Jump Start # 2868

1 Timothy 5:20 “Those that continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest may be fearful of sinning.”

  Our passage is found in a section about elders. Earlier in this letter Paul had addressed the qualities of those who lead God’s people. He returns within this letter with some more thoughts. Elders that are doing well, the apostle says, are worthy of double honor. They are busting it. They are wearing themselves out in the work of the Lord. They are showing how it ought to be done.

But then, there are those leaders who are not doing a good job. In fact, they are not walking well with the Lord. Their example is not one to be followed. Others have noticed. Accusations with witnesses have been made. It is here that our verse falls. Even after accusations. Even after witnesses have come forward. Even after rebukes and warnings, there are some who “continue in sin.”

Now, some thoughts:

First, there are no double standards in God’s kingdoms. No one gets a pass on their behavior. What is expected of the preacher’s kid is to be expected of all kids in the church. Elders do not get to make the rules or bend the rules. Not only is that a terrible example, but it destroys trust and tarnishes the position that they hold. Of all people, those in leadership ought to be concerned about how they appear first to God and then to the church.

Second, it’s that “those who continue in sin,” that is most troubling. Why? Why would they continue in sin after they have been talked to? Why would they continue in sin after God’s word has been brought to their attention? Why would anyone, any Christian, continue in sin? Continuing in sin means, walking away from the Lord. It means a continuation, not a slip. It means choices are being made that are not wise, careful, nor thought out. It means choices are being made that are not spiritual based. It means that unless the course is corrected, one will likely lose their soul.

Third, the “continuing in sin,” means that these leaders came to the intersection with God’s word and they chose to stay with sin. They loved sin more than they loved the Lord. Somehow they discounted and discredited what the word of God said. God’s word doesn’t mean what it says or God’s word doesn’t fit their situation. Behind all of this is a faith that is no longer strong. Their faith hit the rocks and now their lives are about to crash.

There is a thought that these elders who continue in sin may be the ones Paul warned about in Acts 20, when he said, ‘from among yourselves men will arise.’ Instead of pulling back on progressive thinking they have embraced new ideas that lead away from the Lord. And, because of their position, others would follow. This is the danger that leaders must understand. Not every wild idea, not every thought needs to be expressed openly. Put some prayer behind those things. Do some digging in the Scriptures. Talk to some trusted souls who know you. This is the real danger of social media today. A new idea, a new way of doing things catches the eyes of some but before they put the time in to think things through they are on the bandwagon telling others about how wonderful these new truths are. The problem is that “these new truths,” are not true at all, and when one looks through history they are not new either.

And, with just enough pride, a person is put into a corner, often where they did not want to be and then pride will keep them there. Unwilling to admit that they may have been wrong, they would rather continue in sin than change.

What is the outcome for leaders who continue in sin? First, according to the passage, they would be rebuked publically. Now, everyone knows. What was once only known by two or three, is out openly. Second, those that continue in sin, lose their credibility and role as spiritual leaders of God’s people. Finally, as this continues, these leaders would find themselves out of fellowship with God and His people.

It is one thing for any of us to do wrong. But once we know, to continue down that path is following the devil straight to his final abode. Continuing in sin—what a sad, sad situation. What can be done? Preach God’s word. Remind all that God allows one to make changes and course corrections. Understand that the destination of ‘continuing in sin,’ is a train wreck with no survivors.

Let us help all and let us help one another.

Roger

Jump Start # 2447

1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning.”

Our verse today surrounds the difficult topic of dealing with elders who have sinned and will not repent. The role of the elder, in our culture today, is often viewed as a life long appointment, like the Supreme Court. And, as difficult as it is to appoint qualified men to the work of shepherding, it’s even more difficult to deal with those who no longer function as they should. Let’s be honest, because of age, some simply can not keep up with the energy that it takes to lead sheep. Failing health and other factors ought to lead an honest man to the conclusion that it’s time to let someone else do this work. But sadly, many plan to remain in that position until the funeral director is called to carry them out. And, more sadly, the church often suffers.

