“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend”

  (Pro 27:17-27)

[Study Aired April 16, 2026]

Pro 27:17  Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Pro 27:18  Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
Pro 27:19  As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Pro 27:20  Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Pro 27:21  As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
Pro 27:22  Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Pro 27:23  Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
Pro 27:24  For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Pro 27:25  The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
Pro 27:26  The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
Pro 27:27  And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Our title, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend”, taken from verse 17 of this chapter,  is a powerful metaphor that reminds us that growth is never meant to be a solitary journey (Heb 10:25). This proverb from last week’s study (Pro 27:9) confirms that it is Christ in us who makes it possible for us to be a joint that supplies in love (Eph 4:16, Col 1:27, Rom 5:5, Rom 8:30-34).

God’s word of course is likened unto a sharp two-edged sword (Heb 4:12), and both breastplates and swords can be made of iron, and so we’re reminded of the constant need in these verses as the body of Christ to be sure that we are clothed with the spiritual armour that God grants us in this life (Rom 8:29-32) in order to do battle against the powers and principalities that we constantly war against (Eph 6:12). This is how we can be an effective joint that “maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph 6:10-18, 1Th 5:1-11).

Pro 27:17  Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Iron is being likened unto God’s word in this opening proverb, and we know God sends His word to bring healing (Psa 107:20, Joh 20:21, Joh 3:17), especially to God’s elect in this age (1Ti 4:10). It is because of our belief in that word (Joh 6:68, Joh 6:28) that we can grow and overcome and endure the reproach that comes upon us for trusting in the living God who is the saviour of all men.

1Ti 4:10  For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God (Eph 1:12), who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe (specially of those who are doing the work of God in this age Joh 6:28-29).

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Two examples of God’s word being sent to bring spiritual healing: “Iron sharpening iron”

1- Nathan Confronts David — “Iron sharpening iron”

2Sa 12:13  And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.(Eph 2:8, Psa 32:2)

2- Paul Confronts Peter — “Iron sharpening iron”

Gal 2:11  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

Pro 27:18  Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

Keeping the fig tree is just another way of saying “Occupy till I come”(Luk 19:13), the fig tree representing the body of Christ as does the vineyard that we occupy. Our labours our not in vain in the Lord (1Co 15:58) and we are reminded through Christ directly that “he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured”(Mat 24:42-47).

Luk 19:13  And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.(Heb 11:6)

Mat 24:42  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Mat 24:43  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. [Christ is the goodman in our temple (1Co 3:16, Col 1:27) and we are being told to not neglect so great a salvation by stirring up the spirit of God within us, and Christ will then be that goodman who will be the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 2:3, Heb 12:2, Php 2:12-13)]
Mat 24:44  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Mat 24:45  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Mat 24:46  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Mat 24:47  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. (Luk 9:23, Joh 6:44, Mat 19:27-30)

We are not just passively sitting around or mentally not involved as we wait for the Lord’s return but rather we are by God’s grace fearfully (Mat 10:28) taking on all these needful qualities in our life (Heb 11:7, Heb 5:7, Mat 18:8-9, Rom 13:11) that will make it possible for us to be scarcely saved as it says in (1Pe 4:18).

Heb 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith (1Jn 5:4).

Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Mat 18:8  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
Mat 18:9  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (Heb 11:26)

Rom 13:11  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Pro 27:19  As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

When we understand our own heart we will get insight into the heart of others is what this proverb is saying, and that is true for both the negative and positive things that come forth from our hearts (Jas 3:10-18, 1Co 3:1-6).

Jas 3:14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

1Co 3:3  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

What we know about the heart of man is that it is deceitful and desperately wicked above all things (greatest enemy we have is seen in the mirror every morning Jer 17:9). That’s who the beast on the throne who is empowered by the devil is (Rev 13:4), and he must be destroyed by the brightness of Christ coming into our lives daily (2Th 2:3-8) so that we can go from glory to glory (2Co 3:18) ripping this veil of flesh daily, keeping under ourselves (Heb 10:20, 1Co 10:16), as we die daily, to ultimately see Christ face to face one day (2Co 3:13, 1Co 13:12). For now we see through a glass darkly making the way very narrow for those few who are called to be in that blessed and holy first resurrection (Mat 7:14).

2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The reflection that we see of ourselves in the water is being paralleled with the heart of “man to man”. We are beasts that have to be shown we are such, and we cannot become that new creation without acknowledging that truth (Ecc 3:18), and so we must be judged our entire life in order to endure to the end and be saved (1Pe 4:17, Act 14:22)

Act 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith (Gal 2:20, 1Jn 5:4), and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Pro 27:20  Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

This proverb is simply telling us what we read here in Ecclesiastes (Ecc 1:8-10).

Ecc 1:8  All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Ecc 1:9  The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Ecc 1:10  Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

This is why the internet with the myriad of search engines on AI steroids fits right into this proverb that says “the eyes of man are never satisfied”(Ecc 12:12, Gen 6:3). All of flesh leads to the same “hell” (H7585 Sheol; grave) “and destruction” (H10 ->H11 Abaddon; perishing) destination, and cannot inherit the kingdom (1Co 15:50). As long as there is flesh, “hell and destruction are never full”.

Ecc 12:12  And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Gen 6:3  And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Our Father is ultimately seeking an occasion against all flesh [all books], and today God’s elect are blessed to be judged and overcome all that is in the world [our books] within us first so that we can fulfill God’s will (1Jn 2:15-17, Eph 2:8, Eph 1:12, Php 1:29).

