Tabernacle Talk - A Bible Study Podcast with Pastor Bryon Self · Bryon Self

1 Timothy 5:17-25 - Elders: Good and Bad

·17 min·1 clip

Pastor Brian reveals why churches should financially support pastors, citing Paul's teachings and his own experience of freedom to minister.

Pastor Bryon Self leads this Bible study episode focusing on 1 Timothy 5:17-25, which provides instructions for church conduct regarding elders. The episode examines the Apostle Paul's guidance to his protégé, Timothy, on managing both faithful and problematic church leadership. Self, who pastors Tabernacle Baptist Church, teaches directly from the biblical text with personal application. The passage commands that elders who lead well, especially in preaching and teaching, are worthy of "double honor," interpreted as financial support. Self references Paul's own model of tentmaking and instructions in 1 Corinthians to argue that supporting pastors frees them for ministry. He cites the Old Testament law "do not muzzle an ox" and Jesus' saying "the worker is worthy of his wages," which Paul calls Scripture. The text also states accusations against elders require two or three witnesses, which Self clarifies applies to character issues, not criminal acts like abuse. For elders who sin, Paul commands a public rebuke to instill a healthy fear in the community. Self warns Timothy not to be hasty in appointing leaders to avoid sharing responsibility for their future sins. A personal aside instructs Timothy to "use a little wine" for his stomach ailments, which Self frames as an endorsement of medicine. The segment concludes by noting some sins are obvious upfront while others emerge later, but good works ultimately become visible. Self highlights that Paul calling Jesus' words "Scripture" in verse 18 shows early church recognition of New Testament authority. He offers a stark warning that misapplying the "two or three witnesses" rule to criminal abuse cases has destroyed many churches. The instruction for public rebuke of sinning elders is presented as a solemn charge before God and angels, emphasizing its gravity. Self shares that his own ability to produce daily content like this podcast depends on his church's financial support, offering a practical example. The advice to Timothy about wine is presented as a surprising, divinely approved medicinal remedy, countering any notion that faith alone should address illness. He notes that limiting church leadership to the biblical offices of elders and deacons acts as a safeguard against broader accountability. The tone is pastoral, educational, and conversational, delivered as a verse-by-verse exposition from a committed Baptist perspective. Self speaks candidly about his time constraints and interacts with potential criticisms from online commenters. This episode is ideal for Christians seeking a straightforward, theologically conservative Bible study on church leadership and pastoral ethics. Listeners interested in broader theological debates or narrative storytelling might find it too narrowly focused on exegesis.

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