• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:21

A SOLEMN CHARGE REPEATED

The work of the Lord is certainly most sacred and thus the words “charge” and “command” were used to highlight the solemnity of the ministry. The word “charge” was used once again to remind Timothy of his ministry.

“I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ
and the elect angels that you observe these things without
prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.”
1 Timothy 5:21

1. “I charge you”

a) In 1 Timothy 1:18 the word “charge” may be translated simply as a “commandment”.

b) In this present verse the word “charge” has a slightly different connotation.

i) The essential idea of a commandment is still there.

ii) There is an added element of being a conscious witness to this special charge given.

iii) It is as if Paul is bearing personal witness to Timothy that he is giving this solemn word.

2. Three witnesses are highlighted

a) God the Father

b) The Lord Jesus Christ

c) The elect angels

i) These are cited for effect.

ii) The angels behold the Presence of the Lord.

iii) They attend to the Lord and will do His bidding without hesitation.

3. An elaboration of the charge given

a) This verse is to be understood in the immediate context.

b) It is the work of church discipline.

c) There is danger afoot of not doing this work properly.

d) There could be fear or favour of the individuals to be disciplined.

e) There is a solemn reminder to do this work with full consciousness of the Presence of the three sets of witnesses.

f) It would take much spiritual maturity and great courage to exercise church discipline:-

i) Discipline must be administered without prejudice.

ii) It must be carried out without partiality.