1st Timothy 5:17-18. “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, ‘Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.’ And, ‘The labourer is worthy of his reward.’” HONOR AND LABOR. One is there to assist when needed, his interest and care above reproach. Another has the same response to needs, but goes farther on than most – Because he sees a further need, he takes the needed time to prepare And labors diligently in privacy, that he the truth of God can share.
To preach the word is a proclamation that confronts listeners with a choice To heed the message and respond to the urgency of the preacher’s voice – Thus, changing a direction in one's life that affects oneself and others – So, we are called to give double honor in supporting our preaching brothers.
Another takes a lot of time to learn how to explain a difficult passage. And then he can pass on to the saints his understanding in a message That he gives when appropriate, and people will know he labored In the word, in order to help them learn the truth, at the cost of his endeavor.
I wonder how long it took Matthew, Mark, Luke and John To place on the written pages of scripture what the Holy Spirit passed along. Probably Luke wrote a lot in prison when he was accompanying Paul, And certainly, we today are blessed by what he wrote then for us all.
It is only right that we honor such men by giving them our support. The labor that those who in word and doctrine spent that benefit to us imparts – Should be acknowledged in any way we can, whether in honor or meeting needs – That through the efforts for the Lord they make, we blessings from them receive.
The reward such a one receives from us is not something he demands. But from us who observe him and are blessed, God gives us this command – Give him double honor and make sure he has a reward – That can meet his needs in a practical way, who has given us the word of the Lord.
“Father of the faithful and Chief Shepherd of shepherds: impress on us who are blessed by the extensive labor of others, ways in which we can meet their needs. They spend time in word and doctrine – we spend time earning that we can supply their needs. Thou art the One who knows the procedure and the need. Guide us, O Thou Supplier of every need and the Giver of every good and perfect gift. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
When an elder carries out his responsibilities in a commendable way, he is "worthy of double honor." Double honor involves respect for who they are personally and also for the work they do for us. We should not take them for granted, nor should we ignore them. The way they are treated should be with appreciation and support. "Counted worthy" has to do with how we think of them, and "honor" describes our response to their labor for the Lord. Criticism is quite common when a preacher or teacher says things that convict us and make us uncomfortable. They are not perfect people, nor are they exempt from making mistakes or failures. Those who labor for the Lord by serving the saints should not be allowed to suffer because of the lack of material needs when they are sacrificing time, labor, and finances for the benefit of others. Often labor with diligence in the work of the Lord takes a toll on faithful servants physically and mentally as they prepare for, and then instruct the saints in meetings. We need to thoughtfully consider the time and effort spent in preparation before preaching and teaching. That kind of labor involves the whole person - body, soul, and spirit. Those who serve well should be rewarded with respect and appreciation.