1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. [the narrow way Mat 7:14]

Pro 27:21  As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

Pro 27:21  People use fire to make gold and silver pure. In the same way, a man is tested by the praise people give him. (ERV)

Pro 27:21  The heating-pot is for silver and the oven-fire for gold, and a man is measured by what he is praised for. (BBE)

In these verses we are being shown that when we go through trials our life is going to be refined, “fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold”. It is those tests that we go through that bring us to a place where we are standing in the Lord and if standing we are giving honour where honour is due, “a man is measured by what he is praised for” (Rom 13:7). All that glory and honour are God’s for the work that He does within us as His workmanship (Eph 2:10).

God has worked a work in our lives which is expressed in these verses (this is the “the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold”1Co 3:12-14) and it is all being accomplished by God through Christ who told us of himself he can do nothing without the Father, just as we of our own selves can do nothing without Christ (1Jn 4:17) while in these earthen vessels (Luk 19:40, Joh 15:5, Joh 5:30, Rom 1:20).

Luk 17:10  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Mic 6:8  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

1Co 3:12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1Co 3:13  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:14  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Pro 27:22  Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

Pro 27:22  No matter how hard you beat a fool, you can’t pound out the foolishness. [CEV]

This proverb is speaking about our old man whose hardened heart cannot change and make war with the beast (Rev 13:4), until the day of evil is revealed within ourselves (Pro 16:4) and the man of perdition is destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming into our heavens (Joh 8:36). Christ is the pestle that crushes the wheat in the lives of God’s elect for good, but if we are not being worked with in this age our sorrowful situations will not change us, being of a worldly sort and not Godly sorrow that is not to be repented of.  (2Co 7:9-10). Godly sorrow brings forth fine flour that is refined and able to be used to nourish the body of Christ as the next verse goes on to show (2Co 7:11)

2Co 7:9  Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
2Co 7:10  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (“Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him”)
2Co 7:11  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Pro 27:23  Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Pro 27:23  You should take good care of your sheep and goats, (CEV)

David was a man after God’s own heart, and so there is a correlation to repentance in the lives of God’s people that is needful if we are going to be justified and take good care of the Lord’s flocks and herds (Luk 18:14). We are taking good care of the flocks and herds when we have a contrite and broken heart which is a gift from God (Isa 66:2). Verse (Isa 66:3) is contrasted with (Isa 66:2) to show the difference between a sacrifice that is acceptable versus one that is not.

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Isa 66:3  He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Pro 27:24  For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Pro 27:25  The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

Pro 27:24  because wealth and honor don’t last forever.
Pro 27:25  After the hay is cut and the new growth appears and the harvest is over, (CEV)

The imagery of youthful spiritual beginnings is illustrated with these words, “The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered”, speaking of the sincere milk of the word that we can grow by (1Pe 2:2), going onto maturity no longer a babe in Christ but able to partake of strong meat (Heb 5:13-14, Eph 4:13-15, 1Pe 5:10).

Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

There are seasons in our lives where we will be less productive, and God has purposed this and calls us to pray for that renewed growth “because wealth and honor don’t last forever” and “After the hay is cut and the new growth appears and the harvest is over” we need to continue to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling to the end (Php 2:12-13), patiently possessing our souls (Heb 10:36, Luk 21:19) and waiting for the next harvest, the next increase, that God gives in our lives (1Co 10:11-13, 1Co 3:6, Jas 5:7).

1Co 10:11  Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1Co 10:12  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Jas 5:7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Jas 5:8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts:(1Pe 5:10) for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Pro 27:26  The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
Pro 27:27  And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Pro 27:26  you can sell lambs and goats to buy clothes and land.
Pro 27:27  From the milk of the goats, you can make enough cheese to feed your family and all your servants. (CEV)

We are like Christ on this earth (1Jn 4:17-18) and as such we are sheep for the slaughter (Rom 8:36) whose lives are sacrificed for each other so that we can clothe each other, “The lambs are for thy clothing”, as a joint that supplies in love (Eph 4:16). The end result of our due diligence in the Lord which is accompanied by repentance (Rom 2:4) is an abundant spiritual harvest which is being likened unto with these words, “The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field” and “goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens”. Between harvests in our lives we have enough spiritual store laid up, which is what this plenty is talking about [likened also unto extra oil in our vessels given by the grace of God (Mat 25:4, Eph 2:8)].

Finally we share in paying for “the price of the field” as the scapegoat along with Christ. The field is the world (Mat 13:38), and God so loves the world that He bruises Christ as well as His body (Isa 53:10, Mat 21:44, Php 1:29, 2Ti 2:12) so that we can share in being saviours with our Lord who will come up on “mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S” (Oba 1:21).

Lev 16:10  But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: (the fit man within Col 1:27, the same fit man Lev 16:21)

Isa 53:10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes[a] his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.[NIV]

Mat 21:44  Any man falling on this stone will be broken, but he on whom it comes down will be crushed to dust.

Php 1:29  Because to you it has been given in the cause of Christ not only to have faith in him, but to undergo pain on his account:

Oba 1:21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.

These final few verses we’ve looked at remind us that Christ not only had the preeminence in being crushed for our sakes, but has also taken on the role of our high priest so we can be assured that we can indeed drink the cup. (Mat 20:23, Rom 5:10). God’s word, Christ,  is that strong sword in our heavens who is able to sharpen our heavens and prepare us to endure whatever the future holds for the bride of Christ (Joh 18:9).

