I'm trying a new format for the questions; let me know if it is helpful.
1 Timothy 5:17-25
When is it hard for you to submit to those in authority over you? What does this reveal about your personality? What does this reveal about what/who you trust?
Encounter—read God’s Word to get to know Him
1 Timothy 5:17-25
Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7 for context
God is a God of order
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, (ESV)
Colossians 2:5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (ESV)
At each point in history God has established a divinely delegated leadership structure
Home
Husband
Parents
Country
Kings and leaders
Church
Elders
Key biblical concept
Leaders accountable to God!
Divinely delegate leadership
God mediates His rule through divinely delegated leaders
What does the reality of divinely delegated leadership roles and the passages about the role of an elder, teach you about God?
Examine—what the passage says before you decide what it means
Explore—answers to these questions to better understand together the implications of this passage
Look for commands, explanatory statements (“for”) and reason or purpose statements (“so that”). How do they help you reveal the thrust of the passage?
Other than monetary compensation, how can you show honor to the leadership of your church?
Why is the instruction to not accept accusations against an Elder unless collaborated by others important—particularly in today’s electronic age?
Why might leaders need the challenge in 5:22 to not rush into initial selection, or probably in the context, restoring to a role of leadership an individual who has been rebuked (5:20)? What might cause them to feel pushed into a decision too quickly?
Embrace—What is the one thing you need to know or do? What is your next step in response to this passage?
How does this passage challenge you in your relationship to church leaders?
What can you do this week to show honor to those who are to be considered worthy (5:17) for willingly and faithfully fulfilling the role of elder?
