By John A. Huffman, Jr.
Fifth, rebuke persistent sinners.
"As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear" (1 Timothy 5:20).
Church discipline is very important. That's why we say "hold us accountable to live according to God's Word." The church who has leadership that is slippery, either in faithfulness to the truth of God's Word or in adhering to the moral standards of God's Word, is a church that is in trouble. It needs to be a healing community. None of us is perfect. It is important that all of us be men and women of repentance who keep close accounts with the Lord.
Six, avoid partiality and prejudice.
"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, I warn you to keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing on the basis of partiality" (1 Timothy 5:21).
There is always a danger in Christian leadership in that there is the "in crowd" and the "out crowd." This does not mean that everyone can be in the identical same leadership position, but it does mean that there needs to be ministry that is not "cronyism." Flattery should not get a person into a position of power. Trying to buy position and prestige within the church has a name. It is "Simony." Read Acts 8 and you will see how malignant this can be.
Seven, don't ordain anyone hastily.
It is stated in precisely the same words in verse 22, "Do not ordain anyone hastily . . . ." Look for seasoned leadership in the church, people who over a period of time have commended themselves in their lifestyle, both in commitment to the truth and in living according to the standards of God's Word.
Eight, hold yourself to the same standards you have for others.
Paul writes, " . . . and do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22).
A personal inventory is so important. We need to keep close accounts with the Lord ourselves in terms of our own lives. How easy it is for me to point out the sins and inconsistencies in another and be blind to that which is out of kilter in my own life.
What's the bottom line from today's passage? The bottom line is the three R's: respect, responsibility and realism. Thank God for the privilege of such practical instruction from His Word!
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John A Huffman, Jr. is Senior Pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA.