WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.560 Open your Bibles, if you would please, to 1 Timothy chapter 5. 00:00:07.660 --> 00:00:09.720 ! 1 Timothy chapter 5. 00:00:10.580 --> 00:00:09.700 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.899 We're going to be picking up at verse 17, and it opens this way. 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:34.460 It says, 00:00:35.159 --> 00:00:39.840 Let the elders who rule be counted worthy of double honor. 00:00:40.539 --> 00:00:45.960 Let the elders who rule be counted of double honor. 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:49.460 So, there's at least two reasons why this is challenging this morning. 00:00:49.679 --> 00:00:53.039 First is because when we hear the word rule, 00:00:53.679 --> 00:00:58.000 I don't know about you, but there's flashes of, 00:00:58.000 --> 00:00:59.759 what does that mean? 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:03.159 Who am I submitting myself to? 00:01:03.579 --> 00:01:08.540 And how in the world can I possibly honor that kind of leader? 00:01:08.939 --> 00:01:10.019 A kind of leader who rules. 00:01:10.760 --> 00:01:15.760 We've come to understand the challenges of authority 00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:20.760 that are misappropriated and overused in our culture, 00:01:21.159 --> 00:01:26.039 and so we tend to bristle against leadership and authority and rule. 00:01:26.040 --> 00:01:31.580 So, we need to understand what the Bible says about that kind of spiritual leadership. 00:01:31.700 --> 00:01:32.640 What does it look like? 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:36.719 The second reason why this is a challenging passage 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:42.180 is because it seems a little self-serving, to be quite honest with you. 00:01:42.719 --> 00:01:47.260 Because as an elder, here I am trying to instruct you, 00:01:47.460 --> 00:01:49.400 as we're walking through this passage, 00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:50.420 Honor me! 00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:50.960 Ha ha! 00:01:50.959 --> 00:01:53.619 Hey, you need to give me double honor. 00:01:53.859 --> 00:01:55.199 You need to consider me worthy. 00:01:56.179 --> 00:01:58.379 That just doesn't go well. 00:01:59.179 --> 00:02:02.759 And so, it's not really a passage that I prefer to preach, quite honestly. 00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:05.359 But this is how we do it. 00:02:05.699 --> 00:02:08.719 Working through passages, working through texts. 00:02:09.379 --> 00:02:11.539 And so, we preach the things that we like, 00:02:11.579 --> 00:02:12.879 and we preach the things we don't. 00:02:13.539 --> 00:02:16.259 And we understand this guiding principle. 00:02:16.259 --> 00:02:21.359 We understand, as Paul will write in the second letter to Timothy, 00:02:21.859 --> 00:02:25.319 he'll say in chapter 3, verses 16 and 17, he says, 00:02:25.719 --> 00:02:28.979 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and it is profitable. 00:02:29.719 --> 00:02:29.959 Right? 00:02:30.280 --> 00:02:34.120 Profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction, and righteousness, 00:02:34.519 --> 00:02:38.000 so that the man of God might be perfect, thoroughly equipped, 00:02:38.139 --> 00:02:39.180 for every good work. 00:02:39.280 --> 00:02:43.039 And so, this is in God's word, and this is good for you. 00:02:43.479 --> 00:02:44.439 This is good for me. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:48.780 God has given us leaders. 00:02:49.900 --> 00:02:51.000 And leaders are good. 00:02:51.859 --> 00:02:56.780 And when we come to understand the right kind of response to leaders, 00:02:57.199 --> 00:03:02.300 then we come to enjoy the benefits of good spiritual leadership. 00:03:03.180 --> 00:03:08.340 All throughout the Bible, we have seen God's design for leaders. 00:03:08.340 --> 00:03:14.759 And it's not the kind of leadership that we would come to assume in culture today. 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:18.719 If we were to characterize leadership in culture today, 00:03:18.860 --> 00:03:21.960 some of the things that might come to your mind are things like charisma. 00:03:22.539 --> 00:03:24.259 Man, he's full of energy. 00:03:24.439 --> 00:03:25.480 He draws attention. 00:03:25.860 --> 00:03:26.800 He's inspirational. 00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:29.800 Or he's a great vision caster. 00:03:30.180 --> 00:03:31.199 He knows what's coming. 00:03:31.300 --> 00:03:33.159 He knows the steps on how to get there. 00:03:33.159 --> 00:03:37.180 He can cast that vision, and he can draw people along with him. 00:03:37.900 --> 00:03:39.840 Maybe he has the gift of communication. 00:03:39.840 --> 00:03:43.319 He knows how to articulate difficult concepts. 00:03:43.439 --> 00:03:46.599 He knows how to inspire and draw people to his message. 00:03:47.259 --> 00:03:49.500 Maybe he has that winning personality. 00:03:49.960 --> 00:03:51.519 Or he has that courage. 00:03:52.159 --> 00:03:55.340 Or maybe he has this driving work ethic. 00:03:55.460 --> 00:03:58.079 Whatever it is that we associate with good leadership, 00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:01.180 that's maybe some of the ideas that we get. 00:04:01.920 --> 00:04:04.560 But I want you to know, in God's economy, 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:10.420 the best spiritual leaders are the best followers. 00:04:11.620 --> 00:04:15.120 The best spiritual leaders are the best followers. 00:04:16.240 --> 00:04:17.160 Make no mistake. 00:04:17.879 --> 00:04:21.480 Those who have learned to lead God's people, 00:04:22.180 --> 00:04:25.759 those who have been entrusted with the greatest responsibility 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:30.019 of providing direction and leadership and authority 00:04:30.019 --> 00:04:34.459 and care and love for God's people throughout time 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:39.219 have been those who have learned to walk in the steps of God. 00:04:39.219 --> 00:04:41.360 To know what the Bible says 00:04:41.360 --> 00:04:44.159 and to align their heart and life 00:04:44.159 --> 00:04:46.259 to do what God's Word says. 00:04:47.279 --> 00:04:51.180 That's why when the Apostle Paul is giving qualifications 00:04:51.180 --> 00:04:54.339 for spiritual leaders back in chapter 3 of 1 Timothy, 00:04:54.339 --> 00:04:56.899 that's what he brings to the surface. 00:04:57.219 --> 00:04:58.719 That's what he wants to bring out front. 00:04:58.839 --> 00:05:01.319 It's not how great they are at communicating. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:04.639 It's not how gifted they are at crafting vision 00:05:04.639 --> 00:05:06.259 or their strategic nature. 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:08.060 No, it's all about their character. 00:05:08.959 --> 00:05:12.879 It's all about do they know what the Bible says 00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:16.639 and have they incorporated it into their life? 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:22.120 The greatest spiritual leaders are the ones who've learned 00:05:22.120 --> 00:05:24.680 to be the greatest followers of God. 00:05:25.639 --> 00:05:26.879 We think about Moses. 00:05:27.839 --> 00:05:30.379 I mean, I love the exercise 00:05:30.379 --> 00:05:32.699 and I would just encourage it for you. 00:05:32.740 --> 00:05:36.079 Even this afternoon, read through the book of Exodus 00:05:36.079 --> 00:05:37.819 and just do this exercise. 00:05:38.199 --> 00:05:39.519 Every time you see, 00:05:39.519 --> 00:05:41.099 and God said, 00:05:41.599 --> 00:05:42.399 followed by, 00:05:42.519 --> 00:05:43.899 and Moses did, 00:05:44.099 --> 00:05:45.719 underline those phrases 00:05:45.719 --> 00:05:47.659 and you will be blown away. 00:05:48.159 --> 00:05:52.699 The leadership of God over Moses' life, 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:53.799 that was preeminent. 00:05:53.899 --> 00:05:55.959 That's what made him a spiritual leader. 00:05:57.039 --> 00:05:58.740 It shows up in the life of Joshua. 00:05:59.379 --> 00:06:01.519 Here he's concerned about stepping in 00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:03.819 to the shadow of this great leader Moses. 00:06:03.819 --> 00:06:07.860 And what's the encouragement that God gives to Joshua? 00:06:08.659 --> 00:06:10.579 We find it in Joshua 1, 8, and 9. 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:12.879 This is the key for success, Joshua. 00:06:13.199 --> 00:06:14.180 You want to be a great leader? 00:06:14.379 --> 00:06:15.279 Here's what it looks like. 00:06:16.100 --> 00:06:17.899 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth. 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:20.319 You shall meditate on it day and night, 00:06:21.000 --> 00:06:23.000 that you may observe to do according 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:24.719 to all that is written in it. 00:06:25.100 --> 00:06:27.360 For then you will make your way prosperous 00:06:27.360 --> 00:06:29.519 and then you will have good success. 00:06:30.180 --> 00:06:31.120 Have I not commanded you? 00:06:31.259 --> 00:06:33.319 Be strong and of a good courage. 00:06:33.319 --> 00:06:36.060 Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. 00:06:36.079 --> 00:06:39.159 For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:40.920 Joshua, you want to be a great leader? 00:06:42.099 --> 00:06:42.899 Follow me. 00:06:43.719 --> 00:06:47.420 Know my word and follow my commands. 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:48.519 And I will be with you. 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:50.480 I will prosper you. 00:06:50.779 --> 00:06:54.139 And I will fulfill my objectives through you. 00:06:54.779 --> 00:06:55.360 Trust me. 00:06:55.519 --> 00:06:56.079 Follow me. 00:06:56.899 --> 00:06:58.639 And then lead the people to do the same. 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:01.939 That becomes the pattern throughout all of Scripture. 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:06.219 We don't have time this morning to talk about all of the examples through Scripture. 00:07:06.420 --> 00:07:12.240 But we see it on and on and on as we move our way through the Scripture. 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:14.800 Leaders who are marked by humility. 00:07:15.079 --> 00:07:17.180 Marked by obedience to God. 00:07:17.680 --> 00:07:19.720 Courage to proclaim God's word. 00:07:20.100 --> 00:07:22.159 To accept the challenges that come. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:26.240 Men who have learned to listen and follow God. 00:07:26.240 --> 00:07:29.519 And that's what we're going to see in our passage today. 00:07:30.300 --> 00:07:37.800 We're going to see that those kinds of leaders that have risen up and have followed God in the greatest ways. 00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:45.960 And are now entrusted with this great responsibility of leading and exercising authority over God's family. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:49.099 They're to do it in a way that is recognized. 00:07:49.979 --> 00:07:54.759 Do it in a way that is met with the care of God's family. 