1 Timothy 5:1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers.
Insight and Highlight
Lev 19:32 You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Scripture Commentaries
Timothy was very dear to the Apostle Paul. The Apostle carefully mentored the young man and he followed the footsteps of the Apostle.
Paul prepared him how he should approach members of the Church over which he rules.
Paul specifically wanted Timothy to respect, as a young man himself, the members of the Church who are either fathers and mothers.
Further in the list are brothers and sisters he must nurture as his own children, as the Pastor.
Paul admonished the younger generation in Titus 2:6 In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
Paul warns Timothy against a misplaced zeal, overly placed self-ego, and self-indulgent pride which might urge him to unbefitting behavior towards those older than himself.
An over-enthusiastic young servant will behave with an uncontrolled attitude, forgetting or ignoring, previous training. He will behave unwisely and possibly unfairly to find fault.
Paul wanted Timothy, to know that as regards elders the reference is rather a to age than to their offices as elders.
Paul reminded him, extending the scope to women and sisters too, saying in 1 Tim 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Cordially calling them to order, if need be,
instead of open rebuke, use respectful and affectionate endearment after the manner of a well and home trained son, not of an official.
Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: a tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
There are shortcomings of many elder members of the flock. Paul admonished him not to accuse but find out the truth before rebuke, and rebuke before other elders. 1 Tim 5:19-20 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Titus 2:2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.
As relating to the younger members of the congregation, Paul admonishes the young Timothy to relate with them as those of a brother and a friend than of a superior officer in rank.
Remorse corner
Respect must be main-mined not undermined.
Lev 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.
Call to Word action
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
The Christian clarion duty
1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Prayer
Prov 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father:...."
Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
In the name of Jesus, by laughter and rejoicing over your children, you will know no sorrow and by rejoicing over them, you will know no grief.
Good morning all and have a blessed day.
God bless you.
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