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1 Timothy 5 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Through Jesus’ sacrifice and forgiveness, we enter into a new relationship with God. As our father, He loves us unconditionally and leads us into truth and light. The point is, it is Jesus who allows us to transform in our role in relation to God. We once were convicts: dead in our sin and waiting for our sentencing from the judge. But by repentance and faith, Jesus storms the courtroom and offers Himself for the sentencing we deserved. The judge is now our father because Jesus has rescued us and brought us into His family as brothers and sisters.
For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
Hebrews 2:11-12 ESV
This new identity is important, not only for us but also in our dealings with others. This is exactly what Paul opens with here in 1 Timothy 5.
When Timothy faces the task of rebuking an older man in the church, he should not view this man as a random old geezer who is out of touch with reality. Because of our new identity (and his new identity), we factor in our relationship under Christ. Paul stresses that Timothy must treat this older man in the same way he would treat his father. Instead of a tongue lashing, the correction should come in the form of exhortation. The goal is to win over the person because you love them. But in all that Paul is saying, relationship is the key.
I know far too many believers who abandon their relationship when they feel they have been wronged. From a pastor’s perspective, this is a 2-way street. Over the years, I have had experiences with other believers that were less than ideal. I have been on the other end of tongue lashings. I have seen people I love and trust walk away from the church without first coming to me with their issues. I wonder if they would have treated their family members the same way?
If we view the people in our church as only numbers or customers, we will never experience church the way God intended. We are a family united by the love of Christ, and this ideal must guide our attitude with others in the body.