Worthy of All Honor
Sermon Notes
This morning, we're walking through 1 Timothy 5:17–20, where Paul continues instructing Timothy on how the church should operate—specifically in how the church honors and holds the elders accountable. Throughout these verses, we are told that the church is called to support and respect these leaders, but also to take seriously any unrepentant sin in leadership. To help you reflect and apply this truth, we've provided a weekly reading plan with discussion questions. You can find it on the CityBridge App to follow along. Worship Set List →
Key Points
When Elders Rule Well:
Recognize Faithful Leadership (Verse 17-18)
Reward Faithful Leadership (Verse 17-18)
When Elders Don’t Rule Well:
Proper Recon (Verse 19-20a)
Proper rebuke (Verse 20b)
Proper Restoration
Discussion Questions
In verse 17, what does it look like to give "double honor" to elders who lead and teach well?
Why is it important that accusations against church leaders require multiple witnesses? How does this protect both leaders and the church body?
What does it look like to handle correction in a way that leads to restoration rather than shame or separation?
Transcript
In 1 Timothy 5:17–20, Paul gives Timothy specific instructions about church leadership—namely, how elders should be honored, supported, and held accountable. He makes a bold and balanced statement: faithful leadership should be rewarded, but unrepentant sin must be addressed.
Paul begins by telling Timothy that elders who “rule well” are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. This “double honor” includes respect and financial support, rooted in both Scripture and common sense. Just like an ox deserves to eat while working, leaders should be cared for while they pour themselves out for the body of Christ.
But Paul doesn’t stop at honor—he moves into hard truth. Elders are not above accountability. If a charge is brought against them, it must be backed by multiple witnesses, protecting leaders from slander and the church from cover-ups. And if an elder persists in sin? Paul says rebuke them publicly. Not to shame them—but to restore them and remind the church that holiness matters.
This is a high call for everyone involved. For elders: to lead with integrity and authenticity. For the church: to honor their leaders, but also guard truth and confront sin with grace and courage. Ultimately, this passage points us to Jesus—the perfect Shepherd—who leads with both truth and love.