Mat 20:23  And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Rom 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Joh 18:9  That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

The Book of Romans – Rom 15-16, Part 34 – Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

[Study Aired July 2, 2025]

Rom 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 
Rom 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 
Rom 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 
Rom 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 
Rom 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 
Rom 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 
Rom 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: 
Rom 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. 
Rom 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 
Rom 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Rom 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 
Rom 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 
Rom 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 
Rom 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 
Rom 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
Rom 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 
Rom 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 
Rom 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 
Rom 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 
Rom 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

In Romans chapters 12 through 15, the Apostle Paul provides guidance to the early Christians on how to live their faith in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of unity within the “body of Christ.” In Romans 15:14-33, Paul wraps up this section by praising the Roman believers, saying he is sure they are full of goodness, knowledge, and able to help each other grow. This affirmation highlights the essential role of every member in the body of Christ to preach the gospel to one another, encouraging spiritual growth and unity.

Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

Even though Paul trusts their abilities, he writes boldly because of the grace God has given him. He speaks about his mission to the Gentiles (non-Jews in the flesh), emphasizing that it is his duty to bring them to faith, guided by the Holy Spirit. This mission reflects the broader responsibility of all believers to share the gospel, not just with those who have never heard it, but also within the Christian community to strengthen and edify each other.

Eph 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. 

Paul shares how he has spread the Gospel, performing miracles and preaching from Jerusalem to Illyricum. His dedication to preaching in new areas where people haven’t heard about Christ yet also underscores the importance of continually sharing the gospel within the body of Christ, ensuring that all members are built up in their faith. Paul expresses his wish to visit the Roman Christians, hoping for mutual encouragement and support, demonstrating how the body of Christ thrives when believers actively share and reinforce the gospel message among themselves.

He also discusses the importance of the Gentile believers’ contributions to the poor Christians in Jerusalem, showing how all Christians are connected and responsible for each other. This mutual support within the body of Christ is vital, as preaching the gospel to one another nurtures a spirit of generosity, care, and unity.

Finally, Paul asks for their prayers for his safety and for his work to be accepted. He ends with a blessing of peace for everyone. This passage shows Paul’s vision of a unified, supportive, and mission-driven Christian community where preaching the gospel to each other is a fundamental practice, ensuring that every member grows in faith and love, contributing to the overall health and strength of the body of Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Continuing with chapter 16.

Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 
Rom 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 
Rom 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 
Rom 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 
Rom 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 
Rom 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 
Rom 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 
Rom 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 
Rom 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. 
Rom 16:11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Rom 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 
Rom 16:13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 
Rom 16:14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 
Rom 16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 
Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. 

In Romans 16:1-16, Paul recognizes and honors many individuals who have supported his ministry and contributed to the growth of the early church. These greetings highlight the significant roles of both men and women in the ministry, the importance of the churches, and the deep bonds of love and respect within the Christian community. This passage reflects the collective effort and unity necessary for the spread of the Gospel.

Continuing with our verses.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 

These verses warn against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to sound doctrine. This aligns with other scriptures that emphasize unity and sound teaching:

1 Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

The warning to “avoid them” is consistent with other biblical teachings:

Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 

This verse encourages wisdom in good things and simplicity concerning evil. This echoes Jesus’ words:

Matt 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 

The promise that God will bruise Satan reflects the prophecy in Genesis:

Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Rom 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 
Rom 16:22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 
Rom 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 

These verses list various individuals who send greetings. This practice of sending greetings is common in Paul’s epistles, emphasizing the unity and fellowship of believers across different locations.

Rom 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

This final blessing echoes Paul’s common closing in his letters, emphasizing the importance of grace:

2 Thess 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Overall, these verses emphasize the importance of sound doctrine, unity among believers, wisdom in dealing with those who cause division, and the eventual triumph of God over evil. It also demonstrates the interconnectedness of the early Christian community through personal greetings.

Here are our final verses of Romans.

Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 
Rom 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Rom 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea. 

These verses speak of a “mystery” that was hidden but is now revealed. This aligns with the spiritual nature of God’s truth. We must approach this with spiritual discernment, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

This passage mentions “scriptures of the prophets,” emphasizing the importance of searching the scriptures. We should not interpret this privately but seek confirmation from other parts of scripture.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

God’s word is true and endures forever. 

Psalm 119:160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever. ASV

The “mystery” refers to God’s plan of salvation through Christ, now revealed to all nations. 

Rom 11:25-28 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes. 

The doxology in verse 27 emphasizes God’s wisdom, reminding us of our dependence on His revelation rather than our understanding.

In conclusion, this passage encapsulates the grand narrative of scripture, God’s eternal plan, once hidden, now revealed in Christ, made known through the scriptures for the obedience of faith among all peoples, all for God’s glory.

Rom 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

1 Timothy 5:1, 17-21

[Study Aired July 26, 2020]

Across the bible, God has so much to say about elders, from the torah to Revelation. There is not a single verse one can find in the word of God where the elderly are being derided or rebuked (Save for 2Kings 2:23, and those rude young people met a sad end as a result of their blatant disrespect of Elisha). It is our modern cultures which have brought us here. In our modern cultures the younger generation have taken over, and they have no value for the parents and their elders. For Governments to appear politically correct, they have given in to these demands, and laws have been changed to place youth on a par with parents and their elders. “Human rights” is no longer human (Anthropos) but is now more about children’s rights and women rights. This so-called modernism is violently placing parents and elders under youth, in communities and churches. Little  wonder this is prophesied by the prophet Isaiah, so we should not be dismayed.

