Day 1067: Body and soul - 1 Timothy 5 vs 21 - 25

21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

24-25 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgement, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden. 1 Timothy 5:21-25 English Standard Version

It's helpful to look at today's five verses in the light of how this letter to Timothy began. In Chapter 1 Paul said to him: “When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.” (1 Timothy 1:3, 18-19 New Living Bible)

Paul was guiding Timothy in the things he needed to teach at Ephesus so that the Christians there would not be led astray by people who were teaching error. That's still a danger for Churches today. What were two important guidelines when it came to safeguarding the truth. (vs 22-23)

Firstly, Timothy especially, but also those in leadership, were not to rush into giving leadership roles to just anyone in the Church. Earlier, when speaking of appointing elders, Paul said “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” And, concerning deacons, Paul said: “They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” (1 Timothy 3:6-10) It's easy to favour family, friends, or those who may be wealthy, when choosing people to look after the Church. Perhaps this why vs 21 said “do nothing from partiality.”

Secondly, Timothy was not to join in with whatever wrong things others were embracing, but was to keep himself pure. That would apply to his teaching as well as to his behaviour. And what was true for Timothy would be true for all the others in the Church as well. Jesus said it is the pure in heart 'who will see God'. (Matthew 5:8)

It's possible that 'taking part in the sins of others' could apply to appointing someone too quickly to the work, and therefore being partly to blame for any sins that followed. This was seen recently in the UK where some Church leaders were held responsible for having appointed people who abused others. But the words 'keep yourself pure' are an essential truth for all Christians, especially for any who are called to be a shepherd of Christ's sheep.

What is a cautionary guideline in giving people a leading role in the life of the congregation? (vs 24-25)

Realize that there is always the possibility of a wolf in sheep's clothing! Back in Chapter 1 Paul mentioned two such people who had not kept a pure conscience and had made shipwreck of their faith. But, just as some wrong lifestyles are easy to spot, so the lifestyles of good people stand out as well. This should be a guideline when it came to appointing people to responsible positions. Does their lifestyle reflect Christ? Are they above reproach, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, not given to drunkenness, gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money? (From 1 Timothy 3:2-3) Such are the leaders we need. This matter of caring for the Church mustn't be taken lightly. Notice how Paul said: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules.” It’s serious work.

A last thought. Midst all the spiritual instructions Paul was passing on, he also gave Timothy some personal and practical advice regarding his frequent (stomach) ailments! (vs 23) He didn't tell Timothy to pray to be healed. He didn't tell Timothy he was being 'demon possessed'. He simply told him to take a common sense step to help him with a personal affliction. Was Timothy a bit prone to stress? We don't know. But looking after our body is not inconsistent with keeping a clear conscience, and a pure soul.