“Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity.” - 1 Timothy 5:1-2 NKJV

The above sentence, written by Paul to his young friend and fellow preacher, Timothy, gives simple but powerful guidelines sorely needed by preachers today in their dealings with others. If those who preach had always kept these instructions in mind it would have saved the church a lot of unnecessary pain.

Preachers, to be faithful to their duty to “reprove, rebuke and exhort,” (2 Tim. 4:2) must deal with people of all ages – both men and women. It can be no doubt that while doing this that we would be more effective by treating older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters. But, the purpose of this article is not to elaborate on ways that one might behave toward each of these classes. My purpose is to focus on the last phrase – “with all purity.”

Though the word translated purity (hagneia) in this text is a little different from the word, hagnotes, a noun meaning “the state of being hagnos.” Hagnos is an adjective translated “chaste” in 2 Cor. 11:2; Tit. 2:5 and 1 Pet. 3:2. Vine says hagneia is synonymous with hagnotes. (See W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, p. 498).

Of the phrase, “with all purity,” Marshall Patton aptly writes, “Preachers, especially young preachers, need to guard themselves carefully against any indiscretion that might reflect on their purity or proper conduct. Not one word, look, or action should ever suggest improper feelings on their part. Their character and usefulness depend so much upon their observance of this precept. Paul, by this timely admonition to young Timothy, shows knowledge of human nature and the danger of temptation so often present in such work.” (Truth Commentaries, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Marshall Patton. Published by Guardian of Truth Foundation, 2001)

The life of any Christian should be a life of moral and spiritual purity. It is part of the “wisdom that is from above.” (Jas. 3:17). But, preachers in being examples to the believer should lead an exemplary life of purity (1 Tim. 4:12). It is hard enough to get people to listen to the gospel, especially those parts that they may need yet to be convinced about, without preachers giving them an excuse to turn a deft ear because some preacher they know is unable to control his passions and keep himself pure. Not only does such a preacher turn people off who need to hear the gospel message, he gives the church where he labors a black eye in the community that takes a lot of time and effort by brethren to overcome – if they ever do.

Yes, I know that preachers are not perfect, nor does anyone have a right to expect them to be. And, yes, I know that there are likely many who do things “just as bad.” Still, few sins damage the good influence of a preacher or the church with which he is affiliated more than one who is known for his “womanizing.”

Young brother, whether or not you preach, deal with older women as mothers and younger women as sisters – but especially so if you preach. Your influence and effectiveness as a gospel preacher is at stake. Yea, your soul is at stake.

There was a time when we thought that such warning should be almost exclusively directed to younger preachers. However, we are hearing more and more of older preachers with “woman problems.” Whether young or old it should not be tolerated bybrethren. Such a one should not be “allowed to resign,” his work as preacher for the congregation and slip out without publicly confessing his sin that is publically known.

Some sins even after they are corrected and are forgiven have lingering temporal consequences that are not removed by forgiveness. A sin that all but destroys one’s reputation in the community and brethren’s confidence in him, while it can be forgiven in a moment, it takes time for him to rebuild his reputation and the confidence that folks have in him. For this reason, it is a mistake for a church to immediately put a man back into the pulpit after his womanizing episode – even though he is forgiven and even if he does send the brethren on a “guilt trip” for being “unforgiving.”

Later in this chapter, Paul give Timothy instructions about rebuking elders who sin, he cautions him “that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” This principle can be equally applied with our dealing with that which we have discussing. It is easy for us to play “hush hush” if the guilty one is in our particular “brotherhood clique,” but virtually shout it from the housetop if he happens not to be.

It is sad when a brother falls into impure conduct, We need to do all that we can to “restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering (ourselves) lest (we) also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). We need to receive him back with love and open arms when he corrects the matter. A Christian can do no less. If he is sincere and desires to do the right thing, he will understand that he now needs to bring forth fruits meet for repentance and “prove himself” so that he can rebuild his reputation and influence so that brethren can once again support him in his preaching with confidence.

Young preacher, as you read these lines realize that the best way to avoid such problems is to use extreme caution in your association with others – especially females. It is a good idea, and has proven to be effective over the years, to not “counsel” a woman “one on one,” but to always have a trusted third party present to witness what is said and done. This writer has stopped his wife from household chores many times to go with him to call on a sister. By having that third party you not only have a witness in case some wagging tongues let their imaginations run wild and accuse you of impropriety. Also, by having a third party present you protect yourself. The conversation is not as likely to drift into “pillow talk” between you and the person you are “counseling” – both of you would be less likely to go there if someone you both trusted were present. It often takes years to build an impeccable reputation and a wide influence for good, but it can be destroyed by one moment of indiscretion.

“Keep thyself pure.” (1 Tim. 5:22)

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