Scripture Guide

1 Timothy 5:17-6:2

Series Resources
THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE:

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’  and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’ Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.  Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.”—1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 (NIV)

In 1 Timothy 5, Paul speaks about caring for fellow Christians, whether young or old, men or women. He also gives instructions to the church about caring for and loving the widows in their community. For Paul, the gospel must be on full display in all of church life—not just in the sermons and worship songs, but in how the church community relates to one another and to the leaders, the elders of the church. 

One of the themes of this section is about honoring leaders inside and outside the church. As Christians, we’re to know how to lead and how to follow. Our perspective towards those in authority over us, whether in church or in our workplaces, should be shaped by the gospel of Jesus. For followers of Jesus, all of life is supposed to be shaped by the gospel of Jesus, including His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. We live in a fallen world filled with both kinds of leaders: those who are worthy of respect and those who are harsh and selfish. Regardless, as Christians, we’re called to put the gospel on full display, showing grace, love, and kindness to all those in leadership above us. 

A quick note on 1 Timothy 6:1-2. It’s important to see that Paul isn’t endorsing the institution of slavery as God’s design for humanity. In this Greco-Roman context, slavery was a deeply-embedded economic reality. However, Paul does challenge the common practice of slavery in the Book of Philemon and hopes that one day Christians will work to see it abolished. In this text, Paul focuses on how they were to live out the gospel in their context and be a gospel witness in an unjust and broken world.

Read this week’s Scripture in addition to these supporting Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Philemon 1:1-25; Romans 12:3-7

Study Questions:

  • In this passage, Paul talks about honoring church leaders while also holding them accountable. What do you think it looks like to respect leaders in a healthy, Christ-centered way?
  • Paul warns against favoritism and rushing into leadership decisions. Why do you think fairness and patience matter so much in the life of a church?
  • The devotional says the gospel should be on display in everyday church relationships, not just during worship services. What are some practical ways a church can show the gospel through how people treat one another?
  • In addressing slavery, Paul speaks to faithful living in an unjust and broken system without endorsing it. How does this passage help you discern how to live as a gospel witness within flawed structures while still longing and working for redemption and justice?

Meditate on this week’s passage and ask yourself these questions.

  • What stuck out to me through this passage? 
  • What’s God showing me?
  • What truth can I take with me into today?

God’s Word invites transformation. Today’s about putting what you’ve learned into practice.

  • Based on what I just learned about God, what habits, attitudes, or changes do I need to make?
  • What can I take away from this passage and apply to my life?
  • What could it look like to begin praying for your leaders? What specific things could you start praying for?
  • What’s one thing you can do to honor your leader (e.g., boss, co-worker, manager, etc.) this week? 

Application Challenge:

Christians are called to model servanthood in all areas of life, including the home and workplace. For the leaders you see weekly, consider picking up an extra coffee or encouraging them in your speech or a written note.

Scripture to Pray: Psalm 15

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
    Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person
    but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest;
    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
    will never be shaken.

Guided Prayer:

“Lord, keep me from the evil within and the snares without. Uphold me with Your Spirit that I may walk blamelessly and honor the gospel before a watching world.”—Charles Spurgeon.

Looking back on this week’s Scripture, remember you’re called to put the gospel on full display, showing grace, love, and kindness to your leaders and each other alike.

  • What’s one way I can enjoy God’s presence through rest, relationship, or serving others? 
  • What blessings can I thank God for as I reflect on this week? 

This weekend, set aside intentional time to go to church, do something you love with Jesus, and connect with others.

Group Discussion Guide:

Pick your favorites to discuss with your group, family, or friends.

  1. What words, themes, or ideas in this section stick out to you?
  2. Where is it hardest for you to “put the gospel on display” in everyday relationships—at home, at work, or at church?
  3. How do you typically respond to authority when it feels unfair, disappointing, or undeserved? Do you tend to withdraw, resist, and comply outwardly but resent inwardly, or do you trust God’s purposes beyond the leader?
  4. Paul connects honoring others with the credibility of the gospel. How might the way you talk about leaders—pastors, bosses, parents, teachers—shape what others believe about Jesus?
  5. Paul calls believers to live faithfully within broken systems without pretending those systems are good. Where in your own life are you navigating tension between what is and what ought to be? How does the gospel connect to that tension?
Group Leader Resources