The service and sins of elders

Discipleship in the church
The service and sins of elders-outline
1 Timothy 5:17-25
Honor elders who lead well and be careful in dealing with their sins

1) Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching, 5:17.
What does Paul mean by “elders who rule well”? What does he mean by saying these elders be considered worthy of double honor?

2) For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages”, 5:18.
The ox was driven over the threshing floor so it would separate the grain from the stalk with its hooves. So they were not to muzzle the ox, but let it eat some of the grain that it was threshing. How does Paul apply these Scriptures (Deut.25:4 and Luke 10:7) to honoring elders?

3) Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear, 5:19-20.
Why are these important rules to follow?

4) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality, 5:21.
Why might leaders be tempted to prejudge and show favoritism in dealing with elders’ sins? How does Paul emphasize that judging issues of sin and repentance is not just a human function?

5) Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure, 5:22.
How does Paul’s instruction in this verse relate to what he has said so far?

6) (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments), 5:23.
How might Paul’s encouragement to Timothy relate to Timothy’s desire to keep himself pure?

7) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden, 5:24-25.
How do these verses apply to identifying and commissioning elders in particular and to Christians in general?