Honoring Leadership: Generosity and Faithfulness in the Church
Summary
Today’s passage from 1 Timothy 5:17-25 draws our attention to the heart of God for his church, especially in how we care for those who lead and serve among us. Just as the church is called to care for widows and those in need, there is a biblical call to honor and provide for elders—those who labor in preaching, teaching, and shepherding. This “double honor” is not about a specific amount or a transactional relationship, but about a posture of the heart: a recognition that faithful leadership is worthy of respect, support, and gratitude. God’s design is that the church would be the means by which pastors are cared for, just as he provided for the Levites through the tithes of Israel.
Yet, the principle of giving and provision is never about the money itself. God is after our hearts. He desires cheerful, willing, and worshipful giving—not coerced or begrudging offerings. The New Testament does not prescribe a set percentage, but rather calls each of us to give as we have decided in our hearts, trusting that God is able to supply all our needs so that we can abound in every good work. When we sow generously into God’s kingdom—whether through the church, missions, or the needs of others—we become conduits of his grace, experiencing both the joy of giving and the blessing of seeing God’s provision at work.
The passage also addresses the seriousness of the pastoral calling. Elders and pastors are to be held to a high standard, and the process of appointing leaders should be done with patience, discernment, and without partiality. Accusations against elders must be substantiated by witnesses, and persistent sin among leaders must be addressed openly for the health and protection of the church. Leadership in the church is not about privilege, but about sacrificial service, personal holiness, and a willingness to be poured out for the sake of others.
Ultimately, every believer has a calling and a part to play in God’s kingdom. Whether in leadership or in supporting roles, we are all called to live with open hands, ready to pour out what God has given us for his purposes. One day, we will look back on our lives in the presence of Jesus and see how he used our faithfulness—often in ways we never realized. May we be found faithful, generous, and courageous as we serve together in his church.
Key Takeaways
- God’s provision for his servants flows through the church, but the heart behind our giving matters more than the amount. The biblical call to honor elders is about a posture of gratitude and respect, not a formula. When we support those who labor in teaching and shepherding, we participate in God’s design for his people and reflect his care for all who serve faithfully. [34:10]
- Giving is an act of worship, not a transaction. God is not interested in coerced or reluctant offerings; he delights in cheerful, willing hearts. Our generosity is a response to his grace, and as we sow into his kingdom, we experience the joy of being conduits of his provision and blessing to others. [45:50]
- The health of the church depends on the integrity and faithfulness of its leaders. Appointing elders and pastors should be done with patience, discernment, and without favoritism. Rushing this process or ignoring character issues can bring harm to the whole body, and leaders must be held accountable for their conduct. [01:06:18]
- Leadership in God’s church requires personal sacrifice and a commitment to holiness. There are freedoms that leaders may lay aside for the sake of their calling and the example they set. True shepherding is marked by humility, patience, and a willingness to be poured out for others, not by seeking privilege or power. [01:12:16]
- Every believer has a unique calling and season of service in God’s kingdom. Faithfulness in whatever God entrusts to us—whether in leadership, giving, or supporting roles—matters for eternity. One day, we will look back with Jesus and see how our open-handed obedience became part of his story of grace and provision. [01:22:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Announcements and Equip Conference Details
[05:41] - Upcoming Events and Prayer Requests
[28:07] - Introduction to 1 Timothy 5:17-25
[29:06] - Honoring Elders and Pastors
[34:10] - God’s Provision for Leaders
[37:50] - Old Testament Patterns of Giving
[43:46] - The Heart of Giving and Generosity
[46:45] - Sowing into the Kingdom
[49:22] - Becoming a Conduit of God’s Grace
[51:22] - Open Hands and Trusting God
[54:38] - What It Means to Rule Well
[57:19] - The Challenge of Faithful Leadership
[01:01:16] - The Seriousness of the Pastoral Office
[01:06:18] - Accountability and Appointing Leaders
[01:12:16] - Sacrifice and Personal Holiness in Leadership
[01:15:03] - Discernment in Appointing Elders
[01:19:15] - Living with Eternity in View
[01:22:21] - Faithfulness in Every Season
[01:23:20] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: 1 Timothy 5:17-25 – Honoring, Giving, and Faithfulness in God’s Church
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### Bible Reading
1 Timothy 5:17-25 (ESV)
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Paul, what does it mean for elders who “rule well” to be considered worthy of “double honor”? What specific kinds of work does he highlight for elders?
(see 1 Timothy 5:17; [29:06])
2. What Old Testament and New Testament principles does Paul use to support the idea of providing for elders?
(see 1 Timothy 5:18; [34:10])
3. What process does Paul lay out for handling accusations against elders, and why do you think he emphasizes witnesses?
(see 1 Timothy 5:19; [01:02:26])
4. What warning does Paul give about being “hasty in the laying on of hands” when appointing new leaders?
(see 1 Timothy 5:22; [01:06:18])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul avoids giving a specific amount or formula for how the church should honor and provide for its leaders? What does this reveal about God’s priorities for giving?
([34:10])
2. The sermon emphasized that giving is an act of worship, not a transaction. How does this perspective change the way someone might approach giving to the church or to others in need?
([45:50])
3. Paul instructs Timothy to keep the process of appointing elders free from partiality and to take time to observe character. What dangers might arise if a church ignores these instructions?
