1 Timothy 5:17&18 - 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.”
Paul’s words to Timothy (a faithful servant
and pastor) were instructing Timothy on how the pastors in the church were to
be regarded. They were worthy of double honor, they were not to be limited as
they did their work, but to be provided for. This analogy would not have been
lost on the believers of Paul and Timothy’s time. It would have been a very
clear picture. The idea of muzzling an ox while treading out the grain was that
the ox, if not muzzled, would be allowed to eat while working - but if given
food in this way, would work even more. Another way to see it is that the more
they were provided for, the more they were able to work.
The pastors of that time and today, are to
be honored. They are to be cared for. Our pastors are in the unique position of
ministering to others but not (typically) being ministered to. And as we saw a
couple of days ago, to whom much is given, much more is required. Our pastors
have been given the charge of caring for the people who are under their
teaching – to teach accurately and to lead the people in righteousness.
Further, we see some very clear requirements for pastors: 1. A pastor must be
devoted to his wife; one-woman man (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim 3:2). A pastor must love
his wife exclusively with his mind, will and emotions and not just his body. 2.
A pastor’s children must be in submission, though not perfect (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim
3:4-5). 3. A pastor is a faithful steward (Titus 1:7) He is a steward, a
manager of God’s resources and Jesus’ flock. He takes responsibility, but not
ownership. 4. A pastor must be humble - not arrogant (Titus 1:7) 5. A pastor
must be gentle - not quick-tempered (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3) 6. A pastor must be
sober - not a drunkard (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3) This is not just overindulgence
in alcohol but is idiomatic for any behavior that fuels addictive responses. 7.
A pastor must be peaceful - not violent (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3) A pastor is
prone to inflict violence through his words. He is to be a peacemaker. 8. A pastor
must have financial integrity - not greedy for gain (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3; 1
Peter 5:3) 9. A pastor must be hospitable (Titus 1:8; 1 Tim 3:2) 10. A pastor
must be a lover of good (Titus 1:8) 11. A pastor must be self-controlled (Titus
1:8; 1 Tim 3:2) 12. A pastor must be upright (Titus 1:8) 13. A pastor must be
holy (Titus 1:8) 14. A pastor must be able to teach (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim 3:2) 15. A pastor must be spiritually mature (1
Tim 3:6) 16. A pastor must be respectable (1 Tim 3:7) 17. A pastor must be an
example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3)1
Because of all that is required of pastors
– all that is given to them – much is required of them and they are to be
honored. I’d like to encourage us all to pray for our pastors. They face so
much in their own personal lives but also need to minister to their
congregants. It’s a heavy charge. And don’t forget your pastor’s spouse! Cook a
meal for your pastor’s family. Maybe you could offer to watch the children one
evening so that they may have a “date night”. Care for your pastor. They are
charged with the responsibility of caring for our souls, they deserve honor.
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