Double Honor and Revelation of Deeds
1 Timothy 5:17-25
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
Pastor Daniel prefaced that today's message is a difficult topic for him. For it concerns how the church body should treat its leaders, especially the pastor. In order for us to see how Paul instructs us to treat our church leaders, we must understand the purpose of this portion of the letter.
A hallmark of Paul’s ministry is that he voluntarily refused to be fully financially supported by the church and instead worked as a tent-maker to earn his living. The purpose of this was so that Paul wouldn’t burden the early church and that those resources would be used to uplift one another. However, the culture during this time was that scholars who were considered great and famous demanded payment to earn the opportunity to hear them speak. So, it was the custom to compare the value necessary to pay to listen to a lecture, to the value of the lecturer, himself. As a result, there were those outside and within the church who looked down on Paul, and by extension other church leaders, as beneath them or lower.
In this letter, Paul clarifies that it is the church duty to not only serve its members and the marginalized, but also its leaders. Even more so, the church should honor those who lead with double honor (1 Tim. 5:17).
What does it mean to honor? Do we need to show only respect to our leaders then? Looking at the passage concerning widows, Paul states that widows should be honored by the church; but only if they are not able to remarry and do not have a family to take care of them (1 Tim. 5:3-16). It doesn’t make sense then to say that honoring is only a sign of respect. To honor means to take care of financially as well.
This leads us to three points that Pastor Daniel states is our duty as our congregation to our pastor(s):
1. Pay pastor’s well
When Paul states that pastors should be given double honor, it means to pay pastors well. Not airplanes and mansions, but a wage that is able to provide for their family. A wage that does not have them struggle or worry for their next payment on their home, car, insurance, etc. That way, our pastor’s can fully dedicate their time to the Lord and guide our congregation.
2. To provide for the their needs
Not all needs are financial. Although some are, what Pastor Daniel highlighted on this point is that we should think to consider in advance. As in, we should be mindful and attentive to see if our Pastor needs us, whether it is financially, socially, as part of a ministry or work, etc. before he needs to ask us. In this way, we can expand our awareness to the needs of others.
3. To act reverently towards them
Although we do not need to pressure ourselves to treat our pastor’s like kings, what we should do is aim to grow a good relationship with them. That means, do not grumble or gossip behind their back, especially with others. It is far healthier to bring up concerns in person so that issues can be worked out and not fester. We can show respect by asking our pastor to pray for us, as this is a gesture of trust. Finally, we can share all good things with them; how God has blessed our lives or situation, so that they may be encouraged by our spirit.
As Pastor Daniel reflected on preparing this message, he had shared with us how his journey in ministry was. It was immensely difficult, he spoke of the struggles of trying to provide for his family while making low wages, and how he found himself tempted to withhold offerings in order to potentially better his family’s circumstances. Yet, God intervened, provided, and blessed Pastor Daniel each time, throughout the years, through various members who have followed the aspects previously listed. Pastor Daniel came to realize that God was faithful in sending these members to him in his time of need, since Pastor Daniel was exercising these aspects to his own pastor. Therefore, this instruction to double honor our pastor is not for our Pastor Daniel alone, but for any pastor, church leader, elder, of a church that we find ourselves a part of.
Reflection Questions
What did God speak to you through the sermon and how do you want to apply it?
How have you shown respect to your pastor(s) recently?
Reflection
I felt touched when hearing this message. I found that I didn’t know the finer details of Pastor Daniel’s journey with God. Even though I have known him for about four years and have heard bits and pieces of it, that's all they were. I felt convicted that although I thought I had respected my pastor, I realized that my actions were far from what I was capable of. Did I truly respect Pastor Daniel? Or see him as another church leader who works on Sunday?
Thinking of these things had me reflect on my previous pastors. I grew up in the church, so I followed what my pastors had taught and I was socially respectful to each of them. Yet as time had passed and I had parted ways with them, my relationships were not broken but light. Ethereal. Sure if I had seen them in passing or visited their city, I could say hello and catch up but would I ask them to pray for me? Would I ask for them to share with me their prayers? Would I actually pray for them if they did?
I see now that while I do respect Pastor Daniel, and have respected all my previous pastors, I was just in shallow waters. I apologize for my poor performance. I pray that I can not see my pastor as someone who works in church, but a leader that I can share my life stories with. A person who I have confidence in is brimming with the spirit of God and would earnestly pray for me. And someone, who I earnestly consider to ensure that his needs are met.
