Lesson 557

(Lesson 557)(02-24-13) 1 Timothy 5:17-25, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."

Today's lesson instructs us to treat elders with respect and to give them due deference. It also tells us that when someone within the Church is found guilty of a wrongdoing they should be exposed to the whole Church. The guilty party is to be rebuked in the presence of the whole Church.
This lesson contains the famous line, "use a little wine for thy stomach's sake". Some use this statement as a license to stay drunk. That was most certainly NOT what Paul intended. Although it is clearly established that the moderate consumption of alcohol is acceptable so long as it does not become a problem for the consumer. Even the deacons were to be selected from those "not given to much wine" clearly implying that some limited consumption of alcohol is acceptable within the Church.

The final portion of this lesson tells us that the sins of some take time to come to light, and likewise, the good deeds of some will become apparent long after the work was performed.~