Isa 3:4  And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
Isa 3:5  And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.

Isa 3:12  As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

God’s divine order is that correction, discipline and respect for the elders must be a strong foundation in any righteous community, even if modernism has thrown it out through the window. Families and church must heed this piece of instruction!

1Ti 5:1  Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; (KJV)

1 Tim 5:1 Don’t speak angrily to an elder. But talk to him as if he were your father. Treat the younger men like brothers. (Paraphrased)

The word Intreat is G3870. Παρακαλέω. parakaleo

“to call to one’s side, call for, summon, call upon, that which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.
To admonish, to beg, beseech, to strive to appease, to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation,”

In summary it is instructive to respond to an elder with honour and respect.

Below are scriptures that further clarify how to entreat elders, and those who disobey God’s word should be admonished.

Lev 19:32  You shall rise up in the face of gray haired; and you shall honor the face of an old man; and be afraid of your God. I am Jehovah.

Heb 13:17 Be persuaded by your leaders, and be deferring to them, for they are vigilant for the sake of your souls, as having to render an account, that they may be doing this with joy, and not with groaning, for this is disadvantageous for you.”

Job 32:3  Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
Job 32:4  Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. 
Job 32:5  When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
Job 32:6  And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

God instituted elders both in the Old and New Testaments. These are not just titles to fill space but critical tools in God’s eternal purposes. The architecture of the twelve foundations, both in the house Jacob and in the heavens, is structured around elders. Therefore, we must take seriously all instructions and commands about elders (honour and respect, correction and discipline). The same instructions are not given about the rest of the family/the body of Christ.

1Ti 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1Ti 5:18  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1Ti 5:19<  Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
1Ti 5:20  Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
1Ti 5:21  I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

How should we treat those whom God has called to be leaders in the body? Secondly, how do we correct them when they sin, teach heresy, or have personality conflict with any among the flock?

Then thirdly, what does the Bible say about disciplining an elder? Is there a difference between disciplining one of the flock and disciplining an elder?

in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15, we read:

“And we urge you brethren to recognize [it means to respect, to know well] those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you brethren, warn those who are unruly [Those who are acting in an unruly manner, insubordinate toward those in leadership, who we should be esteeming highly are examples of being unruly. Unfortunately, some at Thessalonica were acting toward their elders in an unruly worldly fashion.], comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, BE PATIENT WITH ALL. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”

The key phrase is, of course, verse 13. “Esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” As long as verse 13 is always at the back of our minds, every argument, attitude and behavior toward an elder must begin and rotate around that requirement for very high esteem. Not fear them, not simple respect, but VERY high esteem, whatever “very high” means to you. The bible does not just throw words out for no reason. Every word has been placed by the Holy Spirit for us, with exception to translators’ additions. Every word (in the original languages) makes the whole difference. Here, Paul is not talking about those in government because he is speaking about those who labour in the word (their work).

Are we to obey and submit to elders no matter what? No! When are those occasions when we would not be obligated to obey, in fact, we would be obligated not to obey?

In summary, if an elder or some elders, were to ask us to do/believe something, or they were to lead us to do something that is unbiblical (false doctrine), that is unethical, that is illegal or immoral, then we would be obligated to say, “No.” We would be obligated to disobey in such a case. We would be obligated actually to follow what we are going to see in 1 Timothy 5:20. Now, note again very carefully the four categories I just mentioned: If it is unbiblical doctrinally or otherwise, if it is unethical, if it is illegal, if it is immoral. Should God allow those four things to happen among us (and He will as He desires after the counsel of His will), the body or any of us in the body must confront the elder in love, and we shall shortly see how that confrontation is done scripturally.

Are you saying elders could be wrong at times? Ooh, yes! Here is a case study for consideration:

Exo 32:1  And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Exo 32:2  And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.
Exo 32:3  And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
Exo 32:4  And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Exo 32:5  And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD.

However, I have been in so many historical situations in Babylon and have observed so many modern churches where they confronted their leader or leadership, and they disobeyed their shepherds, and they opposed those who were over them, and it was not done for those four parameters I have mentioned above.

I could hear statements like “Well, I just don’t like the way he is leading. I just don’t like the direction the fellowship or church is going. I don’t like the way they are prosecuting the word of God, or they spend money etc, etc”. Again, let me repeat for our better understanding; has the elder done (or said) something illegal? “No.” Immoral? “No.” Unethical? “No.” Unbiblical? “No.” By the way, if you examine carefully, these four areas of assessming when to confront an elder are a kind of summary of the qualifications of an elder. Statements like, “Why can’t he do things this or that way?”  “I just don’t like him or his presentation” etc, are advance indicators of serious problems within a carnal believer.

Such a believer has yielded his/her heart to the enemy to break up the body. A brother/sister with this attitude has a problem, and their problem is not with the elder(s). Their problem is with the Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, and at that point one has now stepped into a serious world of rebellion and potential judgment.

