Relationships in God`s Household 3 – by Pastor Dave

​`…you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. `
1 Timothy 3: 15
 
1 Timothy 5: 16-25
 
     When democratic countries around the world are considered a general observation is often made; the government and (or) leader reflects the people of that country. This is not surprising really when you consider that as voters, we probably vote for the people we think reflect our values and desires most. In the Church we also see this principal at play. The higher aim though is that the leader reflects the Gospel and Jesus Christ; they then work to help the Church do the same. This links directly to the earlier chapters in this letter on Leadership that we have already covered. In this section Paul is describing how the Church can care for their Leaders and in so doing show their love for the Lord and His Word. This is a cycle of blessing as in acting in this way the Church herself is blessed and grows.
 
    Five words of guidance are given that show a Church how to care for their Leaders. The Church is to be:

1. Honouring, vs. 16; the Church is to honour the role of leadership as the appointed individuals are responsible for guiding the Church in God`s truth
2. Enabling, vs. 18. The Leader is not to be overloaded with responsibilities that lie elsewhere in the Church body. They are to be enabled to teach and should be supported in such a financial way that they are free of that worry
3. Protecting, vs. 19. Leaders are often the point of criticism. Any actual allegation needs to be properly heard but not readily accepted or promulgated without the required proof
4. Reproving, vs. 20. If a Leader is worthy of `double honour`(vs. 16) they are in effect doubly accountable. If they err the matter is to be dealt with openly and with integrity
5. Wisely, vs. 21-22, 24-25; in vs.22, to some degree, there is a general principal of caution in relation to the `laying on of hands.` In the context of this passage though the advice is not to appoint a Leader quickly, rather look at their lives; their traits will be clear. This links back to the qualities of character that Paul described earlier, (N.B. in vs. 23 there seems to be some advice to the leader themselves; care for yourself!).

     In short Leaders and Church alike need the truth of the Gospel in their lives and the grace of God to care for one another in the power and example of Jesus Christ.
 
To Ponder: How does a good relationship between the Leader and members of the Church bring glory to God; how does the Gospel empower and assist in this relationship? What can you do to bless this relationship and help the Church grow?
 
To Pray: Almighty God, you have built your church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.
Join us together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may become a holy temple, acceptable to you, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
 
Praise: Broken Vessels
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