“Doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.”

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”  Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 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.” (1 Timothy 5:17-21 ESV)

Paul isn’t the only Apostle to warn about the sin of partiality (5:21); James, the Lord’s brother, also tells us to guard against showing partiality. This sin in the local assembly of God’s people has done much damage over the years. However, it is not only a sin that was common in the early church, but it rears its ugly head in our churches today. We like to think that the church has evolved past this sin, but it has not.

Paul is saying that we should not turn a blind eye to any leader’s sin. We should not allow or encourage anyone in the church to continue living a life that is clearly against Scriptural teachings. Remember what Paul told Timothy in the last chapter, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Everyone who names the name of Jesus as their Savior has a responsibility to the rest of the body of Christ to live a life that brings honor and glory to Him. In this section of 1 Timothy chapter 5:17-21, Paul is talking about the actions of elders in the local church, the church leaders, the ones responsible to teach the Word, and to “feed God’s sheep”. It’s unfortunate sometimes that the “sheep” do not hold the leaders to the same Biblical standards that everyone else is held to.

The “Church” has suffered greatly under the leadership of men who have not followed God’s standards for elders. Every believer is to be held accountable in accordance with the clear teachings of Scripture, but “elders” and other church leadership even more so. Because they are public ministries, Paul says in verse 20, “Those [elders] who continue to sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning.” Their sins are to be publicly acknowledged. Now Paul explains that because these men have public ministries, accusations against them must be made by two or three witnesses, and that these men should be treated with respect and honor. But no one is above God’s Word.

Remember, it is Christ who is the head, the leader of the church, not men. God’s word is what should direct our lives, not man-made rules. Let’s honor those in leadership in our local churches (as we are taught in 5:17-19), but let’s also hold them accountable to God’s Word, without partiality.

"Living in Grace is not about what I can do, but about what Jesus has already done!"