Bible Study - I Timothy 5
S – Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
1 Timothy 5:22 ESV
O – Commentary:
One way to avoid painful situations involving the disciplining of an elder is to be careful about who is ordained in the first place. Thus Paul counseled Timothy to a judicious reluctance in the laying on of hands (cf. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). The words do not share in the sins of others may be merely advice for Timothy to guard his own conduct generally... this is a warning about the implications of hasty ordinations. Those who take part in the premature ordination of an errant elder share some of the blame for the negative consequences to their church. Whichever is the case, Timothy was to keep himself free from sin. One cannot deal with sin in another if one’s own life is not pure (hagnon).
A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 744.
A – The clock is always ticking. There’s real pressure to decide, fill the spot, and move on. But Paul’s counsel to Timothy still holds: don’t rush putting people in leadership, especially spiritual leadership.
Today, it’s easier than ever to see only someone’s best side. We see the highlight reel online, the polished conversation, and the right answers in the interview. That’s why we have to stay sober and discerning.
Looks fade. Talent gets tested. Personality only carries a person so far. But heart, conviction, integrity, and character don’t fade. They build, layer upon layer, over time.
So take the time and do the work. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you. Does this apply in the church? Absolutely. Does it apply in your business, your team, or your board? Yes. The principle is the same.
The pressure of the clock is real, but a wrong choice costs far more than a patient one. Let the Holy Spirit reveal who a leader really is, and you’ll know how to move forward.
R – Heavenly Father, You hold every mystery and unlock every secret. Your Word says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Show us what we can’t see on our own. Give us patience when we feel pressure to hurry, and discernment when we choose who will lead. Keep our own hearts pure. Empower us to live out Your Word and show our love for You in how we lead. Amen.
