05 Discipleship Is a Whole-Church Calling

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review: LAST WEEK…Paul instructed Timothy: “Guard the truth, train in godliness, and model Christ.”

In this chapter, he adds: “Honor one another as family.”

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

In the Roman world, honor was tied to wealth, power, and social standing. The weak were easily dismissed.

In our world, the same problem persists—youth ignored, widows forgotten, elders disrespected, workers devalued.

Paul tells Timothy the church must look different: God’s household honors one another in ways the world does not.

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: The mission of God is carried forward when we honor one another as family—across generations, roles, and circumstances—showing the world a new kind of household under Christ.

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

Think of a family table at dinner. Everyone has a seat—the grandparents, the kids, the parents. It only feels whole when everyone is cared for.

Paul says the church is like that table. We’re a household, and the way we treat one another either strengthens or weakens our witness.

Honoring = valuing people in God’s household with respect, recognition, and fairness—especially the vulnerable and those who lead.

Opening Scripture:

1 Timothy 5:1–2 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.

Honor Across Generations

1 Timothy 5:1–2 “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.”

Timothy is told to treat older men like fathers, older women like mothers, younger men as brothers, and younger women as sisters.

Mission is relational—passed on through respect, purity, and encouragement.

Honor for Older Widows

1 Timothy 5:3–16 “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.”

The church is to care for “real widows”—those truly alone, devoted to prayer and service.

Families are called to care for their own, but the church also steps in where there is no family.

The world ignored widows; Paul elevates them as models of godliness.

Application: How do we honor the overlooked in our community?

Honor for Those Who Lead

1 Timothy 5:17–25 “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. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.”

The Pastor-teacher was worthy of “double honor”—respect and financial support.

Accountability is vital: charges against elders must be handled with fairness and transparency.

Leadership should not be rushed; ordination requires patience and discernment.

Application: Mission requires both honoring leaders and holding them accountable.

Honor in the Workplace

1 Timothy 6:1–2 “1 Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. 2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.”

Paul speaks to bondservants under the “yoke.” While we recoil at slavery, the principle carries forward: the way we work and relate to authority reflects on the name of Christ.

Believers working for believers are to serve faithfully, not despising one another but recognizing their shared brotherhood in Christ.

Application: Our work ethic and relationships with authority can either commend or discredit the gospel.

Conclusion/Reflection:

Who in God’s household today is being overlooked?

How can we, as a church, be a family that honors across generations, roles, and life situations?

Honoring one another is not just about being nice—it’s about protecting the credibility of the gospel in a watching world.

The mission is passed down not through systems but through relationships—through a household that looks like Jesus.

Who in God’s household is God calling you to honor this week—like family—and how will you show it?

Talk It Over

Where do you find it easiest—and hardest—to relate to other generations like family?

What would “absolute purity” (v.5: 2) look like in your friendships and digital habits?

Who are the “overlooked” in our context (single parents, elderly alone, foster youth, refugees, the disabled)?

How does your attitude toward bosses/clients/coworkers reflect on the name of God?

What changes would “serve all the more because they are believers” look like for you (v. 6:2)?