1 Timothy 5

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1 Timothy 5:1–16 ESV

1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

vs3-4

The family is a TEAM.

Because the church is made up of brothers and sisters IN CHRIST, we too are a TEAM

“The Goal is to make the home the orbiting force” - Jeff Bethky

There was a problem within the church- certain groups of people were being neglected and not ministered to.

Paul then follows with some instructions for the church regarding widows and their qualifications to be cared for.

Without Human Support (vs 5)

no family…

Hard for us to conceptualize this because we have SS, retirement homes, assisted living, etc

However, these exceptions don’t exempt the family from the obligation to love and care.

A believer with a faithful testimony (vs5-7)

Especially care for those a part of the church!

Luke 2:36–37 ESV

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

These widows are usually the Spiritual Powerhouses of the church…

At least 60 years old (vs9a)

I know 60 years isn’t old…

Enrolled gives us the impression that Paul utilized them in various ways- they are useful!

A good marriage record (vs9b)

Faithfulness to one’s marriage is very important in the eyes of God.

A witness of good works (vs10)

Active in the life of potentially abandoned children?

If it was referring to her children, she would not be needed to be cared for.

Younger Widows

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

Paul does make it clear (1 Tim. 5:13) that younger widows, if cared for by the church, would have time on their hands and get involved in sinful activities. They would get in the habit of being idle instead of being useful. They would gad about from house to house and indulge in gossip and be busybodies. There is a definite connection between idleness and sin.

Paul warned Timothy against using the “charity” ministry of the church to encourage people to be idle. The church certainly ought to assist those who really need help, but it must not subsidize sin.

Marry in the lord… and have children!

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

Those today who refuse to have children because of the “awfulness of the times” should check out how difficult the times were in Paul’s day! If Christians do not have children and raise them to live for God, who will?

Manage the house. The emphasis here is PARTNERSHIP (TEAM)

The result?

Good testimony that silences the accusers.

Overall theme?

Respect, honor, and love…

For those who have aging parents or have recently walked through caring for them, what have you learned about the dynamics of caring well for them?

Who are some widows or widowers that you admire in the life of our church or somewhere else, who follows the Lord and has inspired you? Why?

How are you going to grow in respect, honor, and love for those in need of the church?

Elders

1 Timothy 5:17–24 ESV

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

There were two kinds of elders in the church: ruling elders who supervised the work of the congregation; and teaching elders who taught the Word of God.

A pastors pay…

If Pastors are faithful and leading people, the church should be faithful and pay them adequately.

A Pastor must never minister to simply earn money…

The bigger place and bigger salary isn’t the goal.

1 Timothy 3:3 “lover of money”

Then Paul writes about discipling Elders

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

The purpose of discipline is restoration, not revenge.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

In fact the verb restore that Paul used in Galatians 6:1 means “to set a broken bone.” Think of the patience and tenderness involved in that procedure!

*Kid who broke his femer.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

Paul’s first caution to Timothy was to be sure of his facts

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

Paul’s second caution was that Timothy do everything openly and aboveboard.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

Paul’s third caution (1 Tim. 5:21) is that Timothy obey the Word no matter what his personal feelings might be.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Five: Order in the Church! (1 Timothy 5)

There are no seniority rights in a local church; each member has the same standing before God and His Word. To show either prejudice or partiality is to make the situation even worse.

*GARRETT GRUBBS AND ROSS

Lastly,

Look for QUALIFIED Elders…

One’s with sin in their lives is not fit…

Lasting comments or questions?