Christian Ethics - Part (1)

We are Family.

Introduction:

When you think of the church, what crosses your mind? Maybe as we have discussed this in SS the past few weeks, our thoughts may have changed or been affirmed. Question: Does the church or the body of believers as a whole have responsibilities just like how leaders do?

In this letter from Paul, we know that there was troubles in this Ephesian church. False teachers were running amok with God’s word and mishandling it. They were creating division and hardship, this led to all types of strange thinking and instead of there being a public testimony of God’s love and grace, there was a public spectacle of worldliness and bad theology that led many astray.

So Paul, through Timothy as his representative in being an under shepherd to this flock gave clear instructions for how the church was to behave. How they were to be pillar and buttress of the truth (3:14,15).

He defined roles and qualifications for how the body was to be led. He gave the responsibilities of what the pastor is to be and do for the flock. Now he moves into how the body has responsibilities as a result of the gospel. So if you answered yes to my question, you are correct. This is the first of three sermons on Christian Ethics or how we live in light of the gospel.

My main point for this morning is that since we are Christians, we have genuine concern for one another just like Jesus.

To emphasize this I want to support this through three points. First is how we treat one another in the body. Secondly is how we care for widows in their great need. Thirdly, how widows can greatly bless the body.

Point #1 - God’s Family Love Each Other.

In a world we now live in, there is a great lack of respect for humanity. Whether it is how children disobey their parents, how brothers or sisters refuse to forgive one another and stop getting together at gatherings. Or how people slander and deface those who are leaders in our country. Police are often not given the respect they deserve for putting their lives at risk. Football players and others that refuse to stand for national anthems showing disrespect to those who serve our countries in defending freedom. Those who make racist comments are disrespecting those that are created in the image of God. These are signs of how the world under the influence of Satan treat one another.

Those who make racist comments are disrespecting those that are created in the image of God.

But in Christ’s body, this should not be so. Paul starts in (1) that an older man is not to be rebuked but rather to be encouraged like a father. In the grey beard is to be honoured and respected, through this you show that you fear the Lord. How often it is easy for us to criticize the one who maybe doesn’t hear as well as he used to. How quickly one can be impatient in waiting behind an elderly man as he tries to get down stairs. How often older men are pushed out of leadership in churches for a new vision as the old ways are too traditional and boring. Perish the thought if that crosses the mind of the saints.

No, don’t treat him like you would just anyone else on the street, but as you honour and respect your own father. Bless him and encourage him. Come to them for wisdom and heed their counsel. They have been through many difficult times in their day. Through their own mistakes they can save you much folly and unnecessary hardship.

Treat the young men in the congregation like brothers. Healthy jesting while at the same time caring for one another has its place. Hold one another accountable to fulfill their responsibilities to their wives and families. Yet being graceful and patient as age is not always indicative of spiritual maturity.

In (2) the older women are to be encouraged just like how you would your own mother. Hearing them out in their kind words, listening and also caring for them. Helping them out where you can, calling them to see how they are doing and just loving them. For the younger women, they are to be treated as sisters with all purity. This is to protect them and nurture them just like you would your own sister. You don’t look at them as an object but rather as one you truly care for and love. Hearing out their concerns and doing something about it. Not just passing them off as though they don’t know what they are talking about. Be careful to listen to them, because I have a sister who would put moths in the ears of my brother and they may do the same to you.

In all seriousness though, Jesus says in the gospel of John 13:34,35

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

How we treat one another in the body of Christ is how a family cares for one another. I know there are those families that are broken and we would not want to copy that, but the picture God has for His children is that they treat one another as you have been treated by the Lord Jesus Christ. With love.

Transition:

Therefore, as children of God, we are to imitate God our Father and treat one another in the church with the honour, respect and love. Next, Paul turns to how we are to care for those in the church who have experienced great hardship in losing their husbands.

Point #2 - Christian Widows Need Care.

