PODCAST
Handling Problems God’s Way
August 5th, 2023
1 Timothy 5:17-25
In 1 Timothy 5, it seems that something has gone wrong within the leadership of the church? Paul instructed Timothy to handle problems respectfully, with witnesses, and in person.
It is interesting that before Paul told Timothy how to deal with the problem, he reminded Timothy of the responsibilities of every person in a community of faith. We are responsible to honor our leaders and pay them appropriately. We are accountable to the way we manage problems when something goes wrong.
Why is Paul so direct here? This is the Ephesus church where Paul himself had preached and taught. Paul knew these people. He wanted them to succeed. His counsel came from deep love. Love-prompted intervention will always be more redemptive than pointing fingers, anger, or gossip.
God-honoring people bring issues with a broken heart and a push for redemptive answers. Paul counseled Timothy, as he also would say to us, that prevention and reconciliation are always better than breakdown.
Author: Debbie Salter Goodwin
