Part way through the Olympics my Canadian relatives and friends were gloating about the Canadian women’s and men’s curling victories.  The Canadian women lost to Sweden - of all countries - but still earned the silver medal.  The Canadian men beat Norway for the gold medal.

And of course I made the mistake of saying that instead of curling they should focus on a real sport like hockey.  Somehow they took offense to that.

Of course we know that the Canadian women’s hockey team earned gold by beating the USA team 2-0.  Then the Canadian men’s hockey team stole the gold medal away from us in overtime.

Overall Canada came away with the most gold medals ever won by a country in the winter Olympics.  Impressive.  There will be no living with the Canadians now. 

We’re looking at The Essentials of the Church - what is essential for us as a congregation if we’re to fulfill God’s mission for us of living and sharing the Gospel in the world - beginning right here in Merced.  Together we’ve looked at the essentials of love, faith, Godly men, Godly women, Godly leadership, the Gospel, commitment, and caring.  This morning we’re coming to The Essential of Respect.  Let’s say that together, “The essential of Respect.”

Which is something that Canada has earned - A?  Not only for hosting a great Olympics.  But because they dominated so much of it - including hockey and curling.

Please turn with me to 1 Timothy 5 - starting at verse 17.

Over in the East Bay, back in 1978, a small Catholic high school in Concord was looking for a football coach.  In the six years that this school’s football program had been around they’d never had a winning season.  Who they found was a young probation officer who had been moonlighting as an assistant football coach at Monte Vista in Danville.  The high school - De La Salle - under coach Bob Ladouceur put together a winning streak from 1992 through 2003 of 151 games.  They have several times won the state championship and several time won the national championship.  They are the standard by which high school football is measured.

The question is “How do they do it?”  The one overriding  principle of Ladouceur is to take every player at his level and attempt to raise it. (1)  That takes leadership and those who are willing to follow and support that leadership.  Respect of leadership.

That describes our team - the church.  We are CREEKSIDE.  Say that with me, “We are CREEKSIDE.”

In 1 Timothy 3, we saw the church described as “the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15b)  We focused on the implications of that truth for us - Creekside.  We are God’s instrument of change in the world.  Who are we?  “We are God’s instrument of change in the world.”

What we confess is God’s message of change.  God’s truth - the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Live as the Church - confess the Gospel - and the world must change.  That’s powerful.  People in a personal relationship with the living God - as we operate as the church - God’s instrument of change - living and proclaiming God’s truth in this confused world - the world changes.

That takes Godly leadership and those who are willing to follow - to support - to respect that leadership.  We all have our role in this - in leading - in respecting leadership - in working together in the roles that God has given to us.  So that God can take us at our level and raise us up to become this powerful instrument of change in the world.

One last thought to help us lock in to what Paul is writing here.

All this must have been difficult for Timothy.  Pastoring the church in Ephesus and having to deal with issues of respect.   Especially when he was getting beat up by the leadership - or the wanna be leadership - that was focused on themselves and their own egos.  There was a huge need in Ephesus for Paul to put his stamp of apostolic approval on Timothy and to focus the church on respecting Timothy’s leadership and those that were standing with Timothy.

For myself teaching on these verses makes me a tad uncomfortable.  Because I don’t feel that kind of disrespect around here.  In fact quite the opposite. 

We’ve been working through what Paul writes to Timothy and the Ephesian church for nine Sundays.  What we’re coming to here is the next text in line.  There are two more Sundays to go.  Each part of what we’re looking at is an essential.  So, I’m not singling this out and saying “Hey - you all need to do this because I’m feeling run over.”

Let’s agree together that Muncherian isn’t preaching about this because Muncherian has an ax to grind.  We’re together on that?

What we do need to grab on to is that there are many leaders in this congregation - and some who should be encouraged to grow into roles of leadership - maybe even into the pastorate.  And all that takes a partnership.  All of us working together to nurture and encourage and support and provide opportunities for God to work in the lives of those He desires to place in roles of leadership.

Coming to 1 Timothy 5 - verse 17 - in the verses we’re going to look at this morning Paul is going to instruct us on how to respect leaders in the church - to support and encourage their leadership so that we can be all that God intends for us to be.