The role of elder is not untouchable. They are accountable, first to God and then to the church that they serve. The verse before ours today, tells the preacher Timothy not to receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of several witnesses. In other words, don’t allow people to take cheap shots at the eldership, nor to accuse based upon speculation, opinions or without facts. The elders are not perfect as we are not perfect. But the flow into our verse today gives us the impression that an elder has done wrong. Sin has taken place and people know about it. Charges or accusation with proof of witnesses is presented. Does this lead to an automatic stepping down of the elder? No. He repents, he stops the wrong, forgiveness and grace abound, and trust can be restored. However, when one doesn’t repent, this is where our verse is found. He has been accused, with witnesses and proof and yet he continues his sinful ways, then he is to be rebuked before all. This may be the step of discipline that leads to withdrawing fellowship from him. He cannot remain as a leader when his example is not right.

It is the end of our verse today that I want to look at. After a public rebuking of a sinful elder, the rest are fearful of sinning. Who are the “rest?” The rest of the elders? The rest of the church? Both? It shows that no one is above the law of God. It shows that God always comes first. It shows a seriousness to the purity of the kingdom and God’s work.

Now, two observations from this.

First, the rebuking of a sinful elder is never heard of in our times. It may be because of the deep dedication so many have for the Lord. It doesn’t have to get to this step because these godly men are aware of their failures and are seeking the mercy of God. They are honest within and trying their best on the outside. But we know, in some places, this isn’t the case. Men have viewed the eldership as a position of power and authority and now see themselves as above everyone else and untouchable. Corruption has replaced goodness and they abuse their authority by running the sheep in fear of them. No one dare says a thing about the elders publically because they know the harsh hand of dominance will come crashing down upon them. The sheep are scared. They suffer. They are not healthy. No one suggests an idea. No one dares to cross the elders. And the long history of preachers that have moved in and soon moved out illustrates that no one challenges these men. In a twisted fashion, brethren hope for a car wreck or a heart attack so the eldership would dissolve and better days could be on the horizon. Who will step up with an accusation or as a witness when they are afraid of what will happen to them? So, corrupt elders are allowed to continue their abuse of the brethren. It shouldn’t be this way.

Second, as our verse ends, “the rest also may be fearful of sinning,” is a grand thought. That too just doesn’t happen much today. This is part of the problem today. People are not afraid to sin. They like sin. They enjoy sin. They brag about sin. They feel no remorse about their sin. They do not feel the need to repent of their sin. And, there is no fear of sinning running through their veins.

What is there to be afraid of? Obviously, the judgment of God. The works of the flesh in Galatians five, ends by saying those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Sin disappoints God and it ought to make us feel bad. Second, there ought to be a fear of punishment from God’s people. This is the context in which this is expression is made. If unrepentant elders are exposed publically, what will the church do to me if I do not repent of my sins? If elders can’t get away with wrong, why should I think that I can? The church longs to honor Christ and be pure. Cleaning house is often necessary. There ought to be a fear of sinning within us. If the elders are publically rebuked, what would happen to me? My reputation? My salvation? My fellowship? My family?

Sin is serious business. It shouldn’t be taken lightly, laughed at or brushed off as no big deal. It is a big deal. It is so big that One from Heaven had to come here and die to cleanse us. Continuing in sin shows how lightly I think of the sacrifice of Jesus and how little I think of God’s holy word.

We should want all of us to do our best. We need to be there to encourage right and discourage wrong. We need to stand upon the platform of God’s holy word. No one gets to bend the rules, ignore the rules or make their own rules. We all must submit to the will of God.

Rebuke an elder before all…rebuke you and I before all. Sin, like a cancer, must be removed from our hearts and our minds. We must walk with the Lord.

Tough words, but necessary for the purity and the unity of God’s people.

Roger