"REPROVE BEFORE ALL ONLOOKERS"

 Read 1 Timothy 5:20. Paul wrote those words to his fellow elder Timothy in connection with how to handle "those who practice sin." What did he mean? He did not necessarily mean that the whole congregation were the "onlookers." Rather, he as referring to those few who might already know of the sins. They could be eyewitnesses. or they could be those whom the wrongdoer confided in. The elders would discreetly make them aware that the matter was handled and that the sinner was corrected.

In some instances, the wrongdoer may have become widely known in the congregation or is likely to become known. In such a case, the "onlookers" would include the entire congregation. So an elder would announce to the congregation that the brother or the sister had been reproved. Why? Paul answers: "As a warning to the rest" not to fall into sin.

What about baptized minors-those under 18 years of age-who engage in serious wrongdoing? The body of elders will arrange for two elders to meet with the minor and his Christian parents.  The will elder will find out what steps the parents have already taken to help their child come to repentance. If the minor has a good attitude and the parents are reaching him, the two elders might decide that it is not necessary to take the matter any further. After all, it is the parents' God-given responsibility to provide loving correction to their children. (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; Proverbs 6:20; 22:6; Ephesians 6:2-4) The elders will thereafter occasionally check with the parents to make sure that the minor is getting the help he needs. However, what if a baptized minor unrepentantly persists in a wrong course? In that case, a committee of elders will meet with him along with his Christian parents.

Next time: "JEHOVAH IS VERY TENDER IN AFFECTION AND MERCIFUL" 

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