Correction & Care in the Church- 1 Timothy 5:1-16

As we consider the church, we realize that there are many different kinds of churches. Some churches are described in positive terms.

Many people describe their church as a friendly church, a church that welcomes people with wide arms.

Some people describe their church as a “huggy” church, a church where everyone greets you with a hug.

Some churches are described as young and vibrant or old and wise.

Some churches are hip, others are with it, and some are affirming.

There are other descriptions of churches, though, that are not nearly as flattering. Other churches are described as cold, dead. They are described as judgmental. They can be described as running off pastors.

As we consider these thoughts, there are many more descriptions that we could discuss this morning. As a general rule, though, we hardly hear of churches that are pure. By pure I do not mean perfect. By pure I mean the church, as a whole, is focused on becoming like Jesus Christ. Every relationship in the Church should be characterized by purity, as we will see this morning.

But this purity extends beyond relationships in general to specific instances. In fact, the apostle Paul, under the authority and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, provides us with detailed instructions on how to care for a specific group of people within the church: widows.

While there is a good bit of ambiguity on specifics in the church (i.e., how many deacons or elders, how would a service be set up, etc.) there are some specifics that we must follow. Our focus this morning will be to keep two things in mind: first, are we pure in our relationships as we focus on cultivating Christ’s image in one another? second, are we taking care of widows who are in need?

I. The Command for the Pastor- a gentle approach- 5:1-2

The first two verses in this chapter are addressed specifically to Timothy, and therefore to me. Paul offers Timothy some incredible advice, and advice which, if followed, would yield much fruit in his pastoral ministry. If you remember in 4:12, Paul encouraged Timothy not to be held back by his young age. But, as many of you know, it is easy for younger people to struggle with prideful arrogance.

Paul’s advice was to be gentle to all the different church members. Do not rebuke an older man. The idea here is not simply of correction, because Paul tells us to do that very thing (see 1 Timothy chapter 4). Paul is concerned about the manner in which Timothy (i.e., the pastor) interacts with the people. Pastors should correct gently, with respect and godliness.

It matters how we say things. This is a vital lesson for all of us. We all need to take great care in how we talk to one another. Paul will give Timothy great advice on how to do this in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”

Our body language also matters.

Can you imagine a church where not only the pastors but also the members corrected one another in this way? It would be a pure church. All of our relationships in the church should be characterized by this approach. The word encourage, by the way, is a gentle word. It is more like a request. It reminds me of Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Let us be known as a gentle and pure church.

II. The Care for the Widow- a godly example- 5:3-10

Paul then offers instructions about the care of widows. I mentioned a few weeks ago the role of the deacon stemming from a need in the church (Acts 6). This is one of the services of the deacons (a service, by the way, our deacons help with!). Paul commands us to honor true widows and then provides us with some guidelines to determine who a widow is and how we are to know it. We will ask questions in an effort to lay out a standard for us to help those in our own community, both now and in the future.

A. Does she have family?- 5:4

The first question is extremely practical. If she has family they should be taking care of her. Paul says this “is pleasing in the sight of God.” It delights God, in other words. We will touch on this momentarily, but this is so important that if one does not care for one’s household Paul tells us they are worse than an unbeliever. If she has family, then she should not need assistance from the church.

B. Is she completely alone, a good age, and godly?- 5:5-9

Some people accuse the church of not caring for the poor. They think that the church is a welfare program that must meet every single need of every single person. The church is not a charity in this sense of the word, particularly for widows.

If a widow does not have anyone to care for her, the next question is, “Is she godly?” This question would eliminate the majority of people receiving assistance from churches. The widow, Paul tells us, must:

have a reputation for good works

shown hospitality

raised children

washed the feet of the saints

care for the afflicted

devoted to good works

She has to be 60 years or older, a good age.

These are great questions that we should ask prior to helping someone in need.

If the widow meets these qualifications, then the church should meet the widow’s needs.

III. The Caution for Younger Widows- 5:11-16

We could summarize this entire section with the phrase, “Idle hands are the devil’s tools,” attributed to Jerome. One can see how, when living at the expense of others, one’s time would be free to sin. This is not to say that relaxation is wrong or sinful, but the biblical balance is work six days and rest for one.

When the younger widows were not working, they would “learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.” Now we know that this is not only commit-able by young widows, most churches know who are the gossips. But it appears that young widows are particularly susceptible to these.

What is the caution? Don’t be idle, get married, have children, and take care of the home. Doing this spares them from temptation and provides the devil an opportunity for slander.

APPLICATION

While this focuses primarily on the pastors of the church and the helping of widows, we can all take much from this. I want to offer three applications for all of us to follow.

Be kind in your encouragements to one another without avoiding uncomfortable conversations.

Live a life of godliness in such a way that believers and unbelievers have nothing negative to say about you.

Care for those who are truly in need in a responsible, Christ-like way.