1 Timothy – Week 9 – Day 3

READ 

1 Timothy 5:17-18 

17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” 

On the topic of helping and supporting others, Paul shifted to talking about elders (also known as “overseers” in 1 Timothy 3). In emphasizing his point, Paul used examples from both the Old and New Testaments. This also reveals Paul considered both Testaments to be of equal value and authority. His instructions have to do with double honor for those who are going above and beyond what normally might be expected. 

REFLECT 

Perhaps you are not in a position of deciding how the church leaders should be paid, but are you expressive in your appreciation for what they are doing? A word of gratitude from you can be as important as other honors they receive. 

RESPOND 

With a friend, read Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7 to see the Scriptures Paul referred to.