([01:06:18])
4. The passage and sermon both stress that leadership in the church is about sacrifice and personal holiness, not privilege. How does this challenge common ideas about leadership, both inside and outside the church?
([01:12:16])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “God cares for pastors through the church,” but also that the heart behind our giving matters more than the amount. When you think about your own giving—whether time, money, or encouragement—what is your heart posture? Is it cheerful and willing, or do you sometimes feel reluctant or obligated? What would it look like to give as an act of worship this week?
([45:50])
2. Paul warns against being quick to appoint leaders and against showing favoritism. Have you ever seen (or experienced) the negative effects of rushing someone into leadership or ignoring character issues? How can you personally help your church be wise and patient in recognizing leaders?
([01:06:18])
3. The sermon described leadership as “being poured out” for others, not seeking privilege or power. If you are in a position of influence (at church, work, or home), what is one way you can practice sacrificial service this week?
([01:12:16])
4. The pastor shared a story about learning to have “open hands” with what God has given, even when it’s hard. Is there something in your life right now—resources, relationships, plans—that you are holding onto tightly? What would it look like to trust God and “open your hands” in that area?
([51:22])
5. The sermon reminded us that every believer has a unique calling and season of service. What do you sense God is calling you to be faithful in right now? How can you take a step of obedience this week, even if it feels small or unseen?
([01:22:21])
6. When you think about supporting those who lead and serve in the church, what are some practical ways (beyond financial giving) you can show honor, encouragement, or gratitude?
([34:10])
7. The pastor talked about looking back on our lives with Jesus and seeing how our faithfulness became part of God’s story. If you imagine that moment, what do you hope to hear from Jesus about your life and service? What changes might you want to make now to live with that “eternal perspective”?
([01:19:15])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to give each person in the group a heart of cheerful generosity, wisdom in supporting and recognizing leaders, and courage to be faithful in whatever He has called them to do. Pray for open hands and open hearts to be conduits of God’s grace in the church and beyond.
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring Faithful Pastors and Elders
God calls the church to honor and care for pastors and elders who serve faithfully, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. This honor is not about a specific amount or material provision, but about a heart posture of respect, gratitude, and practical support for those who shepherd the flock. Just as the Old Testament law provided for the Levites and Jesus affirmed that “the laborer deserves his wages,” the church is God’s instrument to care for its leaders, recognizing their spiritual labor and sacrifice. When the church has a heart to honor and support its pastors, regardless of the amount, it is beautiful in God’s eyes and reflects His design for His people. [34:10]
1 Timothy 5:17-18 (ESV)
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
Reflection: Who is a spiritual leader in your life that you can encourage or support this week—through a note, a prayer, or a practical act of kindness?
Day 2: Giving as Worship from the Heart
God cares deeply about the heart behind our giving, desiring cheerful, willing generosity rather than reluctant or coerced offerings. The principle of sowing and reaping applies to our investment in God’s kingdom: those who sow generously will also reap generously, not just materially but in the impact and blessing of God’s work. Giving is not about meeting a quota or fulfilling an obligation, but about recognizing God’s provision and responding in worship, trusting that He is able to supply all our needs so we can abound in every good work. [45:50]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Reflection: What is one area where you sense God prompting you to give or serve with a more open and joyful heart today?
Day 3: Faithfulness in Pastoral Calling
Pastors and elders are called to lead with faithfulness, teaching God’s word, shepherding with patience, and enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel. The office of pastor is not to be taken lightly, as it involves a commitment to preach the word in season and out, to guide and correct with love, and to remain steadfast even when it is difficult or unpopular. Faithful leaders are examples to the flock, pouring out their lives as an offering to God, and the church is called to pray for and support them as they fulfill their ministry. [54:38]
2 Timothy 4:1-5, 7 (ESV)
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry... I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Reflection: How can you pray for and encourage your pastors or spiritual leaders to remain faithful in their calling this week?
Day 4: Guarding the Integrity of Church Leadership
The church is called to protect both its leaders and its people by handling accusations and discipline with truth, fairness, and seriousness. Accusations against pastors must be substantiated by two or three witnesses to guard against slander, but when a leader persists in sin, it must be addressed publicly for the health and protection of the church. Appointing leaders should never be rushed; time and discernment are needed to observe character and ensure that those entrusted with spiritual authority are truly called and qualified. This careful process honors God and safeguards the church from harm. [01:06:18]
1 Timothy 5:19-22, 24-25 (ESV)
Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure... The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community whose character you need to observe more carefully before placing trust or responsibility in their hands?
Day 5: Living with Open Hands and Faithful Stewardship
God calls every believer to live with open hands, ready to release what He has given and to be a conduit of His grace to others. Holding tightly to possessions, positions, or even relationships can clog the flow of God’s blessing, but surrendering all to Him allows His grace to move freely through us. Each season of life brings a unique calling, and faithfulness in the present prepares us for the future when we will stand before Jesus and reflect on how we responded to His leading. The ultimate question is not how much we accomplished, but whether we listened to His voice and were faithful with what He entrusted to us. [01:23:20]
Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto tightly that God may be asking you to release or surrender to Him today, trusting Him to use it for His kingdom?
Quotes
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