08-02-2008, 05:22 AM
|
#23
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 106
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by YP0534
I'm not sure why this is cited other than to note that for the ones who take the lead and spend more time in the Word than they do in making tents, their practical needs should not be left met by those who benefit from their work. I suppose you might consider this a kind of submission but, once again, Paul doesn't really make a direct statement out of authority, does he? All he says is that they "should be esteemed worthy of double honor." He doesn't even say to render any "honor" at all. A feeble exercise of "authority" if that is what you seek to find here.
|
Here's the reason why Brother Witness Lee cited 1Timothy 5:17:
Quote:
In the entire New Testament, Paul wrote only two books which were directed toward young co-workers. They are 1 Timothy and Titus. In these two books Paul often said that a worker should not dishonor himself but should be a pattern in everything. Anything that leads to contempt should be avoided; one should refuse such things. There is a price to pay in being an authority. One has to separate himself from others. He has to be able to live alone. A pattern must be different from others; he must sanctify himself. If he is the same as the others, he is no longer a pattern. We should not uplift ourselves, but at the same time we should not make others despise us. We should always sanctify ourselves and should not jest lightly. We have to learn to separate ourselves in the Lord. A worker should not be arrogant, but neither should he give reason for others to despise him. Once a worker becomes too common, he is disqualified from his work. Once he becomes too common, his usefulness is gone, and his authority is lost.
A worker must also keep his standing and maintain God’s authority. Authority manifests itself in separation and distinction. The main thing about a representative authority is that he represents God, and being an authority has everything to do with being a pattern. This is a very serious matter. A deputy authority is one who “represents” authority, not one who “exercises” authority.
|
|
|
|