00:07:54.879 --> 00:07:55.599 God's people. 00:07:56.359 --> 00:07:59.039 In our passage there are going to be four commands. 00:07:59.699 --> 00:08:05.500 Four imperatives that we're going to run across and move through as we work our way through this passage. 00:08:05.899 --> 00:08:08.439 Four imperatives that we find throughout this passage. 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:16.240 That address us as a church in our response and care for the spiritual leaders that God has set over us. 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:20.120 First, a church must honor its leaders. 00:08:20.800 --> 00:08:22.839 A church must honor its leaders. 00:08:24.319 --> 00:08:28.439 Let me read this passage for us and then we'll jump into our text for today. 00:08:28.860 --> 00:08:30.699 Beginning again at verse 17. 00:08:30.839 --> 00:08:31.540 It says this. 00:08:32.179 --> 00:08:37.620 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor. 00:08:38.440 --> 00:08:40.520 Especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 00:08:41.420 --> 00:08:46.320 For the scripture says you shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain. 00:08:46.880 --> 00:08:48.540 And the laborer deserves his wages. 00:08:49.600 --> 00:08:54.680 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 00:08:55.600 --> 00:09:01.800 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all so the rest may stand in fear. 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:06.919 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, 00:09:07.019 --> 00:09:12.419 I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 00:09:13.179 --> 00:09:18.079 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others. 00:09:18.679 --> 00:09:19.599 Keep yourselves pure. 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:28.679 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:31.599 The sins of some people are conspicuous. 00:09:32.099 --> 00:09:33.259 Going before them to judgment. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:36.219 But the sins of others appear later. 00:09:37.519 --> 00:09:40.779 So also, good works are conspicuous. 00:09:41.399 --> 00:09:45.839 And even those that are not cannot remain hidden. 00:09:46.039 --> 00:09:46.419 Excuse me. 00:09:47.759 --> 00:09:50.439 We find four commands in this passage. 00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:53.559 The first command is right there at the front of verse 17. 00:09:53.979 --> 00:09:54.379 It says, 00:09:54.839 --> 00:09:56.639 Be considered worthy. 00:09:56.639 --> 00:09:58.379 That's our first command. 00:09:59.259 --> 00:10:00.439 Honor your leaders. 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:07.179 And there are several ways that we're informed or encouraged on how to honor our leaders 00:10:07.179 --> 00:10:10.360 and the reasons for why we should honor them. 00:10:11.059 --> 00:10:14.720 Well, we honor them, first of all, because of their service to the body. 00:10:15.340 --> 00:10:18.460 Honor them because of their service to the body. 00:10:19.319 --> 00:10:23.860 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor. 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:23.899 Honor. 00:10:24.759 --> 00:10:28.860 This word to be considered worthy is a present tense. 00:10:28.940 --> 00:10:30.539 It's a present imperative. 00:10:30.960 --> 00:10:33.800 It's a command that Paul is issuing to this church. 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:37.940 Recognize your responsibility to provide honor. 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:40.700 This double honor, as he says. 00:10:40.800 --> 00:10:41.840 This respect. 00:10:42.080 --> 00:10:43.519 It's really the word to know. 00:10:44.039 --> 00:10:44.740 To recognize. 00:10:45.019 --> 00:10:45.620 To be aware. 00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:47.300 To call attention to. 00:10:47.299 --> 00:10:53.759 Recognize those among you who are serving, leading, ruling well. 00:10:55.659 --> 00:10:57.819 Recognize them and respect them. 00:10:58.799 --> 00:11:01.959 Respect them in a way that calls attention to their life. 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:13.339 Respect them in a way that aligns your heart and life to identify and to submit to and to revere what God has called them to do. 00:11:13.340 --> 00:11:20.040 There is this responsibility to esteem them well. 00:11:20.720 --> 00:11:23.500 And we esteem them in a couple of different ways. 00:11:24.480 --> 00:11:31.580 We esteem them by drawing attention to the work that they do and by supporting them in ministry. 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:34.780 But who are these elders after all? 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:36.000 Who are they? 00:11:36.639 --> 00:11:39.060 Well, they can be older men or older women. 00:11:39.059 --> 00:11:42.479 We actually see that at the beginning of this chapter. 00:11:43.199 --> 00:11:44.099 These two words. 00:11:44.679 --> 00:11:45.359 Presbyteros. 00:11:45.599 --> 00:11:48.199 It refers to both older men and older women. 00:11:48.659 --> 00:11:50.199 In verses 1 and 2. 00:11:50.299 --> 00:11:50.719 It says, 00:11:51.079 --> 00:11:52.479 Do not rebuke an older man. 00:11:52.599 --> 00:11:53.339 That's our word. 00:11:53.459 --> 00:11:54.219 Presbyteros. 00:11:54.979 --> 00:11:57.119 And younger men as brothers. 00:11:57.259 --> 00:11:58.079 Older women. 00:11:58.239 --> 00:12:00.139 That's also presbyteros. 00:12:00.199 --> 00:12:00.839 As mothers. 00:12:01.000 --> 00:12:02.519 Younger women as sisters. 00:12:03.319 --> 00:12:06.239 But it's also used extensively throughout the gospels. 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:12.320 The word elders refers to these spiritual leaders who were there among the people of God. 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:18.460 And it's often attached to scribes and Pharisees and to the religious leaders there in Jerusalem. 00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:20.000 The elders that were there. 00:12:20.820 --> 00:12:25.159 This word is common in Judaism to describe religious leadership. 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:30.740 It was also then applied to the spiritual leadership within the church. 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:36.100 These elders who were exercising leadership and authority among God's people. 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:39.799 We see that in chapter 4 verse 14. 00:12:39.899 --> 00:12:41.320 Just look at that for a moment. 00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:43.100 Where Paul tells Timothy, 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:47.960 Do not neglect the gift you have which was given to you by prophecy. 00:12:48.440 --> 00:12:51.019 When the council of elders laid their hands on you. 00:12:51.720 --> 00:12:56.419 This group of spiritual leaders in the church recognized the gifts that God had given to you. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:58.620 They appointed you for ministry. 00:12:59.879 --> 00:13:04.519 So when we're speaking of an elder, we're speaking of spiritual leaders in the church. 00:13:04.519 --> 00:13:06.879 The usage in the New Testament. 00:13:07.079 --> 00:13:12.059 We see elders and overseers used interchangeably throughout the New Testament. 00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:16.720 We saw that word overseer in chapter 3 verses 1 and following. 00:13:17.379 --> 00:13:18.919 Here we see the word elder. 00:13:19.439 --> 00:13:22.939 And those two words are used interchangeably in Titus chapter 1. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:26.039 Titus 1.5 says this. 00:13:26.039 --> 00:13:28.339 This is why I left you in Crete. 00:13:28.939 --> 00:13:35.480 That you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. 00:13:36.179 --> 00:13:37.279 And then a couple verses later. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:40.939 For an overseer as God's steward must be above reproach. 00:13:41.319 --> 00:13:45.939 He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. 00:13:46.039 --> 00:13:49.000 And then on and on the list goes about his qualifications. 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:58.159 We see that leaders, elders, pastors, overseers are interchangeable words throughout the New Testament 00:13:58.159 --> 00:14:00.600 to describe this spiritual leadership. 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:03.740 But what do these leaders do? 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:06.320 Well, they're leaders who rule. 00:14:07.100 --> 00:14:09.059 They're leaders who exercise authority. 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:16.539 This word for rule is expressed and describes one who guides or directs. 00:14:16.539 --> 00:14:20.139 One who provides direction for the affairs of the church. 00:14:20.719 --> 00:14:26.779 One who provides this ongoing activity of authority over the church. 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:32.240 As we observe the way that Paul uses this same term for overseer, 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:35.539 we get a clearer picture of what they do. 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:39.959 Even looking back to chapter 3, he will use this same word for rule 00:14:39.959 --> 00:14:45.159 when speaking of a way an elder and a deacon will manage their families. 00:14:45.159 --> 00:14:48.079 Notice chapter 3, verses 4 and 5. 00:14:48.199 --> 00:14:48.519 It says, 00:14:48.839 --> 00:14:53.059 He must manage, that's our word to rule here in chapter 5. 00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:56.399 He must manage his household well with all dignity. 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:59.980 For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:02.399 how will he care for God's church? 00:15:03.939 --> 00:15:07.159 Do you get the sense of the kind of leadership, 00:15:07.419 --> 00:15:08.319 the kind of authority, 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:12.879 the kind of rule that a pastor is meant to express for the church? 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:16.419 The same kind of leadership that he exercises in his family? 00:15:17.059 --> 00:15:21.399 The same kind of tenderness and care he provides for his children, 00:15:21.700 --> 00:15:22.580 for his wife? 00:15:23.059 --> 00:15:28.759 The same kind of affection that he will demonstrate to those members of his own household? 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:35.279 That's the kind of management that an elder is meant to exact in the church. 00:15:35.279 --> 00:15:39.699 The New Testament is full of principles that will set the boundaries, 00:15:39.879 --> 00:15:41.360 the guardrails, as it were, 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:45.579 on how an elder is meant to govern the church. 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:50.939 Christ will talk about and differentiate or contrast the leadership 00:15:50.939 --> 00:15:53.799 between the world and the elders within the church 00:15:53.799 --> 00:15:57.079 from Matthew chapter 20, verses 25 to 28, 00:15:57.120 --> 00:15:58.000 when he says this, 00:15:58.000 --> 00:16:01.100 Jesus called them, speaking of his disciples to him and said, 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:04.340 you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lorded over them, 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:07.240 and their great ones exercised authority over them. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:10.679 It shall not be so among you, 00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:14.340 but whoever would be great among you must be your servant. 00:16:15.080 --> 00:16:17.440 Whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:21.639 even as the Son of Man came not to be served, 00:16:21.740 --> 00:16:22.379 but to serve, 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:26.460 and to give his life a ransom for many. 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:29.400 So the leadership in the church, 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:31.600 the elders, the pastors, the overseers, 00:16:31.980 --> 00:16:36.620 their leadership is meant to reflect and resemble the leadership of Christ, 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:39.180 which was a leadership preeminently of service, 00:16:39.980 --> 00:16:42.100 of spending, of love, 00:16:42.180 --> 00:16:48.800 not in lording it over and using their position as a means of power, 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:54.340 but a ministry that will be directed by the word of God. 00:16:54.340 --> 00:17:00.820 It will be displayed the self-sacrificing care of God. 00:17:01.320 --> 00:17:05.840 It will be governed by the wisdom and directed by the wisdom of God, 00:17:06.259 --> 00:17:08.559 empowered by the spirit of God, 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:11.039 and motivated for the glory of God. 00:17:11.140 --> 00:17:12.140 In every way, 00:17:12.400 --> 00:17:13.980 he is following after the Savior 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:15.920 and leading others, 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:18.319 encouraging others to follow along. 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:20.720 His ministry will be bold 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:23.940 and unwavering regarding the truth. 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:26.279 He will seek to protect the flock. 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:30.680 It will be marked with zeal and eagerness. 00:17:30.940 --> 00:17:32.180 It will be impartial. 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:34.180 We find from 1 Corinthians, 00:17:34.279 --> 00:17:35.420 it will be steadfast, 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:36.279 immovable, 00:17:36.680 --> 00:17:38.519 always abounding in the work of the Lord. 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:41.299 It will be a ministry 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:44.839 that resembles Christ and points to Christ. 00:17:44.839 --> 00:17:47.639 It's not a leadership for personal gain. 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:50.659 It's not a leadership for fleecing the flock. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:53.740 It's not a leadership that is lording it over others. 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:56.740 But it's also not a leadership that's weak. 00:17:57.379 --> 00:17:59.579 It's not a leadership that avoids conflict. 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:04.980 It's not a leadership that will resist and run away from problems. 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:06.779 No, it steps in. 00:18:06.939 --> 00:18:10.740 It's bold and seeks to guard others from danger. 00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:15.000 It's a leadership that's not just about making decisions, 00:18:15.319 --> 00:18:17.759 but in equipping others for ministry. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:21.039 This multiplying kind of leadership 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:24.859 that elders and pastors are meant to have. 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:27.700 Despite popular opinion, 00:18:28.339 --> 00:18:31.839 strong, godly leadership is good. 00:18:32.559 --> 00:18:33.599 It's good for you. 00:18:34.299 --> 00:18:36.740 It's good for us to have strong leaders 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.940 that stand in the gap. 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:40.860 It's good for us to have strong leaders 00:18:40.860 --> 00:18:43.259 who point the way to Christ. 00:18:43.960 --> 00:18:45.880 It's good for you to have leaders 00:18:45.880 --> 00:18:47.880 who care for your soul 00:18:47.880 --> 00:18:50.180 and seek to encourage you 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:51.960 in things that may be difficult. 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:55.200 It's good for you to have leaders 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:57.240 who are able to devote themselves 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:58.840 to the word of God 00:18:58.840 --> 00:19:01.539 and to instruct you in ways 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:03.700 that will lead you and point you to him. 00:19:04.620 --> 00:19:07.900 Good leaders are good for the church. 00:19:08.580 --> 00:19:12.500 So the church has not only the responsibility, 00:19:13.080 --> 00:19:17.240 but the joy of honoring those leaders 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:19.680 because of their ministry, 00:19:20.140 --> 00:19:22.460 but also because of their instruction in the word. 00:19:22.539 --> 00:19:23.580 And that's where we turn next. 00:19:24.299 --> 00:19:25.640 They honor those leaders 00:19:25.640 --> 00:19:27.259 because of their instruction in the word. 00:19:28.039 --> 00:19:29.860 Notice at the very end of verse 17, 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:30.340 it says, 00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:35.039 especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:38.559 Everything in the Christian life 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:41.099 is due to the word of God. 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:43.659 Faith comes by hearing 00:19:43.659 --> 00:19:47.119 and hearing by the word of God. 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:50.439 You have a relationship. 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:52.159 I have a relationship with God 00:19:52.159 --> 00:19:54.259 because of the ministry of the word. 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:56.239 Whoever that ministry came from, 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:58.379 it came through the word. 00:19:59.239 --> 00:20:00.539 And so it's the word of God 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:03.259 that lifts you and restores you 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:04.839 in relationship to God himself. 00:20:05.259 --> 00:20:06.579 And it's the word of God 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.819 that strengthens you 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:09.779 for the work that God has called you to. 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:12.519 As Jesus prays in John 17, 00:20:12.639 --> 00:20:12.859 he says, 00:20:13.220 --> 00:20:15.399 sanctify them by your truth. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:16.819 Your word is truth. 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:18.660 So the people of God 00:20:18.660 --> 00:20:21.319 are strengthened and carried along 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:23.099 by the word of God. 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:25.519 What a joy it is 00:20:25.519 --> 00:20:27.980 to have spiritual leaders 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:30.660 who have given themselves to know the word 00:20:30.660 --> 00:20:34.279 and have sought to teach that word to you. 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:37.420 They labor in teaching and preaching. 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:39.660 This word for labor is the work 00:20:39.660 --> 00:20:41.640 to describe that which is hard. 00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:42.600 Matter of fact, 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:44.340 it's the work that comes 00:20:44.340 --> 00:20:46.779 to the point of fatigue and exhaustion. 00:20:47.279 --> 00:20:48.680 It tuckers them out. 00:20:48.779 --> 00:20:50.900 It makes them collapse into bed. 00:20:51.060 --> 00:20:52.820 But they do it because they're doing it, 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:55.100 their work heartily as to the Lord 00:20:55.100 --> 00:20:55.940 and not to men. 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:59.340 They do it because they are expending themselves 00:20:59.340 --> 00:21:00.960 for the things that matter. 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:03.680 The church of Ephesus 00:21:03.680 --> 00:21:05.180 would have known precisely 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:06.560 what Paul was talking about 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:09.159 in this labor of ministry 00:21:09.159 --> 00:21:10.399 that he gave to them. 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:11.980 Both public ministry 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:13.359 and private ministry. 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:17.139 We find this ministry 00:21:17.139 --> 00:21:18.099 of preaching and teaching 00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:19.379 and I think the translation 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:21.000 does us a bit of a disservice. 00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:21.839 It says, 00:21:22.099 --> 00:21:23.500 those who labor in preaching 00:21:23.500 --> 00:21:24.700 and teaching 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:25.859 and we get this image 00:21:25.859 --> 00:21:26.799 in our mind 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:28.059 of what that must look like. 00:21:28.339 --> 00:21:30.559 We imagine somebody 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:32.519 standing in front of a group 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:34.359 preaching or teaching them 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:35.679 or somebody perhaps 00:21:35.679 --> 00:21:37.639 that's in a Sunday school class 00:21:37.639 --> 00:21:38.599 or in some way 00:21:38.599 --> 00:21:39.759 teaching or preaching. 00:21:40.599 --> 00:21:44.419 But the literal translation of this 00:21:44.419 --> 00:21:47.039 is those who labor in the word 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:48.579 and doctrine. 00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:50.539 These are not verbs. 00:21:50.899 --> 00:21:52.339 These are nouns. 