Paul gives us three principles of respecting church leaders.  First - in verse 17 - he writes that respect comes through HONOR.  Let’s repeat that together, “Honor.”

Verse 17:  The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.  For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

When we looked at the essential of Godly leadership in 1 Timothy 3 - we saw that elders are men, who by experience and spiritual maturity, were set aside for a position of leadership in the church.  The word “rule” - has the idea of oversight - guiding - leading.  Elders lead the church.  (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

In 1 Timothy 3:2 - we saw that one of the qualifications to become and elder was the ability to teach.  Paul writes - here in chapter 5 - that elders who do this preaching and teaching well - who are devoted - committed - and effective in leading from God’s word - these elders are worthy of honor - respect.

Then Paul quotes Moses - from Deuteronomy 25:4 - to give us an example of what he means by “honor”  Paul writes, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.”

Back in Moses’ day sheaves of grain were laid out on level floor - oxen were harnessed to a flat sledge and led over the grain.  The oxen dragging this sledge over the grain.  The whole point being to loosen the kernels of grain.

The nations around Israel would put a muzzle over the mouth of the ox so that it couldn’t eat the grain it was threshing.  But God commanded Israel to unmuzzle the ox.  The oxen were working so they deserved to eat.

Sometimes we tend to write off the Old Testament as a collection ancient history and commands and regulations for the Jews.  But, all of that is there to teach us about God.  Paul, writes in 1 Corinthians 9 - “Is God concerned about the oxen?  No, God wrote this for us.” (1 Corinthians 9:9,10)  There’s a principle here.  The point Paul is getting at comes as Paul quotes Jesus, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (Luke 10:7)

Church leadership that’s working hard - that’s devoted to preaching and teaching the word of God - and is doing that effectively - as God’s word impacts lives and bears fruit - the leaders should be honored - encouraged - supported. (Matthew 10:10)  Elders - like oxen - an interesting comparison - elders like oxen should share in the fruit of that labor.

Long long ago in a church far far away I would stand in the back - at the door - after the service slowing people down on their way to the coffee - greeting people after the service and I’d get compliments on the sermon, “Great sermon pastor.  Wonderful sermon pastor.”  Words of encouragement.  Except, I got the compliments on Sundays when I hadn’t preached.

I felt like a speed bump.  Something everyone acknowledges has a purpose but everyone hates to have effect their lives. 

Anyone of us who works hard - pouring our heart and soul into something - and gets a lukewarm or cold response - any one of us is going to struggle with discouragement.  “Man, why I am even doing this?  What’s the point?”

Honoring - in part is material or financial - God using His people to meet the material needs of those in leadership.

Honoring - in part is what’s said to a leader.  One of the greatest encouragements for someone pouring their heart and soul out into the ministry of the church is seeing God at work through that ministry - seeing God at work in and through the lives of the congregation.  Sharing how a sermon touched your life.  Or, what God is doing in your life.

When we share God stories God is glorified and those leading get encouraged.  That honors the effort put into leadership.

First - respect is shown through honor.  Second - Paul writes that respect is IMPARTIAL.  Let’s say that together, “Impartial.”

Verse 19:  Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.  Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

A while back I read about a pastor who had been dismissed by the church leadership.  An accusation had been brought against him by a member of the congregation, who, it turned out later, was actually his secretary.  She was angry with him about something and had written a letter that brought some very serious accusations against the pastor.  She’d given this letter to the church leadership as if it was something that had been sent to the pastor.  Later she confessed that she’d written the letter.  But, the damage was done.  The letter had resulted in the leadership calling the pastor in and without any further confirmation removing him from the pastorate. (2)

Jesus said, “If your brother sins go and talk to him about his sin in private.  If he repents, you’ve won your brother.”  So, drop the issue and move on.  Jesus goes on, “But, if he doesn’t hear you.  Then take one or two witnesses with you and try to bring him to repentance.  If he still doesn’t listen, then take it to the church.” (Matthew 18:15-17a)

This is the principle Paul has in mind.  Refuse to spread or listen to gossip.  Deal with the facts according to the impartial instruction of Scripture.  If this was done it would really put a dent in the gossip, misunderstandings, and hurt that goes on in too many churches.  All of which undermines leadership and harms the ministry of the church.

