Receive the Word in Its Entirety

Summary: Timothy is solemnly instructed before God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels to uphold these principles without bias or partiality. He must not appoint anyone hastily and thereby share responsibility for that person’s sins, but must keep himself free from sin. He is also advised to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments rather than continuing to drink only water. Some people’s sins are immediately evident and precede them to judgment, while others become apparent later. In the same way, good deeds may be clearly visible, but even those that are not immediately evident cannot remain hidden. Teaching: It is best to receive the Word according to its plain meaning. However, if a literal reading is difficult to understand or does not fit the circumstances of the present age, we may apply the text in a way that remains faithful to its message. We must not add our own opinions merely to avoid what the Word requires. The instruction not to share in the sins of others also means that we should not take another person’s sins upon ourselves. We must not become involved in someone else’s wrongdoing and then share in the blame and reproach that follow. When a person’s sins are exposed during their lifetime and that person receives God’s discipline, this means that the sins have gone ahead to judgment. For some people, however, judgment for their sins comes after death. It is better for our sins to go before us to judgment. Our sins should be exposed now so that we may recognize our wrongdoing, repent, and return to God. They must not remain buried until we die and face judgment. Do not disregard the wisdom gained through years of life experience. Let us not knowingly repeat the same mistakes. Instead, let us repent and be renewed. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Sep 11, 2026 1 Timothy 5:21-25