We must be diligent to obey the word of God in matters of interpersonal relationships and discipline in the body. The New Testament provides 31 positive and 13 negative one-another commands, to emphasize interpersonal relationships in the church. So how we treat one another, including elders who may be in “error”, is extremely important. When we act in disobedience to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 and are tempted to reprimand our elder(s) unduly, we are mistreating those whom God has divinely, sovereignly called to a leadership assignment in the body.

Here are other texts in the Bible that deal with issues of church discipline (including interpersonal private relationships with an elder). The first is found on the lips of Jesus. In Matthew 18:15-17, “Moreover, if your brother [an elder is a brother] sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother, but if he will not hear, take with you one or two more that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [And we’re going to see that same principle expounded about an elder in just a moment in 1 Timothy 5]. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.”

Matthew 18, Deuteronomy 17 and 19, are applicable universally to the whole body, including any issues touching interpersonal relationships with or among elders. In our relationships, the church cannot abandon scripture and embrace our various individual cultures whether Eastern, western or animist.

Therefore, you start with ‘one’. If he won’t hear one, go with two or three. If he will not hear the two or three, then you are to bring him before the church, and enact Matthew 18:17, “If he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” This means you are to cast him out and treat him like an unbeliever. However, this is not a private individual affair, and the statement “tell it to the church” is weighty and carries its own protocols. Whoever we are, if we do not follow these laid-down procedures by our Lord whenever there is an infraction between us, then we are disobeying His commandments blatantly and willingly.

Then the question comes, what does it mean, “tell it to the church”? What is meant by that phrase? We must consult the sum of God’s word.

Psa 119:160 The sum of Your word is truth, And all of Your righteous ordinances are eonian. (CLV)

2Pe 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture at all is becoming its own explanation.

When you put together Deuteronomy 19:17-18, Acts 15:6, 12, 22-23, Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Corinthians 6:4-5, the verses clearly define for us who or what the church is, in matters of discipline and correction in the body. See now how these scriptures flow together:

Deu 19:17  Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;
Deu 19:18  And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;

Act 15:6  And the apostles and elders came together for to consider this matter.

Act 15:12  Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Act 15:22  Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
Act 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

The matter was first taken to “the apostles and elders”. The whole multitude ‘kept silence’ to hear what the apostles had to say, and “then it pleased the apostles and elders with the  whole church” to send a letter to the Gentiles…

This is consistent with Hebrews 13:17:

Heb 13:17 Be persuaded by your leaders, and be deferring to them, for they are vigilant for the sake of your souls, as having to render an account, that they may be doing this with joy, and not with groaning, for this is disadvantageous for you.

While Matthew 18 does not say “take with you one or two elders”, the sum of the Lord’s words here certainly indicate that we should “be deferring to our elders” in every situation.

The principle revealed in shaming the Corinthians for bringing matters of judgment to “the least esteemed in the church or outsiders” again indicates that the “one or two others” should preferably be one or two elders.

1Co 6:4  So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?
1Co 6:5  I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough [preferably a mature elder] to settle a dispute between the brothers, (NLT)

Put these verses together with:

Heb 13:17 Be persuaded by your leaders, and be deferring to them, for they are vigilant for the sake of your souls, as having to render an account, that they may be doing this with joy, and not with groaning, for this is disadvantageous for you.

We are commanded here to “be deferring to… your leaders” and it is “the sum of Thy Word” which is Truth. Considering the example of Acts 15, it is indeed “the apostles and elders” who are to consider any matter before “telling it to the church”. Now it does say, “If they do not hear the church let them be unto you as an heathen man and a publican.” So, “the whole multitude” does not vote on doctrine. We do not see the practice of voting on doctrinal matters. We see consensus and mutual agreement as the Spirit leads. The congregation however, has a function of confirming doctrine to those who are not “persuaded” of “their elders” and are not “deferring to them”. In other words, the congregation is encouraged to let the offenders know that they are not in agreement with the offending brother, but with the eldership/the church.

What about when an elder(s) are in error or sin. First, elders are human, and as much sinners as all of us. However, they deserve respect just like the rest of the flock, even when one feels the elder is errant. There is this one text where the Bible speaks about those who are divisive doctrinally which addresses the issue of elders who shepherd and teach the flock. That is found in Titus 3:8-11. Now, with that as a broad overview of what the Bible has to say about how we treat our elders and how to exercise church discipline on them, Paul applies or addresses both of those issues (correction and discipline) here in this text.

Tit 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Tit 3:9  But AVOID foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Tit 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Tit 3:11  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Before we can correct anyone in the body, in verse 9, we are instructed to avoid certain things. Every imaginable correction must AVOID these traits before we try to correct others, including elders. The word avoid: “peristemi“ literally means to turn oneself about so as to face the other way. Here is what we must prayerfully avoid in correctional experiences:

Tit 3:9  But avoid…

• foolish questions, (godless issues that do not add to our spiritual maturity)
• genealogies, (matters trivial and meaningless to basic doctrine, irrelevant issues)
• contentions, (carnal feel-good, revengeful emotional tantrums)
• strivings (fighting mode, combatant, quarrelsome)

…for they are unprofitable and vain.p

In Verses 10-11 we are instructed to reject a heretic and divisive man who will not heed the true and accurate counsel of many.

Heretic: The definition of heresy is a belief or action at odds with what is accepted, especially when the behavior is contrary to the doctrine of Christ. A heretic is a person believing in or practicing religious heresy. A person holding an opinion at odds with what has generally been accepted by a multitude of counselors.