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.439 They have given themselves 00:21:54.439 --> 00:21:55.339 to the logos, 00:21:55.719 --> 00:21:56.439 to the word of God. 00:21:56.919 --> 00:21:58.079 They have given themselves 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.099 to the teaching, 00:21:59.319 --> 00:22:00.319 to the instruction, 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:03.139 to the word of God itself, 00:22:03.139 --> 00:22:05.079 to the doctrine of God. 00:22:05.139 --> 00:22:06.200 They've committed themselves 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:08.559 to know what the Bible says 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:10.399 and so in every interaction 00:22:10.399 --> 00:22:11.259 that they have, 00:22:11.480 --> 00:22:13.379 both personal and public, 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:14.779 it's an interaction 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:17.480 that is governed by their love 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.579 for the word 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.960 and is instructive 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:20.740 and is helpful. 00:22:22.399 --> 00:22:24.319 God has blessed Maranatha 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:25.919 with great teachers. 00:22:26.639 --> 00:22:28.119 And I'm not speaking of myself. 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:32.000 The legacy of godly teachers 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:34.639 in this church are immense. 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:37.799 I think about the 60-year history 00:22:37.799 --> 00:22:39.919 that we have as a church 00:22:39.919 --> 00:22:42.419 and I think I am really only 00:22:42.419 --> 00:22:44.599 the third main pastor 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:45.319 who's been here. 00:22:45.339 --> 00:22:46.579 I know there have been four. 00:22:46.919 --> 00:22:48.819 One was here for a short period of time 00:22:48.819 --> 00:22:52.000 but the legacy of faithful teaching 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:54.439 and the ministry of building up 00:22:54.439 --> 00:22:57.419 the body because of the faithful teaching 00:22:57.419 --> 00:22:58.099 of the word of God. 00:22:58.859 --> 00:23:01.339 But I also think about 00:23:01.339 --> 00:23:03.979 the commitment of your other pastors 00:23:03.979 --> 00:23:04.839 to the word of God. 00:23:05.459 --> 00:23:06.699 I think of Pastor John 00:23:06.699 --> 00:23:08.519 every single Sunday morning. 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:11.199 His commitment to the word of God 00:23:11.199 --> 00:23:13.299 in making sure that the songs 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:14.439 that we sing 00:23:14.439 --> 00:23:15.119 in the transitions 00:23:15.679 --> 00:23:17.119 between the various songs 00:23:17.899 --> 00:23:19.139 that are introduced 00:23:19.139 --> 00:23:21.099 and making sure that 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:22.979 they are Christ-centered 00:23:22.979 --> 00:23:24.419 and biblical 00:23:24.419 --> 00:23:26.239 and sound in theology. 00:23:26.240 --> 00:23:29.039 His interactions with you, 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:30.539 especially teenagers 00:23:30.539 --> 00:23:31.539 and young men 00:23:31.539 --> 00:23:33.200 on Tuesday morning 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:34.599 is instructive and helpful. 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:36.240 It demonstrates his love 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.120 for the word of God. 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:39.099 And then Pastor David, 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:41.240 how many of you 00:23:41.240 --> 00:23:42.200 at this church 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:42.960 have been blessed 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:43.980 by the ministry 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:45.519 of Pastor David and Brenda? 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:46.579 And I don't want to forget 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.220 about Kristen. 00:23:47.740 --> 00:23:48.740 Their ministry, 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:50.440 Pastor David and Brenda, 00:23:50.859 --> 00:23:51.980 especially the couples 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:53.039 in the counseling, 00:23:53.539 --> 00:23:54.400 the leaders, 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.619 the small group leaders, 00:23:55.839 --> 00:23:56.799 the various leaders 00:23:56.799 --> 00:23:57.660 of the ministries 00:23:57.660 --> 00:23:58.839 here at our church 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.940 and the significance 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:01.180 of that commitment 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:02.160 to the word of God. 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:04.299 You know when you ask them 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.859 a question about the Bible 00:24:05.859 --> 00:24:07.779 that you can trust the answer. 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.440 It's an answer 00:24:09.440 --> 00:24:10.900 that has been undergirded 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:12.320 by a commitment 00:24:12.320 --> 00:24:13.259 to truth, 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:14.200 to teaching, 00:24:14.340 --> 00:24:14.980 to the word. 00:24:16.200 --> 00:24:17.259 They've been faithful 00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:19.120 because of their faithfulness 00:24:19.120 --> 00:24:19.620 to the word. 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.540 They deserve your honor 00:24:21.540 --> 00:24:22.360 and respect. 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:28.440 I appreciate this quote 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:30.480 from the book 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.640 The Path to Being a Pastor. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.019 It says, 00:24:33.879 --> 00:24:34.900 These will be men 00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:36.660 who are masters 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:37.599 of the word 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:39.079 and mastered 00:24:39.079 --> 00:24:40.299 by the word. 00:24:41.079 --> 00:24:42.200 Men who are 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:43.480 masters of the word 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:44.720 and are mastered 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:45.579 by the word. 00:24:45.619 --> 00:24:46.599 That's what we're talking about. 00:24:46.900 --> 00:24:47.500 We're talking about 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:48.519 somebody who has 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:50.019 the gift of teaching. 00:24:51.019 --> 00:24:52.240 Well, over a century ago, 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:53.440 as Charles Haddon Spurgeon 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:55.339 said of John Bunyan 00:24:55.339 --> 00:24:55.779 who wrote 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:56.700 Pilgrim's Progress, 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:58.059 he said this 00:24:58.059 --> 00:24:58.960 of John Bunyan. 00:24:59.059 --> 00:24:59.259 He said, 00:24:59.359 --> 00:25:00.639 Prick him anywhere 00:25:00.639 --> 00:25:02.480 and you will find 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:03.299 that his blood 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:04.059 is Bibline. 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:07.079 The very essence 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:09.079 of the Bible 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:10.579 flows from him. 00:25:11.240 --> 00:25:12.740 He cannot speak 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:14.440 without quoting a text 00:25:14.440 --> 00:25:16.099 for his soul 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:17.240 is full 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:18.299 of the word 00:25:18.299 --> 00:25:18.880 of God. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.720 That's the kind 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.140 of leader 00:25:21.140 --> 00:25:23.299 we desire to be. 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.039 That's the kind 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:24.360 of leader 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:25.380 that you 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:26.620 need to commend. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.519 They've distinguished 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.140 themselves 00:25:29.140 --> 00:25:29.740 as those 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:30.420 who love 00:25:30.420 --> 00:25:31.140 the word 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:32.039 and love you 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:33.240 to the word. 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:34.619 Finally, 00:25:34.899 --> 00:25:36.119 in this section, 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:37.379 you honor them 00:25:37.379 --> 00:25:38.759 because of the teaching 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.799 of the scripture. 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:40.899 What does the Bible 00:25:40.899 --> 00:25:42.319 say about how you 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:43.720 honor your leaders? 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:45.420 Verse 18, 00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:46.200 for the scripture 00:25:46.200 --> 00:25:46.839 says, 00:25:47.639 --> 00:25:48.200 you shall not 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:48.980 muzzle an ox 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:50.220 when it treads out 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:50.720 the grain 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:52.200 and the laborer 00:25:52.200 --> 00:25:53.659 deserves his wages. 00:25:54.420 --> 00:25:55.180 The second part 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.700 of this quote 00:25:55.700 --> 00:25:56.359 that's drawn 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:57.379 from Christ's words 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:57.819 in Luke, 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:58.839 the first part 00:25:58.839 --> 00:25:59.259 of this quote 00:25:59.259 --> 00:25:59.779 that's drawn 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:00.639 from the Old Testament. 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:01.759 Deuteronomy 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:02.480 chapter 25, 00:26:02.639 --> 00:26:03.700 4 simply says, 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:04.519 you shall not 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.379 muzzle an ox 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:06.399 when it treads 00:26:06.399 --> 00:26:07.119 out the grain. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:09.259 When the ox 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:10.079 is doing the work, 00:26:10.920 --> 00:26:11.660 it's pulling 00:26:11.660 --> 00:26:12.319 that stone, 00:26:12.399 --> 00:26:12.899 it's rolling 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:13.759 over the grain, 00:26:14.399 --> 00:26:16.240 you have a responsibility 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:18.079 as the farmer 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:19.180 to ensure 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:20.220 you're doing 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.099 that oxen 00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:22.160 good service. 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.899 Paul reasons 00:26:23.899 --> 00:26:24.879 that if God 00:26:24.879 --> 00:26:26.180 could show 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:26.960 concern 00:26:26.960 --> 00:26:28.220 in the law 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:29.600 for an ox, 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:31.720 then the congregation 00:26:31.720 --> 00:26:32.900 obviously 00:26:32.900 --> 00:26:34.000 needs to show 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:34.700 concern 00:26:34.700 --> 00:26:35.519 for their pastor. 00:26:35.740 --> 00:26:36.400 That makes sense. 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.420 And Christ himself 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:39.160 in his own words 00:26:39.160 --> 00:26:40.840 to his disciples 00:26:40.840 --> 00:26:42.960 in Luke chapter 10, 00:26:43.660 --> 00:26:44.519 he says this, 00:26:45.100 --> 00:26:45.759 after the Lord 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:47.000 appointed the 72 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:47.940 others 00:26:47.940 --> 00:26:48.579 and sent them 00:26:48.579 --> 00:26:49.180 on ahead of him 00:26:49.180 --> 00:26:49.759 two by two 00:26:49.759 --> 00:26:50.500 into every town 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:50.940 and place 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:51.700 where he himself 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.460 was about to go, 00:26:52.720 --> 00:26:53.140 he says, 00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:53.920 go your way, 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:54.319 behold, 00:26:54.400 --> 00:26:55.400 I am sending you 00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:56.540 out as lambs 00:26:56.540 --> 00:26:57.100 in the midst 00:26:57.100 --> 00:26:57.740 of wolves. 00:26:58.500 --> 00:26:59.860 Carry no money bag, 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:01.180 no knapsack, 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:02.019 no sandal 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.960 and greet no one 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.480 on the road. 00:27:03.820 --> 00:27:04.780 Wait a second, 00:27:05.280 --> 00:27:05.640 Jesus, 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:06.540 what are you 00:27:06.540 --> 00:27:08.060 asking us to do? 00:27:08.360 --> 00:27:09.400 Carry no money, 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.240 no knapsack? 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:11.040 How are we going 00:27:11.040 --> 00:27:11.920 to care for ourselves? 00:27:12.040 --> 00:27:12.220 Well, 00:27:12.340 --> 00:27:12.759 don't worry. 00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:13.880 Don't worry. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.960 Remain in the same house, 00:27:16.100 --> 00:27:16.820 eating and drinking. 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:18.200 What they provide 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:19.320 for the laborer 00:27:19.320 --> 00:27:20.980 deserves his wages. 00:27:22.420 --> 00:27:23.220 Do not go 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:23.980 from house to house. 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:25.220 And I appreciate 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:26.640 that second piece, 00:27:27.380 --> 00:27:28.059 the integrity 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:29.519 of staying where you are 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.839 in trusting the provision 00:27:30.839 --> 00:27:31.680 that God has given 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:32.319 to you, 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:33.660 not in trying to search 00:27:33.660 --> 00:27:34.819 out better options. 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:35.480 Oh, 00:27:35.599 --> 00:27:37.099 that house over there 00:27:37.099 --> 00:27:37.819 has a pool. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.539 I think I'm going 00:27:38.539 --> 00:27:39.640 to go over there. 00:27:39.880 --> 00:27:41.339 Even though this place 00:27:41.339 --> 00:27:41.720 that I'm at 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:42.440 is kind of stinky 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:43.319 and kind of small. 00:27:44.519 --> 00:27:46.019 Trust the provision 00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:47.039 that God has given 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:47.440 to you. 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:48.759 Trust that God 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:49.620 will provide. 00:27:50.740 --> 00:27:51.620 And church, 00:27:51.619 --> 00:27:54.059 be those 00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:54.879 who honor 00:27:54.879 --> 00:27:56.259 through support 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:57.399 in honoring God's word. 00:27:57.599 --> 00:27:58.379 And I can say 00:27:58.379 --> 00:28:00.179 my experience 00:28:00.179 --> 00:28:00.779 at Maranatha 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:02.179 has been 00:28:02.179 --> 00:28:02.699 that you 00:28:02.699 --> 00:28:03.899 have excelled 00:28:03.899 --> 00:28:04.819 in this. 00:28:09.819 --> 00:28:10.799 I'm grateful 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:12.219 for how you 00:28:12.219 --> 00:28:13.179 have allowed 00:28:13.179 --> 00:28:14.699 the pastoral team 00:28:14.699 --> 00:28:15.839 to serve 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:16.779 without having 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:17.299 to worry 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:18.619 about financial 00:28:18.619 --> 00:28:19.759 things. 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.920 you have 00:28:20.920 --> 00:28:21.740 excelled 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:22.720 in your care 00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:23.799 for your pastors. 00:28:24.019 --> 00:28:24.400 Thank you. 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:26.299 Next, 00:28:26.619 --> 00:28:27.660 the next responsibility. 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:31.000 We find 00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:31.680 in verse 19, 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:33.079 it says 00:28:33.079 --> 00:28:34.019 a church 00:28:34.019 --> 00:28:34.599 must 00:28:34.599 --> 00:28:35.440 protect 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:36.379 its leaders. 00:28:37.039 --> 00:28:37.740 A church 00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:38.279 must 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:38.980 protect 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:39.980 its leaders. 00:28:40.099 --> 00:28:40.379 Notice, 00:28:40.819 --> 00:28:41.900 do not 00:28:41.900 --> 00:28:42.460 admit 00:28:42.460 --> 00:28:43.180 a charge. 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.980 That's another command. 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:45.200 Do not 00:28:45.200 --> 00:28:45.660 admit 00:28:45.660 --> 00:28:46.579 a charge 00:28:46.579 --> 00:28:47.200 against 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:47.860 an elder 00:28:47.860 --> 00:28:48.640 except 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:49.059 on the 00:28:49.059 --> 00:28:49.460 evidence 00:28:49.460 --> 00:28:49.900 of two 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.440 or three 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:51.160 witnesses. 00:28:52.360 --> 00:28:52.720 This word 00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:53.299 for charge 00:28:53.299 --> 00:28:53.920 is the word 00:28:53.920 --> 00:28:54.740 for formal 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.480 charges 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:56.160 that are being 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:56.700 brought. 00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.660 One commentator 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.319 says this, 00:28:59.420 --> 00:28:59.680 quote, 00:28:59.680 --> 00:29:00.500 there are 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:01.680 always people 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:02.279 eager to 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:03.120 falsely accuse 00:29:03.120 --> 00:29:03.860 a man of God. 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:05.600 They may 00:29:05.600 --> 00:29:06.259 do so 00:29:06.259 --> 00:29:07.019 because they 00:29:07.019 --> 00:29:07.680 resent his 00:29:07.680 --> 00:29:08.180 calling, 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:09.140 they reject 00:29:09.140 --> 00:29:09.920 his teaching, 00:29:10.120 --> 00:29:10.880 they resist 00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:11.860 biblical authority, 00:29:12.580 --> 00:29:13.519 they resent 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:14.200 virtue, 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.059 are jealous 00:29:15.059 --> 00:29:15.759 of the Lord's 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:16.559 blessing on 00:29:16.559 --> 00:29:17.140 his life. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:17.859 Ultimately, 00:29:18.099 --> 00:29:18.400 however, 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:19.759 they demonstrate 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.440 by making 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:21.819 such accusations 00:29:21.819 --> 00:29:22.680 that they 00:29:22.680 --> 00:29:23.539 have become 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.539 messengers 00:29:24.539 --> 00:29:25.379 of Satan, 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.099 end quote. 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:28.099 We live 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:28.779 in a time 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:29.740 that is 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:30.140 hostile 00:29:30.140 --> 00:29:31.180 to leadership. 