These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
Summary: Paul’s words send us back to his letter to review what he has been saying.
In chapter five of Paul’s letter,* Paul addresses what might be called the ‘administrative’ side of the church. How are older men and younger women supposed to be treated? Paul insists that they be treated gently and with purity. (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
What about managing church finances? Paul insists that if the church accepts the burden of caring for a widow, she must meet strict requirements of age, character, and need. (1 Timothy 5:3-16)
When elders are chosen to aid in leading the church, they are not to be denied material support (5:17-18). If there are complaints or accusations against elders, there are strict requirements for how a complaint is brought. If an elder has sinned, they are to be reproved before everyone so that all might learn to avoid the sin (1 Timothy 5:19-21).
When vetting leaders for the church, patience is paramount. Both sins and good deeds, even if hidden, will be revealed in time (1 Timothy 5:22-25)
Finally, all people who are believers, regardless of their station in life, are to respect those they work with and honor God by serving well (1 Timothy 6:1-2).
When Paul tells Timothy to “teach and insist on” these things, we run up against an interesting conundrum: Is Paul making “laws” for the believers?
Christians, whether Gentiles or Jews, both have the same challenge before them. God desires (not requires) godly behavior. God’s gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is not based on anything we can do, except to say, “Yes!” Yet, as James points out, “faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).
Church, then, is more than simply a place to go and worship. Paul is describing real-life training for people who want to be faithful to Jesus. Timothy, like Paul himself, is supposed to “teach and insist” on these things.
There are few things more difficult than standing in front of other believers and insisting that they change their behavior. There is a reason Paul tells Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16). You can’t hold others to a standard you yourself cannot keep.
Application: Practice being godly in all things.
Food for Thought: What are the benefits of following Paul’s teachings in these matters?
*It is good to remember that Paul didn’t actually use chapters and verses in his letter. They were added centuries later, and we use them for convenience only.
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