Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two
or three witnesses. 20 Them
that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Against a Pastor, overseer, elder, do not believe an accusation unless
there are two or three witnesses to back it up. It is very important not to
believe the rumors you hear of your spiritual leaders, for there are likely
many. But if two or three witnesses say something, then one must consider and
look deeper into the matter, for to disregard such a substantial accusation
would be foolish.
If an elder truly is sinning and when gone to one on one and then with a
few witnesses will not repent, then he should be openly rebuked before all so
that those there will fear (understand the seriousness of sin and fear God).
For example, if a pastor has fallen into homosexuality or some other form of
immorality, the issue should not just be hushed over and the Church quickly
focused elsewhere. No, the sin should openly be told (not in its gross details,
but the specific sin[s] should be mentioned) to the whole congregation and the
sin rebuked. What God’s Word says about that sin should be read to the people
and the pastor removed from spiritual leadership at least for a season of
recovery. Likely, he will never be able to pastor again. However, we must
remember the whole counsel of Scripture in regard to this topic of open rebuke.
Number one, we should practice Jesus steps first and if repentance occurs then open rebuke will not be needed. And
likewise, God can restore even the worst sinner: remember David was an
adulterer and murderer and Samson was a playboy. Consider solemnly and
seriously the Lord Jesus’ Words:
Woe unto
the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe
to that man by whom the offence cometh! 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. 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. 10 Take heed
that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in
heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them
be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the
mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so
be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep,
than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so
it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little
ones should perish.
He teaches how we are to deal with our
brethren when they offend us
15 Moreover
if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between
thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
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. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the
church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an
heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth
shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth
as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.
and how often to forgive them
21 Then came Peter to him, and said,
Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven
times? 22 Jesus saith
unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but,
Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain
king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when
he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand
talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to
be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be
made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying,
Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the
lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him
the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his
fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and
took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his
fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience
with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he
should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very
sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his
lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I
forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest
not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on
thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors,
till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise
shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not
every one his brother their trespasses.
Matt
18:7-35 (KJV)
And
Paul’s Reminder:
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall
inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye
are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the
Spirit of our God.
1
Cor 6:9-11 (KJV)
The next lesson will be a continuation of this one
1 Tim 5:19-20 (KJV)
