I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 1 Timothy 5:21-25
Looking around Christianity today, there are many false teachers, Pastors, Bishops and leaders of the Church. This was not uncommon in the early Church either, however instead of embracing or tolerating these people, the true Church was to rebuke these people. To be set apart from false Christians, as the Apostle Paul said “If anyone preaches another gospel, let them be accursed “ (Galatians 1:8)
Now as we worked through this epistle to Timothy, we notice the qualifications for a leader (Pastor, Elder, Bishop,ect) in the Church was very strict, however when you understand the damage a false leader of the Church does, you see why. The flock that is under these wolves are great misled and become scattered and some fall away. The damage of a false leader in the Church can’t be underestimated, in some communities it has led the entire Church community to shut down and go elsewhere.
So the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says to Timothy “I charge you before God, The Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels” This is a serious command Paul is giving Timothy , a command so authoritative it is by the authority of God himself and the witness of His Holy Angels. And Paul warned Timothy “Do these instructions without partiality or favoritism” In other words, adhere to the commands of God over your feelings. Isn’t this something we can learn as the Church? Often we make decisions based on feelings instead of truth.
We may excuse someone for something they did or maybe elevate someone to a position they don’t deserve because it just feels right, but does it align with the Word of God? This is the tough calling for the Shepherds of the Church, because we live in a world based on emotions and feelings instead of truth. The Shepherd who usually sticks to the Word of God in truth, is typically the Shepherd who is hated by the world
What did Paul warn Timothy by the Holy Spirit? “Don’t be so quick to lay hands on people or you will share in their sins” That is a bit of paraphrasing on my part, under the context, typical when someone becomes the leader of a Church, the community lays hands on them, to pray for them and receive them as a leader of the Church. What Paul is warning against , is being yoked to people who are blasphemous and false teachers, as you will share in their sins. Those who continue to remain yoked to a false teacher or organization are bringing judgment upon themselves, as you are to be set apart in Christ Amen
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