms the church. His mind needs to be focused on the things of God, especially upon “….the word and doctrine.”  

 (1Ti 5:17)  “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”   Consider in your mind what you “think” the pastor should be doing, and then consider what it says, “especially they who labour in the Word and doctrine”. Our pushing of our own priorities could influence our pastor into the wrong path. Pastors, be first and foremost men of the Word!

(1Ti 5:17)  “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”   “Double honor”: highly respected in a way that is demonstrated. Ephesians 4:11 says a pastor is “given” to the church. We live in a day in which we as a society respect authority less and less. This has spilled over into the church. Let us think and act as those influenced and in subjection to God’s Word.

(1Ti 5:17)  “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” The context tells us this is not speaking of an older man, but of the position of pastor (Titus 1:5,7). “Rule”: the church is not a democracy but to be guided by the pastor who is submitting to the Word of God – period; no debate.