“Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid.” (v. 20)

Do you ever worry that someone will find out? Does the notion that someone might uncover your sin and put it on public display terrify you?

Look, I don’t count the potential for shame as a great motivator in repentance, sanctification, and purity. But it is a motivator!

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul teaches the young pastor that an elder (or pastor or overseer) in the church should be publicly rebuked when he sins. Publicly! It’s because the shepherding ministry is sensitive, a weighty stewardship, and a bit of a high-wire act. The standard he is held to—and the pain he can cause in sin—demands dealing with his sin openly and frankly.

And we’re tempted to think, “Thank goodness that’s his standard and not mine.” What’s at the root of that feeling? The fact that we’re all sinners! It’s the reality that, if anyone started turning over the rocks of our lives to put our sins on public display, they would find some!

Yes, hold the elders in the church to that high standard, and may they lean into repentance and purity and goodness. Follow the Scriptures when addressing their sin.

But maintain a similarly repentant, similarly pure, similarly moral life of your own. Remain motivated, and live a life unworthy of rebuke, by grace.

— Tyler