Then verse 21:  I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.

When Harry Truman was President, every morning at 8:30 he would have a staff meeting.  One day the mail clerk brought in a lavender envelope with a regal wax seal and flowing purple ribbons.  Opening it, Harry Truman found a letter from King Saud of Saudi Arabia.  The salutation began, “Your Magnificence.”

Truman laughed, “Your Magnificence.  I like that.  I don’t know what you guys call me when I’m not here, but it’s okay if you refer to me from now on as Your Magnificence.”

Subsequently Truman sent a message to the United Nations supporting admission of 100,000 Jews into Palestine.  Soon afterwards he received a second letter from King Saud.  This one was addressed, “Dear Mr. President.” (3)

The standard of right and wrong is not who donates more money - who agrees with us - friendships - family relationship - giving a little extra allowance for our friends imperfections while coming down hard on others.  The standard doesn’t bend by our ability to expose the mistakes of others to our advantage.

The standard we live by is Scripture.  God, and all of heaven, is looking over our shoulders at how we treat leadership in the church.  With impartiality - patiently - lovingly - thoughtfully - carefully - we need to hold our leadership accountable to the word of God.

Then verse 22:  Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.

In so many churches leaders are selected based on popularity - or because of their financial status or success in business - or because they’ve been around for so long - or maybe they fit our bias or ideas.  Maybe we just need people to fill slots.

We’re tempted to overlook signs that should be red flags to us.  “We all know him.  He’s been in the church for years.  Okay, he’s not all that committed.  Spiritually he’s got room for growth.  But who doesn’t?” 

Scripture gives us qualifications to look for in those that God is raising up to leadership in His church.  Church leaders should be Godly - not almost Godly.  If we suggest or elect people to leadership who are not qualified by God then, Paul writes, we participate in their sin.

First, we’ve been disobedient to God’s instructions.  Then, wherever they lead or stumble we go along for the ride - a roller coaster ride of gossip and accusations and hurt and missed opportunity.  All of which could have been avoided with some impartial discernment in the first place.

There are reason why God instructs us to set the bar high.  Any leader of God will be accused of any number of sins and failures.  For the sake of respecting that leader, and the health of the church, we need to handle the accusations with impartiality and to make sure that those in leadership are qualified to be there in the first place.

Honor, impartial, and third Paul writes that respect involves being  SENSITIVE.  Let’s try that together, “Sensitive.”

Verse 23:  No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments

Is Paul talking about grape juice or fermented wine - or something in between?  To drink or not to drink?  For so many that is the question.  Churches have divided over trivial issues like that.

But the purpose here is not what to drink, but why?  Why does Paul - in the midst of talking about respect for church leadership - suddenly go off talking about Timothy’s upset stomach and ailments?

Ephesus was a city given to public drunkenness.  The reaction of the Church probably was to abstain from drinking any alcohol or at least look down on it.  Timothy - as a church leader - was probably expected to abstain from alcohol - to set an example for the rest of the Church.

Probably the water supply - meaning water with all kinds of strange things in it - the water in Ephesus was probably causing Timothy stomach problems - maybe dysentery and other illnesses.  It isn’t hard to imagine that the stress of Timothy’s pastoring the Ephesian church was probably being taken out on his intestines.  Between the water and the church Timothy was probably having all kinds of problems.  A little wine would have gone a long way to help with all that.

To drink or not to drink - that is the question:  Whether ‘tis nobler for the Christian to suffer the ailments of the stomach or to take wine against a sea of stomach troubles.

Paul’s instruction must have been a relief.  Given the community total abstinence may be the better way to go.  But, its not a black and white religious requirement.  Forget the expectations of everyone around you.  Mix a little wine with your water and get better.

Which is his point in verse 24: The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.  Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

Jesus put it this way:  “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17)

The point is that God knows and judges how we live in the secret places of our lives.  With Timothy - church leaders - with all of us in the church - we need to be more concerned with what God thinks than the expectations of others who are clueless to the deeper issues we struggle with.