00:29:31.960 --> 00:29:32.579 We live 00:29:32.579 --> 00:29:33.000 in a time, 00:29:33.059 --> 00:29:33.759 and I just 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.559 read a book, 00:29:35.400 --> 00:29:36.099 and I won't 00:29:36.099 --> 00:29:36.879 tell you the 00:29:36.879 --> 00:29:38.119 title of the 00:29:38.119 --> 00:29:38.319 book, 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:38.740 but I just 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.519 read a book 00:29:39.519 --> 00:29:40.519 that the 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:41.480 whole thing 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.759 was about 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:43.680 making sure 00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:44.440 you keep 00:29:44.440 --> 00:29:44.920 your leaders 00:29:44.920 --> 00:29:45.720 in check, 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:46.539 and it 00:29:46.539 --> 00:29:46.920 doesn't 00:29:46.920 --> 00:29:47.500 incorporate 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:47.860 really, 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:48.220 as far as 00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:48.720 I'm concerned, 00:29:49.019 --> 00:29:49.800 any real 00:29:49.800 --> 00:29:50.600 biblical, 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:52.779 any biblical 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:54.080 instructions 00:29:54.080 --> 00:29:55.500 related to it. 00:29:56.120 --> 00:29:56.779 It's all 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.620 built in 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:58.120 culture, 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:58.620 it's all 00:29:58.620 --> 00:29:59.460 built on 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:00.920 the day 00:30:00.920 --> 00:30:01.720 and time 00:30:01.720 --> 00:30:02.180 in which we 00:30:02.180 --> 00:30:02.380 live, 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.019 and not 00:30:03.019 --> 00:30:03.720 established 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:04.380 on the 00:30:04.380 --> 00:30:04.920 foundation 00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:05.820 or principles 00:30:05.820 --> 00:30:06.360 of God's 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:06.600 word. 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:08.060 And Paul 00:30:08.060 --> 00:30:08.560 will move 00:30:08.560 --> 00:30:09.019 to this 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:09.560 next. 00:30:09.860 --> 00:30:10.380 Certainly, 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:11.680 your leaders 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.100 are not 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:12.619 without 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:13.699 problems, 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:14.339 okay? 00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:15.099 And I'll 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:15.439 be the 00:30:15.439 --> 00:30:15.919 first to 00:30:15.919 --> 00:30:16.759 admit that 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:17.439 your leaders 00:30:17.439 --> 00:30:18.759 make mistakes, 00:30:18.879 --> 00:30:19.500 your leaders 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.039 sin. 00:30:20.139 --> 00:30:21.119 I'll go so 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:21.699 far as to 00:30:21.699 --> 00:30:22.399 say that 00:30:22.399 --> 00:30:23.240 there are 00:30:23.240 --> 00:30:23.899 times where 00:30:23.899 --> 00:30:24.819 we sin 00:30:24.819 --> 00:30:25.579 against you, 00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:28.539 and that 00:30:28.539 --> 00:30:28.959 will be dealt 00:30:28.959 --> 00:30:29.759 with in just 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.179 a moment. 00:30:30.339 --> 00:30:32.139 But so 00:30:32.139 --> 00:30:33.259 often in 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:34.399 today's day 00:30:34.399 --> 00:30:34.959 and age, 00:30:35.859 --> 00:30:36.819 the smallest 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:37.740 offense, 00:30:38.119 --> 00:30:39.639 the smallest 00:30:39.639 --> 00:30:41.019 problem, 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:41.779 I can't even 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:42.259 remember, 00:30:42.779 --> 00:30:43.559 this is going 00:30:43.559 --> 00:30:44.180 back several 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:44.819 years now, 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:45.660 and I had 00:30:45.660 --> 00:30:46.400 somebody come 00:30:46.400 --> 00:30:46.839 to me and 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:47.019 said, 00:30:47.099 --> 00:30:47.420 I'm really 00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:47.940 angry at 00:30:47.940 --> 00:30:48.119 you, 00:30:48.220 --> 00:30:48.779 Pastor Andrew. 00:30:49.480 --> 00:30:49.740 And I 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:49.900 said, 00:30:50.099 --> 00:30:50.480 really? 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:51.720 Tell me, 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:52.799 what did I 00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:53.180 do? 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:53.779 And he 00:30:53.779 --> 00:30:53.960 said, 00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:54.180 well, 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:55.039 six months 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:55.500 ago, 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:56.259 you walked 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:56.879 down these 00:30:56.879 --> 00:30:57.319 stairs, 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:58.059 you walked 00:30:58.059 --> 00:30:58.799 right past 00:30:58.799 --> 00:30:59.119 me, 00:30:59.200 --> 00:30:59.619 and you 00:30:59.619 --> 00:31:00.220 didn't even 00:31:00.220 --> 00:31:00.660 acknowledge 00:31:00.660 --> 00:31:00.980 me. 00:31:01.599 --> 00:31:01.879 I'm like, 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:03.039 wow, 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.579 why didn't 00:31:04.579 --> 00:31:05.139 you tell me 00:31:05.139 --> 00:31:05.660 this six 00:31:05.660 --> 00:31:06.359 months ago? 00:31:06.559 --> 00:31:07.460 I am so 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:07.960 sorry, 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:08.420 we could have 00:31:08.420 --> 00:31:09.019 cleared this 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:10.019 up a long 00:31:10.019 --> 00:31:10.660 time ago. 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:12.059 But this 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:12.599 is the day 00:31:12.599 --> 00:31:13.059 and age 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:13.599 in which 00:31:13.599 --> 00:31:14.139 we live. 00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:15.019 And by 00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:15.339 the way, 00:31:16.160 --> 00:31:16.500 I'll tell 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:16.599 you, 00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:17.059 there are 00:31:17.059 --> 00:31:17.700 actual 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:18.960 ministries 00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:20.519 that target 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:21.740 pastors for 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:23.220 this specific 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:23.579 purpose. 00:31:23.839 --> 00:31:24.500 They want 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:25.480 to dismantle 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:26.099 the ministry, 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:26.779 they want 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.500 to discredit 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.079 the ministry, 00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:28.960 they want 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:29.900 to blow 00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:30.859 up the 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:31.240 church. 00:31:32.839 --> 00:31:33.619 Can I 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.160 encourage 00:31:34.160 --> 00:31:36.039 each of 00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:36.359 you 00:31:36.359 --> 00:31:38.419 to 00:31:38.419 --> 00:31:39.979 seek 00:31:39.979 --> 00:31:41.419 to 00:31:41.419 --> 00:31:42.119 honor 00:31:42.119 --> 00:31:42.740 your 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:43.059 leaders, 00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:44.079 to give 00:31:44.079 --> 00:31:44.399 them the 00:31:44.399 --> 00:31:44.659 benefit 00:31:44.659 --> 00:31:45.179 of the 00:31:45.179 --> 00:31:45.379 doubt. 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:45.919 I'm 00:31:45.919 --> 00:31:46.139 thinking 00:31:46.139 --> 00:31:46.539 particularly 00:31:46.539 --> 00:31:46.859 of 1 00:31:46.859 --> 00:31:47.139 Corinthians 00:31:47.139 --> 00:31:47.399 chapter 00:31:47.399 --> 00:31:47.859 13, 00:31:48.399 --> 00:31:49.000 where Paul 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:49.479 says that 00:31:49.479 --> 00:31:50.039 the quality 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:50.539 of love 00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:51.439 is it bears 00:31:51.439 --> 00:31:52.139 all things, 00:31:52.399 --> 00:31:53.119 it believes 00:31:53.119 --> 00:31:53.619 all things, 00:31:53.699 --> 00:31:54.240 it hopes 00:31:54.240 --> 00:31:54.759 all things, 00:31:54.919 --> 00:31:55.619 it endures 00:31:55.619 --> 00:31:56.299 all things. 00:31:56.939 --> 00:31:57.240 Now, 00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:57.679 certainly, 00:31:58.079 --> 00:31:58.399 the apostle 00:31:58.399 --> 00:31:58.919 Paul isn't 00:31:58.919 --> 00:31:59.319 trying to 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:01.039 set leaders 00:32:01.039 --> 00:32:02.479 apart and 00:32:02.479 --> 00:32:03.019 trying to say 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:03.259 that they 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.559 don't have 00:32:03.559 --> 00:32:04.579 any accountability 00:32:04.579 --> 00:32:05.799 because that's 00:32:05.799 --> 00:32:06.200 where we go 00:32:06.200 --> 00:32:06.619 next. 00:32:06.980 --> 00:32:07.539 You need 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:08.019 to protect 00:32:08.019 --> 00:32:08.500 your leaders 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:08.879 but you 00:32:08.879 --> 00:32:09.519 need to 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:10.099 understand 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:11.319 that a 00:32:11.319 --> 00:32:11.779 church must 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:12.419 also 00:32:12.419 --> 00:32:13.319 discipline 00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:14.139 its sinning 00:32:14.139 --> 00:32:14.419 leaders. 00:32:15.179 --> 00:32:15.659 A church 00:32:15.659 --> 00:32:16.359 does have 00:32:16.359 --> 00:32:17.059 a responsibility 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:18.059 to hold 00:32:18.059 --> 00:32:18.440 their leaders 00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:18.839 accountable. 00:32:20.220 --> 00:32:20.960 We find 00:32:20.960 --> 00:32:21.200 that in 00:32:21.200 --> 00:32:21.679 verses 20 00:32:21.679 --> 00:32:22.179 and 21. 