1st Timothy 5:19-21

Paul's Charges to Timothy

There are three places—really four—where Paul charges Timothy, one specifically within our context here. These charges provide both a foundation and motivation for doing something of incredible difficulty, yet incredibly beneficial.

As we introduce these charges, we recognize how charging leadership within the church creates an intimate connection between the leadership and the congregation. It is good for the congregation to embrace their church leadership, assuming their leadership functions consistently with the Word of God.

This morning's message may seem like preaching to the elders, but don't miss how the leadership's commitment to these charges affects you. When leadership submits to these encouragements, the congregation is affected positively. Ultimately, you'll see in the administration of these encouragements the display of love that pastors have for their congregation and for each other as fellow pastors.

The logical conclusion is leadership fully devoted to keeping the name of the faith in high honor, devoted to honoring the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and doing what is necessary for the benefit of God's people.

The First Charge: Teach No Other Doctrine

The first charge is in 1 Timothy 1:3, where Paul instructs Timothy to teach no other doctrines. This is the mark of a solid church: leadership that stands upon the gospel of Jesus Christ and lets doctrine flow from the gospel.

1 Corinthians 2:2: "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."

This is the primacy within a church—the gospel of Jesus Christ. Teach nothing else except faith in Jesus Christ. It is the foundation for solid beliefs, the doctrine of godliness.

The Second Charge: Fight the Good Fight

Paul's next charge is in 1 Timothy 1:18, repeated in chapter 6: "Fight the good fight of the faith." Timothy is instructed on two occasions to wage good warfare.

How does leadership—and the congregation—fight the good fight? By persevering in the faith, maintaining a good conscience before God. In simpler terms, reject sin and embrace godliness.

Repetition in Scripture emphasizes importance. This charge should be at the forefront of our minds: fight the good fight of the faith.

Observing Without Prejudice

The charge before us is to observe these things without bias, without prejudice, showing no partiality. We must examine what "these things" are in 1 Timothy 5:19-21.

1 Timothy 5:19-21: "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning, rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality."

What we find can be summarized by the word protection—God's safeguards in His Word to protect His people, both leadership and congregation.

Pastoral Protection: Requiring Two or Three Witnesses

Paul safeguards elders against attacks on their character, beliefs, practices, or philosophy of ministry. There must be two or three credible witnesses.

"A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16)

Jesus promises His presence when two or three witnesses are followed biblically. Anyone can say whatever they want about pastors, but safeguards protect them from false accusations, allowing pastors to continue protecting the sheep and the church to function.

Without two or three witnesses, reject the accusation—it is not vindicated by Christ and is motivated by personal interests. This allows the congregation to trust leadership amid naysayers.

Public Rebuke: Protection from Sin

Verse 20: "Those who are sinning, rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear." This protects elders even from their own sin. Elders who sin persistently must be rebuked publicly to convict, discipline, and correct them permanently.

Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Exposing an elder's sin does justice, shows love, and provides sanctification for the elder and benefit for the congregation and fellow pastors. Not doing so is an injustice.

The proper response for the congregation is fear—fear of sin's consequences—not betrayal, bitterness, or hurt. This fear motivates:

1. Commitment to following elders who follow Scripture. Be grateful for leadership that obeys God over men, inciting biblical fear.
2. Motivation for those not sinning consistently to be even more consistent, desiring to avoid the pain of exposure.
3. For those sinning consistently, a dread that encourages repentance and pursuit of righteousness.

The goal is drawing closer to Jesus, pursuing holiness.

Hebrews 12:14: "Without holiness no one will see the Lord."

John 3:19-21: "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

Unbelievers hate exposure; believers embrace it, like David: "Search me, O God, and know my heart!" Exposure hurts but frees from sin, leading to praise for the God who saves.

The Principle of Protection Without Partiality

Paul charges solemnly before God, Christ, and the elect angels: observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. Protect elders from false accusations and ongoing sin; protect the congregation and church.

Avoid pre-judgment or favoritism. Love the elder by observing the command—public rebuke—avoiding elder-bashing or sin-minimalism. God does not tolerate persistent sin; neither should we.

Leadership and congregants must judge actions by Scripture, embracing what is harmonious and rejecting what is contrary. To do otherwise is injustice.