I TIMOTHY: Dealing with Leadership, with Elders in the Church and with Authorities at Work; The good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden!"

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” [Deuteronomy 25:4] and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” [Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Luke 10:7]  (I Timothy 5:17-18)

Paul continued to give Timothy instruction on how to deal with the various adults within the church.  The elders referred to here aren't older people, but the leaders within the church.  Someone had to keep things going after Paul had established the churches in the various Gentile nations and then left to go to other places.  Timothy was being instructed on how to deal with them.  

We've studied this before.  If the bishop or pastor or leader or elder of the church body labors in the word and doctrine, the church should take care of their needs.  Paul explained it this way to the church in Corinth; Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? (I Corinthians 9:7-12)

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. (I Thessalonians 5:12-13) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. (Hebrews 13:7) Leaders have a great responsibility, and we should do all we can to help them.  

But all leaders aren't necessarily good leaders.  Therefore, Paul instructed Timothy of the right the members have to make their concerns known to a deacon or person of authority within the church, and how the person in that position is to handle dealing with the concerns or accusations. 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 Timothy 5:19-20)

We better be very careful when we bring an accusation against another person, especially those who are anointed and ordained by God to lead within His church; for He has said, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” (Psalm 105:15)  No accusations should be made based on gossip and hearsay.  God commanded, “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established." ... And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you. (Deuteronomy 19:15-20) 

If the elder is guilty of what they are being accused of, they are to be rebuked in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. But if the one making the accusation is found to be a liar, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother, and those who remain shall hear and fear.  The goal is for each one to be held accountable for their actions, starting with the leaders and throughout the members. Transparency and truth in consequences leads to conviction and commitment to obey the Word of God and doing His Will.  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. Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. (I Timothy 5:21-22)  

No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. (I Timothy 5:23-25) This scripture is not saying it's ok to drink.  Very clearly Paul was instructing Timothy on how to deal with a physical ailment, for his stomach’s sake and his frequent infirmities. Remember, we studied previously that Timothy was very timid and probably got very nervous, being so young and having to take on so much responsibility among these Gentile churches.  A little wine was probably helpful to him to calm his nerves and subdue the symptoms of whatever other ailments he had.

But do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,... (Ephesians 5:17-18) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)  The scriptures give warning after warning of not being a drunkard, and they are often included in the list of sins people commit who will not inherit the kingdom of God. (I Corinthians 5:11, 6:10; I Peter 4:3-4; etc.) Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. (Proverbs 23:19-21)

Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. (I Timothy 6:1-2) Not only do we have leaders in the church, but we also have leaders outside of the church.  Most of us work for someone, and the employee and the employer are to show each other respect, especially if we both profess to be Christians, because they are brethren in Christ, and we are to do nothing with partiality. Someone has to be in charge, but all should respect each other and work together.

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. (I Timothy 6:3-5) AMEN!