00:32:23.419 --> 00:32:23.879 As for 00:32:23.879 --> 00:32:24.240 those who 00:32:24.240 --> 00:32:24.779 persist in 00:32:24.779 --> 00:32:25.099 sin, 00:32:25.559 --> 00:32:26.000 rebuke 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.519 them in 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:27.139 the presence 00:32:27.139 --> 00:32:27.700 of all 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:28.639 so that 00:32:28.639 --> 00:32:29.339 the rest 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:30.399 may fear. 00:32:31.279 --> 00:32:31.619 In the 00:32:31.619 --> 00:32:32.159 presence of 00:32:32.159 --> 00:32:32.460 God, 00:32:32.579 --> 00:32:33.519 of Christ 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.000 Jesus 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.700 and the 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:35.440 elect angels, 00:32:35.539 --> 00:32:36.039 I charge 00:32:36.039 --> 00:32:36.720 you to 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:37.299 keep these 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:37.900 rules without 00:32:37.900 --> 00:32:38.619 prejudging, 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:40.119 doing nothing 00:32:40.119 --> 00:32:40.700 from 00:32:40.700 --> 00:32:41.779 partiality. 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:44.900 We're all 00:32:44.900 --> 00:32:45.180 aware, 00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:47.460 especially in 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:47.940 the last 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:49.299 several months 00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:49.859 and several 00:32:49.859 --> 00:32:50.339 years, 00:32:50.559 --> 00:32:51.000 of the 00:32:51.000 --> 00:32:52.099 failures of 00:32:52.099 --> 00:32:52.819 really prominent 00:32:52.819 --> 00:32:53.220 pastors. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:54.839 We know 00:32:54.839 --> 00:32:55.539 the devastating 00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:56.379 effect that 00:32:56.379 --> 00:32:57.180 that sin 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:58.359 has on 00:32:58.359 --> 00:32:59.359 individuals that 00:32:59.359 --> 00:33:00.039 they're interacting 00:33:00.039 --> 00:33:01.019 with and the 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:01.680 churches that 00:33:01.680 --> 00:33:02.180 they serve. 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:03.079 We know 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:03.460 how that 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:04.099 discredits 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:04.299 their 00:33:04.299 --> 00:33:04.679 ministry, 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:05.240 how that 00:33:05.240 --> 00:33:06.759 dishonors 00:33:06.759 --> 00:33:07.319 the name 00:33:07.319 --> 00:33:07.919 of God, 00:33:08.619 --> 00:33:09.220 how that 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:10.220 brings a 00:33:10.220 --> 00:33:11.299 measure of 00:33:11.299 --> 00:33:12.299 tarnish to 00:33:12.299 --> 00:33:12.939 the beauty 00:33:12.939 --> 00:33:13.339 of the 00:33:13.339 --> 00:33:13.779 gospel. 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:15.000 We recognize 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:16.299 the significance 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:18.779 of sin and 00:33:18.779 --> 00:33:19.899 the effects that 00:33:19.899 --> 00:33:20.759 it has on 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.939 the church 00:33:21.939 --> 00:33:22.579 itself. 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.079 And the 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:24.779 leaders of 00:33:24.779 --> 00:33:25.439 God's church, 00:33:26.099 --> 00:33:26.799 those who have 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.480 been called to 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.220 spiritual leadership 00:33:28.220 --> 00:33:28.779 within the 00:33:28.779 --> 00:33:29.099 church, 00:33:29.099 --> 00:33:30.139 because of 00:33:30.139 --> 00:33:30.679 the public 00:33:30.679 --> 00:33:31.699 nature of 00:33:31.699 --> 00:33:32.419 their ministry, 00:33:33.319 --> 00:33:33.740 the apostle 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:34.339 Paul is 00:33:34.339 --> 00:33:34.980 helping Timothy 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:36.599 understand public 00:33:36.599 --> 00:33:38.339 sin must be 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:39.099 treated in 00:33:39.099 --> 00:33:40.099 public ways. 00:33:41.099 --> 00:33:42.059 And so when 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:42.759 he's confronted 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:44.099 and when he 00:33:44.099 --> 00:33:44.879 persists in 00:33:44.879 --> 00:33:46.379 sin and when 00:33:46.379 --> 00:33:47.119 you see this 00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:48.779 characteristic of 00:33:48.779 --> 00:33:49.939 his life continues 00:33:49.939 --> 00:33:50.859 and there's no 00:33:50.859 --> 00:33:52.079 posture for 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:53.199 repentance or 00:33:53.199 --> 00:33:53.959 changing his 00:33:53.959 --> 00:33:54.219 heart, 00:33:54.220 --> 00:33:57.140 you must stand 00:33:57.140 --> 00:33:57.700 before the 00:33:57.700 --> 00:33:58.660 congregation and 00:33:58.660 --> 00:33:59.980 rebuke and 00:33:59.980 --> 00:34:00.860 provide discipline 00:34:00.860 --> 00:34:01.700 and confrontation 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:03.539 of him in the 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:04.500 presence of 00:34:04.500 --> 00:34:04.700 all. 00:34:04.920 --> 00:34:05.220 Why? 00:34:05.660 --> 00:34:06.140 So the rest 00:34:06.140 --> 00:34:06.480 will fear. 00:34:08.039 --> 00:34:09.440 It stands as a 00:34:09.440 --> 00:34:10.500 significant warning 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:11.460 to the rest of 00:34:11.460 --> 00:34:12.659 the body of the 00:34:12.659 --> 00:34:13.599 seriousness of 00:34:13.599 --> 00:34:13.900 sin. 00:34:14.659 --> 00:34:15.559 It helps to 00:34:15.559 --> 00:34:17.000 expose the 00:34:17.000 --> 00:34:17.900 nature of his 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:18.900 leadership and 00:34:18.900 --> 00:34:19.920 helps to 00:34:19.920 --> 00:34:20.960 protect and 00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:21.960 preserve the 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:22.820 body of Christ 00:34:22.820 --> 00:34:24.059 from those 00:34:24.059 --> 00:34:24.600 things that 00:34:24.600 --> 00:34:25.220 would cause 00:34:25.220 --> 00:34:26.019 harm. 00:34:27.320 --> 00:34:28.100 Timothy, as 00:34:28.100 --> 00:34:28.660 we've seen 00:34:28.660 --> 00:34:29.460 throughout this 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:30.320 letter, going 00:34:30.320 --> 00:34:31.080 back to chapter 00:34:31.080 --> 00:34:32.460 one, what is 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.000 the mandate? 00:34:33.140 --> 00:34:33.519 He is to 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:34.640 charge some so 00:34:34.640 --> 00:34:35.320 they teach no 00:34:35.320 --> 00:34:36.260 other doctrine. 00:34:36.600 --> 00:34:36.860 Why? 00:34:37.180 --> 00:34:37.960 Because it 00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:38.700 would lead to 00:34:38.700 --> 00:34:39.140 shipwreck. 00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:39.559 That's what he 00:34:39.559 --> 00:34:40.620 says later on 00:34:40.620 --> 00:34:41.580 in chapter one. 00:34:41.720 --> 00:34:43.019 It has eternal 00:34:43.019 --> 00:34:44.200 ramifications. 00:34:44.840 --> 00:34:45.519 So for the 00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:46.660 sake of the 00:34:46.660 --> 00:34:47.880 beauty of Christ 00:34:47.880 --> 00:34:48.880 and the gospel 00:34:48.880 --> 00:34:50.620 message, do what 00:34:50.620 --> 00:34:51.780 is necessary to 00:34:51.780 --> 00:34:52.380 keep him in 00:34:52.380 --> 00:34:52.700 check. 00:34:53.780 --> 00:34:54.680 Rebuke him in 00:34:54.680 --> 00:34:55.240 the presence of 00:34:55.240 --> 00:34:56.160 all so the 00:34:56.160 --> 00:34:56.780 rest may fear. 00:34:57.580 --> 00:34:58.059 So the rest 00:34:58.059 --> 00:34:59.000 might understand 00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:00.039 the seriousness 00:35:00.039 --> 00:35:01.320 of sin. 00:35:02.039 --> 00:35:02.620 So the rest 00:35:02.620 --> 00:35:03.360 may come to 00:35:03.360 --> 00:35:04.680 terms with how 00:35:04.680 --> 00:35:05.740 their sin is 00:35:05.740 --> 00:35:06.800 also leading 00:35:06.800 --> 00:35:08.320 maybe to 00:35:08.320 --> 00:35:09.580 smaller effects 00:35:09.580 --> 00:35:10.940 in the circles 00:35:10.940 --> 00:35:12.320 in which they 00:35:12.320 --> 00:35:12.640 run. 00:35:13.780 --> 00:35:14.440 You have a 00:35:14.440 --> 00:35:15.220 responsibility to 00:35:15.220 --> 00:35:15.780 protect him, but 00:35:15.780 --> 00:35:16.280 you also have a 00:35:16.280 --> 00:35:17.900 responsibility to 00:35:17.900 --> 00:35:18.620 discipline him. 00:35:19.039 --> 00:35:20.460 Finally, in 00:35:20.460 --> 00:35:21.160 verses 22 to 00:35:21.160 --> 00:35:22.620 25, a church 00:35:22.619 --> 00:35:23.579 must promote 00:35:23.579 --> 00:35:24.159 its leaders. 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:25.480 A church must 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:26.199 promote its 00:35:26.199 --> 00:35:26.480 leaders. 00:35:27.119 --> 00:35:27.699 It says, 00:35:27.859 --> 00:35:28.380 do not be 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:29.819 hasty in the 00:35:29.819 --> 00:35:30.299 laying on of 00:35:30.299 --> 00:35:30.500 hands. 00:35:30.539 --> 00:35:30.900 That's our 00:35:30.900 --> 00:35:31.480 imperative. 00:35:31.639 --> 00:35:31.940 That's our 00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:32.639 command here. 00:35:33.199 --> 00:35:34.159 Nor take part 00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:34.819 in the sins of 00:35:34.819 --> 00:35:35.059 others. 00:35:35.159 --> 00:35:35.719 Keep yourself 00:35:35.719 --> 00:35:36.159 pure. 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:37.559 No longer drink 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:38.440 only water, but 00:35:38.440 --> 00:35:39.259 use a little 00:35:39.259 --> 00:35:39.960 wine for the 00:35:39.960 --> 00:35:40.400 sake of your 00:35:40.400 --> 00:35:41.219 stomach and your 00:35:41.219 --> 00:35:42.139 frequent ailments. 00:35:42.139 --> 00:35:42.199 sins. 00:35:43.079 --> 00:35:43.599 The sins of 00:35:43.599 --> 00:35:44.440 some people are 00:35:44.440 --> 00:35:46.299 conspicuous, going 00:35:46.299 --> 00:35:47.079 before them to 00:35:47.079 --> 00:35:48.699 judgment, but the 00:35:48.699 --> 00:35:49.440 sins of others 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:50.339 appear later. 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:52.000 So also good 00:35:52.000 --> 00:35:52.719 works are 00:35:52.719 --> 00:35:54.299 conspicuous, and 00:35:54.299 --> 00:35:55.139 even those that 00:35:55.139 --> 00:35:56.259 are not cannot 00:35:56.259 --> 00:35:57.400 remain hidden. 