Titus was to take measures against those who insisted on going their own way or fronting their own understanding of the word. Their “self-will” makes them self-condemned.

Even if demonstrably a heretic in any one sense of that word, and a disturber of the peace of the body of Christ, God gives no man/woman any other authority over him but to shun him. Reject! [G3868].

Παραιτέομαι, paraiteomai: to refuse, decline, to shun, avoid. For example, of one excusing himself for not accepting a wedding invitation or a feast.

Do a heretic or the sinning elder no harm in body, soul, character, or substance; just hold no communion with him; avoid fellowship, communication, sharing any type of “bread” with one who cannot be admonished, corrected and repent. Leave him alone, leave him to God!

The above instructions to Titus could also be universal to the whole body, but are specifically addressing Elders. Those instructions support Matthew 18. However, we have more tailored instructions that provide specifically how to handle errant elders or if any has a matter against him/them, in 1 Timothy 5:19-21.

1Ti 5:19  Don’t listen to any charge against a church elder, UNLESS AT LEAST TWO OR THREE PEOPLE BRING THE SAME CHARGES. [One individual cannot conclude that an elder is wrong or in error. Therefore, one must check with other saints as a witness, and see if others recognize the heresy.]
1Ti 5:20  But if any of the elders should keep on sinning, they must be corrected in front of the whole church, as a warning to everyone else.
1Ti 5:21  In the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I order you to follow my instructions! Do nothing out of prejudice, and don’t be partial or have any favorites. (Living Bible)

1Ti 5:21  I testify fully, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the choice messengers, that these things thou mayest keep, without forejudging, doing nothing by partiality. (YLT)

We should thank God when a church has good elders. Praise God when a man spends a lifetime with integrity, with respect, with holiness, and with godliness and patience.  Tragically, sometimes elders fall by the wayside and sin or even start to teach error (remember the case study of Aaron and the golden calf, or the Nicolaitans). I’ve actually heard (usually it’s Babylonian ministers) people say, “Well, touch not God’s anointed. Touch not God’s anointed.”  This is an erroneous quote from the Old Testament. It was a reference to king Saul NOT to the pastor or the overseer or the elder who is in leadership in the church. Rather, the Bible has a very specific word and a very specific plan of how we would deal with an elder in the church who tragically has gotten involved in sin or is teaching heresy or using unacceptable doctrine or unbiblical phrases. Here are the four steps listed in verses 1 Timothy 5:19-21, above.

FIRST of all, Get All The Facts: 1 Timothy 5:19

Pro 18:13  He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Verse 19, “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except [same phrase you heard on the lips of Jesus back in Matthew 18] from two or three witnesses.” This is a principle found in Deuteronomy 17:6, again elaborated more thoroughly in Deuteronomy 19:15-20, reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 18:16, and confirmed by the Apostle Paul. Here is a biblical way of establishing that indeed the elder has a matter to answer:

Deu 17:6  At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death: he shall not be put to death at the mouth of one witness.

Deu 19:15  One witness shall not rise up against a man for ANY iniquity, and for ANY sin, in ANY sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.
Deu 19:16  If an unrighteous witness rise up against ANY MAN [including an elder] to testify against him of an offence;
Deu 19:17  then both the men between whom the controversy is shall stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges that shall be in those days; [issues must not be discussed before a public forum but the matter is brought before priests and judges]
Deu 19:18  and the judges shall make thorough inquiry; and if the witness be a false witness, and he have testified falsely against his brother,
Deu 19:19  then shall ye do unto him as he had thought to have done unto his brother; and thou shalt put evil away from thy midst.
Deu 19:20  And those that remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil in thy midst.

2Co 13:1  This third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall EVERY MATTER be established.

Mat 18:15  Moreover if thy brother [elders are also brothers] shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone [this is a biblical caveat against any public corrections, arguments or rebuke to a brother or sister]: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Mat 18:16  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

In 1 Timothy 5:19, Paul is providing instruction for how to handle accusations of sin/heresy against the elders. He’s warning against accepting a charge against an elder unless supported by two or three witnesses.

As we read in the Law, it was of utmost importance to safeguard innocent people from false accusation, and as Jewish law required the agreement of two/three witnesses before a man might be called upon to answer a charge, so it must be in the church, especially when an elder is implicated. He must be protected against malicious intent; but if there are real grounds for accusation, then disciplinary action should be taken before the whole church. We saw what the whole church process involves. It is not crowd or public justice. God does not work that way, nor as the worldly justice system. It is very unfair, no, actually sinful. Following the established process in Deuteronomy, all those who do that should be put to death. Apostle James calls such haters, murderers!

In short, when elders are accused the apostle builds in an exhortation to remind the church “two or three witnesses are required not only before an accusation is sustained, but before it is entertained at all.”

Why would Paul provide this exhortation?

It seems most natural here to understand this warning because shepherding leaders are so vulnerable to slander, attacks and false charges. The enemies of the body of Christ often take vengeance on the ministers in the body. A smear campaign can completely ruin an elder’s ministry. So, Paul’s first word to Timothy is that he must never listen to gossip about leaders, or even to a serious accusation if it is made by only one person, unless the evidence has been examined by the eldership thoroughly. Every charge must be endorsed by several responsible people before it is even listened to.

It has been observed, . . . as soon as any charge is made against an elder, it is believed as surely and firmly as if it had been already proved. This happens not only because a higher standard of integrity is required from them, but because nearly everyone overzealously takes these accusations, so that without investigation, they eagerly move to condemn their elders whose good name they ought to be defending.

