Restoration

Put yourself into this difficult position. In the course of your day you hear a rumor or know of another Christian who is sinning against the Lord. What do you do? Sadly most of us are so out of touch with godliness that we have an immediate reaction to just ignore it after all, what is it to me if another Christian is living in sin? But the reality of Scripture is that you are your brother's keeper. We are indeed responsible to help others be holy; and when we see that holiness failing we should help to bring about that change with an appropriate rebuke.

While our text this morning will come from 1 Timothy 5:1-2; a plain application of it comes right from Galatians 6:1 " Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." (NASB95)

Please open your Bible to 1 Timothy 5:1-2 and read it with me. Read 1 Tim 5:1-2.

Respectfully

If we could summarize the rule for interacting with other people we could do it with one word: "RESPECT". Aretha Franklin Got it right. When we are preparing to confront another believer in sin we must keep in mind that this is a brother (mother, father, sister) in Christ - treat them that way.

He starts with older men and older women. Treat them the way you would your own father or mother. Paul is obviously drawing a connection to the Leviticus 19:32 injunction to stand before the grey headed and honor the aged in connection with revering God.