00:35:58.779 --> 00:36:00.019 There's the 00:36:00.019 --> 00:36:00.940 principle of 00:36:00.940 --> 00:36:02.119 promoting, and 00:36:02.119 --> 00:36:03.059 this laying on 00:36:03.059 --> 00:36:04.679 of hands is 00:36:04.679 --> 00:36:06.299 likely the 00:36:06.299 --> 00:36:08.099 confirmation of 00:36:08.099 --> 00:36:09.339 these men, these 00:36:09.339 --> 00:36:10.400 leaders who have 00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:11.300 risen up within 00:36:11.300 --> 00:36:12.300 the church, this 00:36:12.300 --> 00:36:13.460 confirmation of 00:36:13.460 --> 00:36:14.460 their role of 00:36:14.460 --> 00:36:15.139 leadership, similar 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:16.380 to what we saw in 00:36:16.380 --> 00:36:17.420 chapter 4, verse 00:36:17.420 --> 00:36:19.000 14, that council 00:36:19.000 --> 00:36:19.700 of elders that 00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:20.720 laid hands on 00:36:20.720 --> 00:36:21.639 Timothy, kind of 00:36:21.639 --> 00:36:22.380 commissioning him 00:36:22.380 --> 00:36:22.940 to ministry. 00:36:23.160 --> 00:36:23.720 This is what we're 00:36:23.720 --> 00:36:24.460 talking about here. 00:36:25.420 --> 00:36:26.559 And Paul wants 00:36:26.559 --> 00:36:27.139 Timothy to 00:36:27.139 --> 00:36:28.579 understand, because 00:36:28.579 --> 00:36:29.440 of the serious 00:36:29.440 --> 00:36:30.760 nature of 00:36:30.760 --> 00:36:32.559 leadership, take 00:36:32.559 --> 00:36:33.240 your time. 00:36:34.200 --> 00:36:35.079 Be patient. 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:36.139 Don't rush 00:36:36.139 --> 00:36:37.059 into it. 00:36:38.019 --> 00:36:39.139 And there's two 00:36:39.139 --> 00:36:40.220 amazing, 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:41.220 benefits that we 00:36:41.220 --> 00:36:41.740 see here. 00:36:42.420 --> 00:36:43.619 We see that the 00:36:43.619 --> 00:36:45.240 sins of people, 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:46.519 some people, are 00:36:46.519 --> 00:36:47.180 obvious, they're 00:36:47.180 --> 00:36:48.019 conspicuous. 00:36:49.000 --> 00:36:49.500 You wait long 00:36:49.500 --> 00:36:51.059 enough, you're 00:36:51.059 --> 00:36:51.460 going to see 00:36:51.460 --> 00:36:52.000 their sin. 00:36:52.720 --> 00:36:53.280 You're going to 00:36:53.280 --> 00:36:53.960 see their sinful 00:36:53.960 --> 00:36:55.160 tendencies, you're 00:36:55.160 --> 00:36:55.619 going to see how 00:36:55.619 --> 00:36:56.220 they relate to 00:36:56.220 --> 00:36:56.980 others, you're 00:36:56.980 --> 00:36:57.660 going to recognize 00:36:57.660 --> 00:36:58.340 whether or not 00:36:58.340 --> 00:36:59.019 they're fit for 00:36:59.019 --> 00:36:59.340 ministry. 00:36:59.440 --> 00:37:00.260 That's why in 00:37:00.260 --> 00:37:01.480 chapter 3, the 00:37:01.480 --> 00:37:02.160 apostle Paul says 00:37:02.160 --> 00:37:03.320 make sure that 00:37:03.320 --> 00:37:03.800 he's not a 00:37:03.800 --> 00:37:04.380 novice, these 00:37:04.380 --> 00:37:05.680 elders, and for 00:37:05.680 --> 00:37:06.460 deacons, make 00:37:06.460 --> 00:37:07.160 sure that they're 00:37:07.160 --> 00:37:07.880 first tested. 00:37:08.360 --> 00:37:09.260 You want to make 00:37:09.260 --> 00:37:10.280 sure the leaders 00:37:10.280 --> 00:37:11.080 that you have 00:37:11.080 --> 00:37:12.160 are those who 00:37:12.160 --> 00:37:13.360 represent the 00:37:13.360 --> 00:37:15.200 consistent, faithful 00:37:15.200 --> 00:37:16.400 integrity of 00:37:16.400 --> 00:37:17.460 walking and 00:37:17.460 --> 00:37:18.360 following after 00:37:18.360 --> 00:37:18.720 God. 00:37:19.860 --> 00:37:20.960 They do that 00:37:20.960 --> 00:37:22.840 long enough, you 00:37:22.840 --> 00:37:23.340 will know their 00:37:23.340 --> 00:37:23.960 true nature. 00:37:24.880 --> 00:37:25.660 You'll either see 00:37:25.660 --> 00:37:26.660 their obvious 00:37:26.660 --> 00:37:29.420 sins, or the 00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:30.220 flip side is 00:37:30.220 --> 00:37:31.080 you're going to 00:37:31.080 --> 00:37:32.040 see their obvious 00:37:32.040 --> 00:37:33.500 works, their good 00:37:33.500 --> 00:37:35.160 works, their true 00:37:35.160 --> 00:37:36.500 heart, their 00:37:36.500 --> 00:37:37.599 faithful character, 00:37:38.059 --> 00:37:38.699 their integrity, 00:37:38.840 --> 00:37:39.340 their love for 00:37:39.340 --> 00:37:40.599 others, their 00:37:40.599 --> 00:37:41.719 zeal for the 00:37:41.719 --> 00:37:42.519 scriptures, their 00:37:42.519 --> 00:37:43.699 passion for 00:37:43.699 --> 00:37:44.940 service, their 00:37:44.940 --> 00:37:46.039 humility and 00:37:46.039 --> 00:37:46.420 obedience. 00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:47.360 You'll see those 00:37:47.360 --> 00:37:48.260 things, they're 00:37:48.260 --> 00:37:48.880 going to come to 00:37:48.880 --> 00:37:50.260 light, just trust 00:37:50.260 --> 00:37:51.980 the process and be 00:37:51.980 --> 00:37:52.880 patient along the 00:37:52.880 --> 00:37:53.159 way. 00:37:54.760 --> 00:37:56.079 Having godly 00:37:56.079 --> 00:37:57.079 leaders is so 00:37:57.079 --> 00:37:58.179 important, Timothy. 00:37:59.059 --> 00:38:00.860 Take your time, be 00:38:00.860 --> 00:38:02.239 patient, but the 00:38:02.239 --> 00:38:02.820 other principle 00:38:02.820 --> 00:38:03.699 that's important for 00:38:03.699 --> 00:38:04.280 us to understand 00:38:04.280 --> 00:38:05.760 here too, is that 00:38:05.760 --> 00:38:06.860 it is the church 00:38:06.860 --> 00:38:07.860 that's responsible 00:38:07.860 --> 00:38:08.900 for promoting 00:38:08.900 --> 00:38:10.240 leaders to their 00:38:10.240 --> 00:38:10.740 place. 00:38:11.400 --> 00:38:12.240 Going back to 00:38:12.240 --> 00:38:13.040 chapter 3, verse 00:38:13.040 --> 00:38:14.080 1, it says, the 00:38:14.080 --> 00:38:14.580 saying is 00:38:14.580 --> 00:38:15.080 trustworthy. 00:38:16.340 --> 00:38:17.380 If anyone aspires 00:38:17.380 --> 00:38:18.500 to the office of 00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:19.520 overseer, he 00:38:19.520 --> 00:38:21.140 desires a noble 00:38:21.140 --> 00:38:21.980 task. 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:23.540 Therefore, an 00:38:23.540 --> 00:38:24.500 overseer must be 00:38:24.500 --> 00:38:25.820 above reproach, and 00:38:25.820 --> 00:38:26.540 so on and so 00:38:26.540 --> 00:38:26.880 forth. 00:38:27.660 --> 00:38:28.560 In other words, 00:38:29.000 --> 00:38:30.380 just because a 00:38:30.380 --> 00:38:31.440 young man 00:38:31.440 --> 00:38:33.660 aspires to 00:38:33.660 --> 00:38:34.980 leadership and 00:38:34.980 --> 00:38:36.039 wants this good 00:38:36.039 --> 00:38:37.619 thing, is not 00:38:37.619 --> 00:38:38.920 an automatic for 00:38:38.920 --> 00:38:39.960 them to serve in 00:38:39.960 --> 00:38:40.539 that position. 00:38:41.559 --> 00:38:42.579 Make sure, 00:38:43.480 --> 00:38:44.500 Timothy and 00:38:44.500 --> 00:38:45.579 church, that 00:38:45.579 --> 00:38:46.619 their life is 00:38:46.619 --> 00:38:48.000 squared up with 00:38:48.000 --> 00:38:48.460 the gospel. 00:38:49.139 --> 00:38:49.920 And it's the 00:38:49.920 --> 00:38:51.039 church that will 00:38:51.039 --> 00:38:52.079 do the work of 00:38:52.079 --> 00:38:53.480 confirming those 00:38:53.480 --> 00:38:54.780 young men for that 00:38:54.780 --> 00:38:55.519 kind of leadership. 00:38:55.940 --> 00:38:58.079 And so, the 00:38:58.079 --> 00:38:58.800 beauty of the 00:38:58.800 --> 00:39:00.260 church in that 00:39:00.260 --> 00:39:02.440 role of raising 00:39:02.440 --> 00:39:03.380 up godly leaders 00:39:03.380 --> 00:39:04.019 and doing it in a 00:39:04.019 --> 00:39:05.160 way that shows 00:39:05.160 --> 00:39:06.300 their confidence in 00:39:06.300 --> 00:39:06.660 the Lord and 00:39:06.660 --> 00:39:08.079 their patience in 00:39:08.079 --> 00:39:08.680 the process. 00:39:10.519 --> 00:39:11.360 All of this, of 00:39:11.360 --> 00:39:11.840 course, is 00:39:11.840 --> 00:39:13.960 possible because of 00:39:13.960 --> 00:39:14.680 the work of 00:39:14.680 --> 00:39:14.980 Christ. 00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:17.119 We have a church 00:39:17.119 --> 00:39:17.720 family. 00:39:18.240 --> 00:39:18.880 We have church 00:39:18.880 --> 00:39:20.320 leaders because of 00:39:20.320 --> 00:39:20.860 what Christ 00:39:20.860 --> 00:39:21.920 accomplished for us 00:39:21.920 --> 00:39:22.700 on the cross 00:39:22.700 --> 00:39:23.720 through his death 00:39:23.720 --> 00:39:24.200 and through his 00:39:24.200 --> 00:39:24.619 resurrection. 00:39:25.360 --> 00:39:25.640 We're going to 00:39:25.640 --> 00:39:26.440 transition now to 00:39:26.440 --> 00:39:27.460 our time of 00:39:27.460 --> 00:39:27.820 communion. 00:39:28.019 --> 00:39:28.360 I'm going to 00:39:28.360 --> 00:39:30.539 pray, invite the 00:39:30.539 --> 00:39:31.300 men who are 00:39:31.300 --> 00:39:31.980 helping to come 00:39:31.980 --> 00:39:33.220 forward and 00:39:33.220 --> 00:39:34.680 we'll observe 00:39:34.680 --> 00:39:36.120 this time of 00:39:36.120 --> 00:39:36.460 communion. 00:39:37.460 --> 00:39:38.420 Father, thank 00:39:38.420 --> 00:39:40.900 you for your 00:39:40.900 --> 00:39:42.580 kindness to us 00:39:42.580 --> 00:39:44.300 in giving us 00:39:44.300 --> 00:39:45.680 spiritual leaders. 00:39:46.720 --> 00:39:47.660 Thank you that 00:39:47.660 --> 00:39:48.760 they do it 00:39:48.760 --> 00:39:49.620 through the 00:39:49.620 --> 00:39:50.400 instruction of the 00:39:50.400 --> 00:39:51.260 word of God and 00:39:51.260 --> 00:39:51.980 through the power 00:39:51.980 --> 00:39:53.300 of the spirit of 00:39:53.300 --> 00:39:53.519 God. 00:39:54.780 --> 00:39:55.620 God, I pray 00:39:55.620 --> 00:39:56.820 that as your 00:39:56.820 --> 00:39:58.220 people, you would 00:39:58.220 --> 00:39:58.800 help us to be 00:39:58.800 --> 00:39:59.800 faithful in our 00:39:59.800 --> 00:40:01.080 care for our 00:40:01.080 --> 00:40:01.320 leaders. 00:40:02.500 --> 00:40:03.420 I pray that we 00:40:03.420 --> 00:40:04.840 would recognize 00:40:04.840 --> 00:40:06.060 them as you have 00:40:06.060 --> 00:40:06.700 called us to, 00:40:07.120 --> 00:40:08.039 support them, 00:40:08.860 --> 00:40:09.420 love them, 00:40:10.160 --> 00:40:10.860 promote them, 00:40:11.340 --> 00:40:12.120 and Lord, even 00:40:12.120 --> 00:40:12.840 discipline them 00:40:12.840 --> 00:40:13.580 when necessary. 00:40:14.800 --> 00:40:15.400 And God, I pray 00:40:15.400 --> 00:40:15.820 that you would 00:40:15.820 --> 00:40:17.039 help this church 00:40:17.039 --> 00:40:19.220 to grow in 00:40:19.220 --> 00:40:20.180 likeness to 00:40:20.180 --> 00:40:20.920 Jesus Christ. 00:40:21.560 --> 00:40:22.600 That we would be 00:40:22.600 --> 00:40:23.860 ever more 00:40:23.860 --> 00:40:25.860 effective in the 00:40:25.860 --> 00:40:26.900 gospel message that 00:40:26.900 --> 00:40:27.620 you've called us to. 00:40:27.619 --> 00:40:29.460 ever more 00:40:29.460 --> 00:40:32.219 resembling the 00:40:32.219 --> 00:40:33.579 perfections of 00:40:33.579 --> 00:40:34.480 Christ in our 00:40:34.480 --> 00:40:34.739 life. 00:40:34.960 --> 00:40:35.659 Obedience and 00:40:35.659 --> 00:40:36.400 submission to you. 00:40:37.460 --> 00:40:38.199 Thank you for 00:40:38.199 --> 00:40:38.920 sending your son 00:40:38.920 --> 00:40:41.279 to begin that 00:40:41.279 --> 00:40:42.099 work in us. 00:40:42.599 --> 00:40:43.159 We pray in Jesus' 00:40:43.359 --> 00:40:43.500 name. 00:40:43.619 --> 00:40:43.799 Amen.