Family Study: Week Of: Sunday, May 16th, 2021
Reflection
- (1Ti 5:17 ESV) Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
- (1Ti 5:18 ESV) For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
- (1Ti 5:19 ESV) Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
- (1Ti 5:20 ESV) As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
- (1Ti 5:21 ESV) 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.
- (1Ti 5:22 ESV) Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
- (1Ti 5:23 ESV) (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)
- (1Ti 5:24 ESV) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.
- (1Ti 5:25 ESV) So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
Discussion
Church leadership calls for a living example of the teaching of the Bible. It is entirely appropriate for an elder who works hard in the church to derive their income from the church, but also is not a requirement as Paul shows us. Any elder who serves should serve because they love God and the church, not because it pays them.
In many lines of work you can tell who really loves their job and who is just showing up for the check. Granted, we all need to make a living to sustain our lives and families. While we might not enjoy going to work every day, we should seek to do work that we love. The elder who works for the church should be the same – he should love the work of the church and seek to do it whether or not there is money involved.
Connection
What is something about your job that you really love?
If you could pick a career to do regardless of the money you earn, what would it be?
What work in the church do you really enjoy?
What work in the Christian church is God calling you to become more involved in?
Why is your lifestyle of godliness and avoidance of sin vital to your work in both your career and in the church?
Pray about the calling of God on your life today.
Expansion
Calling Of God
Romans 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, Romans 10:10-21