In other words, if you are going to bring an accusation against an elder there must be multiple witnesses. One is not enough. There must be two and preferably three who can validate and verify the truthfulness of the accusation that is being brought against an elder in the church, SO GET ALL THE FACTS and make sure two other people who are not your close friends/family member, have the same facts based on the word of God not conjectures and false emotional conclusions. The culture of democracy and speaking out what we wish when we want, has never been, will never be and is not biblical. You can talk what you want out there, but before the King and kings and priests, you guard what you say.

Ecc 5:2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And your heart must not hasten to bring forth speech before the One, Elohim; For the One, Elohim, is in the heavens, And you are on the earth; Therefore, let your words become few.”

Now, if the facts are clear and this elder is indeed guilty of heresy or sin, we must act. I believe the Bible is addressing the kind of sin or heresy that is public. It is sin that is serious. Doctrinal heresy is a serious matter because it confuses the flock. If such an error is unrepented publicly, it must be corrected publicly. If it is a sin/heresy that has not been repented of even after it has been highlighted to him privately, it is of the serious sort. So, at that point, move to point #2.

SECOND, Confront Him/Them to Their Face. 1 Timothy 5:20

1Ti 5:20 Those who are sinning be exposing in the sight of all, that the rest also may have fear. (CLV)

“Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all.” So…

1. They have or are sinning/teaching heresy. 
2. They are not repentant, about the error or the sin. 
3. People know about it or heard it. 
4. It is of a serious nature (not frivolous or trivial matters). 

Paul says, and Paul is assuming, that you have already gone one on one, and they refused your concerns. You cannot publicly confront an elder/brother/sister during an assembly however legitimate the issue is. This kind of confrontation in public is not scriptural at all. It is our carnal way of dressing people down and is sinful. It does not break any bones to be patient and correct the matter later on after the counselors, priests and judges have made THOROUGH inquiry. Moses taught it, Jesus taught it, Paul taught it = 3 witnesses.

Deu 19:17  then both the men between whom the controversy is shall stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges that shall be in those days;
Deu 19:18  and the judges shall make thorough inquiry;………

1. You’ve now gone back with two or three elders, and again, there is no success. 
2. So, after confronting him one on one, confronting him with multiple witnesses, if he does not hear you at that point, as painful and as unpalatable and as distasteful as it can possibly be, you have to bring it before other elders first (priests and judges). It is good decorum and biblically keeping in rank, if the matter is finally brought to the attention of the whole church by elders, instead of an individual or group of individuals. This is to avoid a possible rebellion where a clique of people wish to break rank and split the church.

The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 is a good example, and we do not see ordinary brothers discussing the matter and even if they did (because we are told they were present), the Holy Spirit recorded for us what the leaders said and concluded. In fact, James had the last word! There was disputing and disagreements at the beginning, but they all finally were “… persuaded by their leaders, and they deferred to them” [Heb 13:17]. This was in recognition of biblical ranking.

You say, “Have you ever seen that done anywhere on earth?” Not very often because most Christians don’t have the stomach for it, and they will excuse themselves by pointing at you for being judgmental or lacking love. You know, the “loving” thing… If you wish to know the biblical loving thing, it is DO NOT WINK AT SIN/HERESY. The loving thing is not to sweep heresy under the rug. That’s the cowardly way. That’s the ‘chicken’ stuff, which is able to destroy the church of Christ.

Only then can the elders protect the body of Christ against rumor mongering and false reports! If the elders don’t expose the heresy/sin, they will lose the trust and confidence of the fellowship. People will perhaps even leave the church. When an elder sins, even if he is repentant, he must be removed as an elder (temporarily if it is a minor infraction, or permanently if it is heresy or moral/legal etc. problem), and it must be explained to the fellowship. There needs to be censure, reproof and exposure. Situations like this must be handled wisely by the other elders. This is the best thing for the church and for the elder who sinned!

THIRD: Recognize the Value of Fear. 1 Timothy 5:20

In both Deuteronomy 19:15-20 and 1 Timothy 5:20 accurate correction and discipline brings about holy fear.

“Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all” [why?] “that the rest also may fear.” In other words, if the church has Christ’s courage to do that with one/some of their elders, what will they do with you if you get into the same lifestyle of sin or heresy? If they will deal with those on the highest level of leadership, they will also be willing to deal with anyone else in the body as well. So, there is a positive value to fear when it comes to church discipline. Then #4:

FOURTH: Do Everything without prejudice or partiality.

1Ti 5:21  I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.

I think Paul recognized that we have a tendency to be partial and to act with prejudice. And so, he says in verse 21, “I solemnly charge you…” [this is a solemn process].

1. i) before God, 
2. ii) the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
3. iii) the elect angels [that is, the saints]

…that you observe these things [how Paul?]

1. i) without prejudice,(prejudging) 
2. ii) doing nothing with partiality (favouritism)

The goal of church discipline, then, is not to throw people out of the church or to feed the self-righteous pride of those who administer the discipline. It is not to embarrass people or to exercise authority and power in some unbiblical manner. The purpose is to restore a sinning believer/elder to holiness and bring him back into a pure relationship within the body. The purpose is to gain our brother, if he is repentant.

