READ: 1 Timothy 5:17-23
1 Timothy 5:17-23 (KJV)
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
21 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.
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
21 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.
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
KEY THOUGHT:
Staying true to your responsibility means that you are committed to doing what God has called you to do and what God’s leaders have instructed you to do. The apostle Paul provides three keys to staying true to your responsibility:
1) Do what’s required to please God, not in preference to please an individual – by doing so, you will end up pleasing others by pleasing God first;
2) Do what’s required fully and completely – don’t half do anything; and
3) stay ready to do what’s required by staying pure – don’t let sin make you unsuitable for service.
By doing these things, you will always be ready to accomplish what God wants you to do.
CONSIDER:
- Why is pleasing God an important part of being a responsible Christian?
- Think of a time when you only partly fulfilled a responsibility? What was the outcome? Did it create any displeasure for anyone?
- How does staying pure help you to be more responsible?
APPLICATION:
Be a responsible Christian who pleases God.