This part of Paul’s letter hits us pretty close to home. Just in the past few years we have Pauline, Marj and Donna who have experienced great loss in seeing their husbands pass away. With the health of Jake and John depreciating, Laverne and Dian also could be near to this reality. So how is the Christian family to care for widows?

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27)

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

As a result of some obvious trouble in the church, Paul pays a lot of attention to this particular need. Some widows in this church were causing division

You will notice at the start of (3) that the church is to honour widows that are truly widows. To honour means that you support them and respect them. In Strong’s Concordance this it to mean that you give recognition and providing aid or financial assistance to those who are widows. Yet Paul has this disclaimer added to it. This is for those who are truly widows. One may question what he means for if someone loses their husband, are they not all widows? Yes they are, but Paul is giving clarification to who qualifies for this honour and support. He explains what a true widow is in (5).

The one who is truly a widow is one who is left alone. There is no family to care for her. She has set her hope fully and completely on God for her very survival. Often times in the early church days and throughout history before, the man would carry title in the family business or farm. A widow was often left alone without any support. God, as a loving Father will not have any of this for His precious daughters. He commands the people of Israel in

22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. 23 If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

God meant business when the widows and orphans were mistreated. This should never be within the body of Christ for as James says:

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

So the true widow by Paul’s instruction is one who is all alone without children and grandchildren. These are the ones to honour with support and respect in however the church can.

Widows with family are to be first of all cared for by them. (4) states this most clearly. The family is to learn how to show godliness, or practise their Christian faith by giving back to mom or their grandma. As those who profess faith in Jesus, this is the natural outpouring of their love towards all the love and care they themselves have received over many years of sleepless night with you sick, or helping with some money to get new tires or caring for children so you could get out on a date night with your spouse. Now that she has lost her mate, it is your turn to return back to her in some small way what she has done for you. By doing this, it is pleasing in the sight of God. It is the will of God for you to do this.

However, Paul states in (8) that if anyone that claims to be Christian does not provide for their relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Wow! To say that you believe that Jesus is your Saviour and have received his great love, yet not love one another especially your mom or grandma, or even a sister who is alone? Paul is saying without any apologies is that this person is worse than an unbeliever for even they take care of their family better than you do. One who professes faith but has not works has a dead faith.

Paul also adds in (6) that a widow that may not have family but is self indulgent is dead while she lives. The widow who lives a lavish lifestyle of luxurious living and benefiting only herself is one who again is in no need of financial support. Her actions and character reveal who she is. Her faith is in the things of this world and is not to burden the church to give more to.

Paul tells Timothy in (7) that he must teach these things to the body so that they know how to please God by caring for those who are looking to God for help. By obeying these instructions, our faith in God has stirred us to live in a way that modelled Christ in caring for the widows and orphans.

Our little church family has had many opportunities to show this. We have seen the body take care of each other and it brings joy to God by living sacrificially to serve our dear sisters in their cry to God for help. Let us continue to be mindful of ways that we can care for each other and show the world by our love that surely God dwells amongst us.

Transition:

So, in knowing that widows are to be cared for as an expression of who we really are as Christians, Paul moves to how widows can serve the church.

So

Point #3 - Widows Ministry.

In the midst of grief, it can be a daunting task to simply put one foot in front of another. It is often a monumental task to even think a day ahead, less a year down the road. But as time goes by, through the grace of God, healing happens. Through supportive families and the body of Christ the widow who has set her hope on God, continues in supplication and prayers night and day. Here we see a tremendous ministry of prayer warriors that God raises up out of the ashes of despair.

It appears to us in (9) that if a widow is at least 60 years old, she should be enrolled or put on a list. What is this list? At first glance, one could think that it means to be included for some type of financial support and it could very well be. But upon closer inspection, I believe along with many scholars that by including qualifications of being a wife of one husband, having a reputation for good works, brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of saints, cared for the afflicted and devoted herself to every good work there is something much more he is getting at.