Why this variation with elders? Because, the council of elders guard against one another and chances are very high, by the time anyone realizes the heresy, other elders could have taken it up. Where the matter is differences in relationship with another brother/sister, revert to the lay-person model in Matthew 18. If they don’t repent, then you appeal to witnesses, some of whom should be church elders (1 Tim 5:19), and then you publicly rebuke them (Deu 19:15-20), then tragically, there is possible excommunication, expulsion and disassociation with them/him.

Still, even if we have to turn them out of the fellowship, we must love them.  We still admonish them. We still pray that God would bring repentance into their heart and into their life.

Are there cases or those matters that cannot be restored?

Yes, scripture clearly instructs us that there are matters that can be repented and the sinner is accepted back to the body, while there are others that are not restorable, and that restoring such a one would violate the scriptures.

In 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 Paul deals with a situation of receiving one who had been living in sin, repented and has asked to be restored to the church. Juxtaposed against 1Corinthians 5:1-5 where a young man was having sex with his stepmother, and the church was just letting him sin and stay a part of the church, then Paul had to say, “Kick him out.” They kicked him out. In 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, he may have come back and said, “You’re right church. I’m wrong. I repent.” And they said, “We aren’t going to let you back in.” Paul, in essence, basically says, “What?! You swing from one extreme to the other. If he’s in habitual, unrepentant sinning folk, he needs to be removed. If, however, he repents and demonstrates that he has repented, then let him back in, forgive him, and restore him.” So Paul is responding in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 to the same situation in 1 Corinthians 5:1-7, and we can learn immensely from these two opposite experiences, as a church, on matters of discipline and restoration.

1Co 5:1  Everywhere it is heard that fornication is among you, and such fornication which is not named among the heathen, so as for one to have his father’s wife.
1Co 5:2  And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that did this deed might be taken from your midst.
1Co 5:3  For as being absent in body, but being present in spirit, I have already judged the one who has worked out this thing, as if I were present:
1Co 5:4  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together with my spirit also, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1Co 5:5  to deliver such a one to Satan for destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1Co 5:6  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1Co 5:7  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

2Co 2:5  But if anyone has grieved, he has not grieved me, but from in part, that I not overbear all of you.
2Co 2:6  This censure by the majority is enough for such a one.
2Co 2:7  So that on the contrary, you should rather forgive and comfort such a one, that he not be swallowed up by the overflowing grief.
2Co 2:8  So I beseech you to confirm your love to him.
2Co 2:9  For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, if you are obedient in all things.
2Co 2:10  But to whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For also if I have forgiven anything, of whom I have forgiven it, it is for you, in Christ’s person,
2Co 2:11  so that we should not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices.

However, there is a point where there is no redemption in this life as per instructions from Hebrews 6:4-6. There is a difference between those who have put Christ to an open shame as opposed to the Corinthian fornicator, whose spirit can yet be saved “in the day of the Lord Jesus.” Here are stern instructions given to the church on the irredeemable cases.

Heb 6:4  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Heb 6:7  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
Heb 6:8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

The above verses have always been confused with a sinning or backsliding believer. Hebrews 6:4-8 does not describe the Corinthian fornicator type of sinner, who could repent and be forgiven and restored to the body. As we shall shortly see, this portion of scripture addresses those who have “fallen away” and not those who have fallen. There is a difference.

The main word is impossible. The writer to the Hebrews is not saying it is just difficult, but truly without possibility.

Here are other uses of impossible in Hebrews: It is impossible for God to lie (Heb 6:18). It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats can take away sin (Heb 10:4). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). These impossible verses are biblically not reversible. Hebrews 6:4 is in the same family of irreversible declarations. There is no possibility to restore one who has fallen away.

Those being described cannot be an ordinary brother/sister struggling with sin. They fit the description of elders and matured brothers and sisters, “Who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come.” This is very impressive, and a novice does not fit. The last portion, “…. and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come” is the confirmation that this has to do with the doctrine of Christ and not any other sin.

From all human observation, we must say these are mature believers spoken of in Hebrews 6:4-5, who have pressed on past elementary oracles of Christ towards perfection (maturity) – Heb 6:1-3.

The phrase “If they fall away”: There is a great difference between “falling” and “falling away”. Falling away isn’t just falling into some sin. It is actually departing from Jesus Himself, from His doctrine. It is straying from His doctrine and recanting that which will never pass away. Falling away is more than just sinning. For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity (Pro 24:16). The difference is between being a Peter and a Judas. If you depart from Jesus (the word of God, (Revelation 19) there is no hope!

Rev 19:11  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Rev 19:12  His eyes were< as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
Rev 19:13  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

In Hebrews 6:7-8 we are candidly told the serious consequences of “falling away” or what the epistle to Titus calls becoming a “heretic”. We covered that earlier. These are the tragic consequences;

Heb 6:7-8 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

If ground that is blessed by rain refuses to bear fruit, then who can blame the farmer for burning it? The picture presented reminds us that growth and bearing fruit is important to keep from falling away. We really bear fruit by abiding in Jesus (Joh 15:5) and cannot be in any danger of falling away. Once we fall away, there can be no restoration. Remember, abiding in Christ is being in accurate doctrine as we saw in Revelation 19 (His name is The Word of God). Note the three words are in capital letters.

Joh 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 
Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without [outside of me] me ye can do nothing.
Joh 15:6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

That, my brothers and sisters, is how we are to entreat those God has placed as elders over us. We shall be continuing with this topic when the Lord provides more materials and opportunity.