Introduction

Welcome, beloved friends and family in Christ, to another gathering where we come together to bask in the warmth of God's love, to find comfort in His words, and to strengthen our bonds as a community of believers. We are here, not because we are perfect, but because we recognize our need for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our desire to live in accordance with His teachings.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the words of 1 Timothy 5:17-18: "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'"

In this passage, the apostle Paul is speaking to his young protégé, Timothy, about the importance of recognizing, honoring, and supporting those who serve the church. These are the humble heralds, the holy handlers, and the hardworking harbingers of God's word. They are the ones who dedicate their lives to the service of the gospel, often sacrificing their own comforts and desires for the sake of others.

John Stott, a respected Christian author and preacher, once said, "The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve." Indeed, the character of those who serve the church is of utmost importance. They are the ones who set the tone for the congregation, who lead by example, and who guide us on our path to spiritual growth.

Honoring the Humble Herald

In the heart of the scripture, we find the call to honor those who lead the church. This honor is a deep, heartfelt respect that acknowledges the spiritual and emotional labor these humble heralds pour into their service. They are the ones who stand at the pulpit, who visit the sick, who counsel the troubled, and who guide the congregation in their spiritual journey. Their work is not easy, and it often goes unseen. Yet, they continue to serve with unwavering dedication and unyielding faith.

The first aspect of this honor is recognition. We must recognize the work of these humble servants. This recognition is not about putting them on a pedestal or idolizing them. It's about acknowledging their efforts, their sacrifices, and their commitment to the gospel. It's about seeing them, not just as leaders, but as fellow believers who have answered the call to serve.

Recognition, however, is not enough. We must also show our appreciation. This appreciation can be expressed in many ways. It can be a simple thank you, a heartfelt prayer, or a helping hand. It's about letting them know that their work is not in vain, that they are making a difference, and that they are valued and loved.

But honoring these humble heralds goes beyond recognition and appreciation. It also involves supporting them. This support can be financial, as suggested by the scripture, but it can also be emotional and spiritual. It's about standing by them in times of difficulty, lifting them up in prayer, and being there for them as they are for us.

Lastly, honoring these humble heralds means following their teachings. They are the ones who guide us in our understanding of the scripture, who help us grow in our faith, and who lead us closer to God. Their teachings are not just words to be heard, but truths to be lived. We honor them not just by listening to their sermons, but by applying their teachings in our daily lives.

In all these ways, we honor the humble heralds of the church. We recognize their work, appreciate their service, support their ministry, and follow their teachings. This is not just a command from the scripture, but a call from our hearts. It's a call to be a community of believers who not only receive the word of God, but also give back to those who bring it to us.

Heeding the Holy Handlers

As we immerse ourselves in the wisdom of the apostle Paul, we find ourselves confronted with the challenge of heeding the holy handlers ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO