1 Timothy 5:21
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
The charge is given before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels to observe these things without preferring one before another and doing nothing by partiality. The things to be observed impartially are matters of church discipline, including receiving an accusation against an elder only with proper witnesses and rebuking those who sin openly so that others may fear. The charge binds Timothy and ministers and church elders, who must consider their responsibility carefully and prayerfully. Their judgments and corrective action must not be governed by imperfect human preference, even when private reproof has failed.
Faithfulness under the charge means rebuking sin and upholding right principles despite opposition or trial, and faithfully correcting wrong even when doing so is unwelcome. It means not excusing in one person from preference or sympathy conduct that would be condemned in another. An elder who appoints a person whose wrong habits he knows sanctions that person's errors and may be held responsible for the resulting harm to the church.
Correction of another's fault is performed under the gaze of angels and in view of the coming judgment. It must therefore be given without pride, contempt, anger, bitterness, or ill will, but with meekness, gentleness, and earnest love. Its success depends greatly on the spirit in which it is given. The demand for no favoritism also forbids showing special favors and attention to a few in a health institution, since partial treatment displeases God. It is wrong to neglect those who genuinely need care while favoring those who do not.
The solemn charge before God and His angels requires following a human teacher no farther than he has followed Christ. It requires being as ready to receive anything God reveals through any other instrument as truth received before, because more truth and light is yet to break forth from His holy word. A charge made before God and the Lord Jesus Christ carries solemn weight, as when it enjoins caring for an overburdened worker by protecting health, relieving burdens, and ensuring work beyond strength is not required.
Service in an appointed work is a pledge to act in the presence of God and holy angels and to remain loyal, refusing to be bought or sold. Awareness of accountability before God and the angels requires carrying out the Master's orders without imposing one's own stamp or identity. Self-love and self-esteem disrupt harmonious service.