Does this list of qualifications not look much like what was listed for deacons? Somehow, Paul sees that widows that no longer have husbands or little children, they now have much more time to give to the Lord in service. This is where commentators draw on the continual prayer that they show night and day as a powerful and effective ministry for the church. When these qualifications about raising children are mentioned, does it mean that barren widows could not be included? Not at all, these were just different kinds of examples that characterized their reputation.

So if this is the right interpretation and I am more than willing to be pushed back on this, then one could assume that to be on this list would mean they are dedicating themselves to the service of the Lord as prayer warriors. Knowing how prayer is a vital component in spiritual warfare, this makes perfect sense that this is a much needed ministry.

Paul states that if widows are younger than 60, (11) they should not be enrolled on this list because after they heal, their passions may draw them away from Christ and they get married again. They may even marry an unbeliever out of thinking he is the only one who will marry her and thus incur condemnation. I think this 60 age number is more of a guideline as Paul’s intention is to address those much younger as you see in (14).

He also warns that it is possible that these women who may not have any more responsibilities may learn to be lazy and gossip, saying what they should not. This now is not exclusive to widows, or women or men. All who may be at a season when we have less responsibility can fall into bad habits and become lazy and just sit in the coffee shop saying things we should not say.

So then (14), Paul encourages the younger widows to get married again, have children, manage the household and give the adversary no occasion for slander for some have already strayed after Satan.

Paul then gives a closing statement in (16) that if you as a Christian woman have a relative who is a widow, care for them. Now, is Paul contradicting himself from what he said in (4) that children and grandchildren are to care for the widow in their family? Not at all. But as a closing bracket to this instruction, a believing woman who has a natural gift of compassion can lovingly take care more readily of the aging relative than a man. But this is in no way giving a pass to men from stepping up to help their relative widow.

The point Paul is making here is that family is to take care of one another so that the church can focus on those who are truly widows who have no family.

Application:

When we look at a text like this, it probably led our mind in many directions. A few ways that we can apply this to our daily lives is that first of all we consider whether there are ways that we can help those in our family who are now widows. This can be done by a visit for tea, a phone call to see how she is doing. Spending a few hours dusting furniture or learning how to quilt and take on a new hobby with her. It could mean taking her for a nice drive to Waskesui on a scenic route and having a nice lunch together. It could mean arranging a day to go and cut wood for her fireplace or bringing some meat. The list is endless, but the point is have us think outside of ourselves and try to put ourselves in their shoes for a moment. To lose your husband is a very difficult time.

Secondly, it is vital to pray for them, encourage them with Scripture passages and reminding them of God’s goodness and promises that this is not the end. Let us as a church think about how we can involve our dear sisters in creating opportunities for them to use the gift of prayer to advance the kingdom of God.

Regarding each other from (1&2), we are family. As believers, look around you. These are your brothers and sisters. Treat each other with respect and truly love one another for the glory of God. If there has been an issue where there is a hurt that has not been dealt with. Go to them and apologize. Has someone offended you and never asked for forgiveness? Maybe they don’t know they hurt you. Try not to assume but through prayer, ask the Lord for courage to have a coffee and explain yourself. Many matters can be solved over conversation and prayer.

Conclusion:

Paul is being deliberate and intentional about each aspect of how the church is to function. His instructions for how we are to behave in the household of God are not meant to be just conversation pieces. They are given so that we will obey God our Father in how to please Him. So let us be careful to love our brothers and sisters. Let us think carefully about how we can care for the widows in our families and the church. Let us glorify Jesus who says that those who believe in Him as their Saviour are all my mothers and brothers. Because of the cross, we have received much grace, love and forgiveness. Let us therefore empowered by God’s Spirit love one another in seeking true harmony and peace so that the community will know that we are Jesus’ disciples. Amen

(This is another example of why church is never of one in front of a tv)