How should we "not rebuke an older man" according to 1 Timothy 5:1? Laying the Groundwork “Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as you would to a father. Treat younger men as brothers.” — 1 Timothy 5:1 What the Command Does Not Allow Paul’s wording is deliberate. The Greek verb ἐπιπλήσσω (epiplēssō) pictures a sharp blow—verbal striking. Therefore, we must not: • Scold or lash out. • Humiliate publicly. • Speak in a harsh, condescending, or sarcastic tone. • Leverage authority to intimidate. • Dismiss life experience or wisdom accumulated over years. Why This Matters • Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother…”—honor for parents extends to all elders. • Leviticus 19:32: “You are to rise in the presence of the elderly and honor the old.” • Proverbs 16:31: “Gray hair is a crown of glory.” • 1 Peter 5:5: younger believers are to clothe themselves “with humility toward one another.” Scripture consistently ties respect for age to reverence for God’s established order. The Better Way: A Family Approach Paul’s contrast—“appeal…as you would to a father”—frames correction as a family conversation. • Appeal, don’t assault. • Choose private, not public, settings (Matthew 18:15). • Use “I” statements that convey concern, not accusation. • Listen first; let the elder’s perspective shape the dialogue (James 1:19). • Aim for restoration, not victory (Galatians 6:1). Guarding the Tongue • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” • 2 Timothy 2:24-25: the Lord’s servant must be “kind to everyone… gently instructing.” Words wield power; Scripture calls believers to verbal self-control, especially with those deserving honor. Practical Outworking 1. Pause and Pray—calm your spirit before speaking (Proverbs 15:28). 2. Affirm Respect—open with gratitude for the elder’s past faithfulness. 3. State the Concern—briefly, factually, without embellishment. 4. Invite Dialogue—“Help me understand…” signals humility. 5. Suggest, Don’t Dictate—offer Scripture, not ultimatums. 6. Leave Room for the Spirit—trust God to convict and guide. Living the Principle Treating older believers as fathers shapes church culture. Younger members learn reverence; older saints feel valued; unity deepens (Psalm 133:1). Disagreements still surface, yet they are handled with grace, reflecting Christ’s meekness and honoring the God who authored every line of His Word. |
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