Put another way - respecting leaders - rather than adding on all of our expectations - whether they’ve met our needs or done things the way we expect them to - we need to encourage and support them with great sensitivity as they struggle with deeper issues in their lives - as they first seek to live in obedience to God and then to lead us as they obey Him.

Just like Timothy - a Godly leader will already be sensitive to our expectations because he loves the people who have those expectations.  But, leadership is a lonely place to be.  Its the front lines of spiritual warfare.  It is a place of personal struggle and great temptation.

I greatly appreciate hearing from people that they faithfully pray for me and my family.  We need to be praying for Steve and Janelle and their family.  For Logan.  For our Church Board.  For Pat and Kermit.  For the AWANA leaders.  For those that are teaching in the nursery and Children’s worship.  We should be praying for our youth as they grow in leadership and the roles that God is calling them into.

We all need physical and spiritual and emotional protection.  We need to keep following after God’s will for our lives.  We should be praying that God would continue to raise up Godly leaders in His congregation.  I hope your praying for that.

I hope that you’ll share a word of word of encouragement with them as well - a card - a phone call.  Let them know that you’re standing with them.  Let them know that you’re praying for them to follow God’s will for their lives.  Pastor appreciation month is great.  But God has so many others here who also need us to be sensitive to their needs - sensitivity to pray for them and to encourage them.

Honor - impartial - sensitive - then in chapter 6, Paul gives us an Application of what he’s been writing about.  Let’s try that together, “Application.”

Chapter 6 - verse 1:  All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.  Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful of them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved.  Teach and preach these principles.

In Paul’s day, half of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire were slaves to the other half.  Its an illustration that - in Timothy’s day - its an illustration that everyone was familiar with.  They saw it lived out daily in their lives.

Many of the slaves were prisoners of war - taken from their families and countries - dragged off by the Roman legions.  Masters had absolute authority over their slaves who had no rights.  Slaves were considered to be like animated tools - human shovels and picks.  Imagine what that must have been like - being in a service of worship - with masters and slaves sitting side by side worshipping God - brothers and sisters in Jesus.  That’s hard to imagine.

In some ways we experience the same thing today.  Look around.  There’s growing ethnic diversity around here - White - black - Hispanic - Brazilian - Armenians - Sweedes.  There’s economic diversity - some have more or some have less responsibility for wealth than others.  Educational diversity.  Diversity in spiritual maturity.  Diversity in background.  We’ve said it before:  We are a mixed bag of nuts.  Praise God!

The only way that masters and slaves could worship together - that there could be such unity - such respect - across such a vast diversity - the only way that works is if both the masters and slaves worked together with reverence for God who is the ultimate judge of our lives - of how we treat each other - of what we produce together.

Imagine in the city of Ephesus what kind of tremendous testimony to the reality of the Gospel that was.  Or here in the diversity of Merced - what kind of tremendous testimony to the reality of the Gospel that could be - to the power of God to change - to transform - the lives of men and women - and ultimately the world.

That’s the illustration of the church - the application for us.  Masters and slaves is an extreme.  But leaders and those called upon to respect them.  To the degree that we do this the Gospel is displayed in the world.

The acronym of respecting leadership - on the sermon notes - the acronym is what word?  HIS - God’s.  Church leaders - those in roles of leadership - those growing into leadership - they’re His.  They’re appointed - gifted - raised up - and accountable to God.

Each of us in the church - we are Who’s?  His - God’s - called together to accomplish His purposes - His plan - the mission of the church - proclaiming His gospel here in Merced and beyond. 

We all need to work together - to be open together - respecting each other’s unique gifting and calling and roles within the Body of Christ - to encourage each other to be all that He has created us to be - to allow God to work in us and through us to accomplish His purposes for us here in Merced and beyond.

_________________________

1. SF Chronicle 08.26.02, A1 

2. Ray Stedman, 1 Timothy 5:17-25, “Help For Elders”

3. Clifford Clark, BSF, Respect

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.  Used by permission.