God’s Purpose for my Life - Caring for my Family

1 Timothy 5:1-16

Church as an Extended Household

Exhort - Not Rebuke

Rebuke (Epiplesso): Epi (Upon), Plesso (Strike/hit), Hitting someone with harsh words

Exhort (Parakaleo): Para (from close-beside), Kaleo (to call), make a call from being close-up and person, to encourage, exhort, to appeal to, to plead with, or to comfort.

NOBODY WANTS TO EXPOSE THEIR FATHER TO PUBLIC SHAME. So don’t expose your church family.

Prov. 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The Weaker/more distant the relationship, the cautious you must be with words.

The Whole idea of Parakaleo is that you are close and personal in order to speak. You may need to take some hours, days, weeks or months of establishing closeness before you touch on a subject.

PERSONALIZATION & PURITY IN RELATIONSHIPS

Treat (not honor or submit), talk to them with the level of respect that would show to a family relative:

Older men (as Fathers), Older Women (as Mothers), Younger men (as Brothers), Younger Women (as Sisters).

WE ALL NEED ACCOUNTABILITY: balanced by EQUAL LOVE & TAILORED/PERSONALISED TREATMENT.

LOVE THE SAME, DON’T TREAT THE SAME: Hugs, kisses, voice tone, choice of words, how you express frustration.

WIDOWS - Church's role as a social safety net where traditional family support might have failed.

v.3-4 & 7-8 Religion Starts at Home:

IF YOU HAVE FAMILY, HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP.

Many are in serious need because they do not want to reconcile with family members.

PRIDE FIGHTS: Single mothers denying their child to see the father or ask for pension, Homeless people who have brothers who can help but are too proud to ask for help/reconcile.

Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Church as last resort

Must be in desperate Need (v. 5), 60+ & Good Reputation (v.9-10)

Church has a specific list of priorities, Very Organised list!

Young Widows, are advised to get married, if singleness is negative to them and others.

MARK’s PREACHING - Some are gifted for marriage, others for singleness (it can change with circumstances)

FAMILY MUST SUPPORT EACH OTHER - THE CHURCH FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALONE (widows) OR ABANDONED (orphans).

NOT FOR THOSE WHO CAN RECONCILE WITH FAMILY BUT IS UNWILLING TO.

ADDED FAMILY (V. 16): Those who God brought to our lives, to look after them as our own family blood.

CONCLUSION

DO NOT GIVE THE ENEMY OPPORTUNITY

Through Slander, Gossip, or even Miscommunication

TAILOR YOUR COMMUNICATION TO EACH INDIVIDUAL (age, sex, proximity)

If Needed, before exhorting, take some time just to establish proximity/trust

Before you DO, you have to BE.

DON’T NEGLECT YOUR OWN HOUSEHOLD

Parents, Grandparents, & People who God placed under your care.

BE AN AGENT OF PEACE: Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.