1 Timothy 5:17-25 | With Honor Comes Accountability

Feb 22, 2026 • John Cole

Luke 12:48 KJV

...unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...

STEWARDSHIP REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS.

1 Timothy 5:17–25 KJV

17 Let the elders [pastors/overseers] that rule well be counted worthy of double honour [financial support], especially they who labour in the word [preaching] and doctrine [teaching]. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn [Deut. 25:4 (https://ref.ly/Dt25.4); 1 Cor. 9:9 (https://ref.ly/1Co9.9)]. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward [wages; Lu. 10:7 (https://ref.ly/Lk10.7)].

19 Against an elder [pastor/overseer] receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin [are sinning] rebuke before all [all the church], that others [the rest of elders] also may fear.

21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels [like a heavenly tribunal witness], that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

22 Lay hands suddenly on [hastily authorize as elders] no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure… 24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment [evaluation]; and some men they follow after [evaluating them]. 25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise [not immediately obvious] cannot be hid.

1) SUPPORT AND LOVE ELDERS WITH FAITH IN GOD TO PRODUCE ETERNAL GOOD . (v17-18; 4:8)

1 Timothy 4:8 KJV

…godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

FED, FOCUSED, & FRUITFUL

Q: Do you believe God’s commands and promises? Are you investing in them?

2) SUPPORT AND HOLD ACCOUNTABLE ELDERS IN A WAY THAT IS JUST , EDIFYING , AND IMPARTIAL . (v19-21)

Q: Are you resolved to hold one another accountable as God commands and does?

Romans 6:23 KJV

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3) AUTHORIZE NEW ELDERS WITH PATIENT EVALUATION AND PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PARTNERSHIP. (v22-25)

Q: Do you have sin you are hiding? Do you trust God to exalt in His good timing and way?

Proverbs 28:13 KJV

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

1 Peter 5:6 KJV

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

SERMON IN A SENTENCE: Rightly support, hold accountable, and authorize elders as you trust God to build up His church through their labor in preaching and teaching .