The Church and Her Elders 1 Timothy 5:17-25 1) Be ________________ to your elders – vv17-18. 2) Be careful in handling ______________ against elders – v19. 3) Be open & clear in ____________________ of elders – vv20-21. 4) Be thorough before ___________________ elders – vv22-25. -What evidences indicate an elder rules well? -What is significant about Paul referring to both an OT quotation and a quotation of Christ as "the Scripture"? -Why is it wise to require two or three witnesses before entertaining an accusation against a leader? Should this requirement ever be bypassed? If so, when? -Why does a sinning elder need to be rebuked in the presence of the congregation? -Why did Paul so emphatically emphasize the solemn nature of this charge in v21? How does partiality hinder dealing with sinning elders? -How do these verses stress the participation and authority of the congregation? -How can a church properly examine/vet potential elders? What length of time is needed to avoid being hasty in appointing a new elder? Digging deeper: Dt 19:15-21; Mt 18:15-20; Lk 10:7; Rom 2:11; 1 Cor 9:7-14; Gal 6:1-8; 1 Tim 3:1-7.