Gospel Outreach International

What does true biblical leadership look like, and how should churches care for those who teach and preach God’s Word? This Bible study on 1 Timothy 5:17-24 tackles crucial questions about respect, reward, and discipline within the church. Through examining the “seven Rs”—respect, reward, reception, rebuke, retain, responsible, and revealed—we discover the delicate balance between honoring spiritual leaders and recognizing that they are not lords or dictators. The central challenge confronts us: Are we treating our leaders with appropriate respect while also holding them accountable, and are we caring for them practically as well as spiritually?

For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18

• Elders who rule well deserve “double honor”—the Greek word has the same root as “honorarium” (payment for normally free service)
• Biblical principle: “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing” and “the labourer is worthy of his hire”—churches have responsibility to care financially for those who devote time to study and teach God’s Word
• If we hear gossip about leaders, test it with two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19)—gossip has ruined many innocent individuals and isn’t biblical; if you have a problem with someone, go talk to them first
• True Christian love must be proved, not just talked
• “There, but for the grace of God, go I”—none of us is perfect, so leadership should be respected based on their love and care as well as teaching; they need enough love, grace, and mercy to deal gently with people
• The early church practiced laying on of hands to show connection and support
• “Take a little wine for your stomach’s sake” is medicinal, not about drinking habitually—one circumstance for avoiding alcohol: if someone is addicted and trying to quit, keep off it too to not cause relapse; all will be revealed at judgment, but God is tender and caring, and believers will still hear “well done, good and faithful servant”

The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 1 Timothy 5:24

So here’s the practical truth, friends—leaders are rulers but NOT lords! We respect them and follow their instructions up to a point, but our first priority for obedience is to God. The speaker was told to get out of full-time evangelism and that he had to obey “regardless of whether they’re right or wrong”—no way! Gifts and calling are from God and irrevocable. We all have to give an account to God someday, so we need to know the truth for ourselves. And here’s something challenging: elders who rule well deserve “double honor,” which means payment! Stephen Alford reckoned eight hours to prepare a sermon—at minimum wage that’s substantial money. The speaker went to one Brethren assembly where after quizzing him about his car and mileage, they gave him two shillings and fivepence—they were so mean! But one assembly had a treasurer who properly worked out mileage and covered it well. The principle is clear: don’t muzzle the ox while threshing, and the laborer is worthy of his hire. When it comes to rebuke, remember the speaker’s dad—he left church forever because they handled discipline without love or mercy. But look at that treasurer who defrauded the church, council, and golf club! The church accepted his repentance, cared for his family while he was in prison, and welcomed him back (though not as treasurer). A brother provided a car, another a job—that’s restoration with love! That dear old saint who quietly said “Gordon, those substitute swear words might as well be the real thing because they mean the same”—he took it because he knew she spoke in love, not criticism. “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” None of us is perfect! Take a little wine for your stomach’s sake isn’t about sitting down drinking, it’s medicinal—those Italian meals with olive oil needed red wine to balance the grease. And one day all will be revealed, good and bad, but God doesn’t judge harshly like other Christians might. He’s tender and caring, and if we’re believers, we’ll still hear “well done, good and faithful servant!” That’s grace!

Bible References

• 1 Timothy 5:17-2:3
• 1 Timothy 5:17-24
• 1 Timothy 5:20
• 1 Timothy 5:23
• 1 Timothy 5:24-25
• Deuteronomy 25
• Luke 10
• Deuteronomy 19
• Matthew 18