January 5, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 1 Timothy? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Timothy 5 (NIV)
Widows, Elders and Slaves
1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.……Continue Reading
1 Timothy 5
1 Timothy 5. Paul is very clear as to how we are to take care of each other for the glory of God. After reading this I have a clear path for the rest of my life.
The Life of Jesus 4.21-4.32; 1 Timothy 1-5
Paul is giving further instructions in how to treat elders and widows. Timothy was not to rebuke a elder but if there was an accusation brought against an elder he was not to listen to it but before two or three witnesses. As we know Timothy was to be the Pastor to this church in Ephesus for Paul had left him there was this purpose to teach and correct bad teaching. He was also an elder but a teaching one. I think that he couldn`t rebuke another elder was the reason of not causing division in the church. But if witnesses came forward then Timothy could address the issue. And we already know that Paul excommunicated at least one of the leaders. But everything done had to be above board in how they proceeded. Same for widows. They had to be 60 years or older and having been the wife of one man and well reported of good works, etc. Also the church would take care of these widows if there was no one else to care for them. May the Lord bless us always.
Melodye and I had a wonderful time at Living Hope`s 25th Anniversary. For those of us that haven`t been there 6 years it was quite interesting to hear the many testimonies. And how God is Faithful. To Steve and Amy ; God even controls chickens so you attend Living Hope. May God grant at least another 25 years.
1Timothy 5
Yes, Dennis, it was a wonderful celebration of our 25th year. We owe so much to our leadership team and especially to Pastor Peter and Karen. Like Paul, Pastor Peter teaches us through scripture how to treat each other and gently guides us along the way. God bless Living Hope for at least another 25 years!
Reading this makes me think of how much culture and the family have changed. I think it would be difficult to actually implement these instructions. Would we question younger widows and insist that they remarry and have kids? Do we support financially widows over 60? There used to be the cultural expectation that a man (believer or no) would support his family, but now we have all individuals in the family working…..or living off the government. It certainly makes things more difficult in the dynamic of the church.
Let the church put their focus and resources on those widows who have noone looking after them. The ones who are godly and righteous but are all alone and have noone caring for them. The elders of the church are worthy of the highest honor and utmost respect. They dedicate their lives to serving people and teaching the ways of the Lord. We should appreciate them and give them thanks for all the work that they do.
Paul talks here about how the church should take care of widows in need as well as elders who do their job well. I try to use standards here of responsibility and good decision making as I take calls from people in the community who are looking for help. It only makes sense to help those who will use the help to continue to make right decisions as opposed to covering for bad choices that could just lead to more bad choices. It is always best to do the things that we can to take care of ourselves and yet the church is very much called to come along side those who in spite of the good choices they have make, bad results come. And elders are called to be diligent about their call and lead the congregation by word and example. And then receive the honor to recognize they have done a good job!
I appreciate and agree with Amy that the dynamic of family has come so far from the picture given here. We must care for people in need but not necessarily enable people to easily live a life of sin. Not that our help is contingent on behavior but rather are we helping to support someone who wants to be helped and wants to live a life reflective of the appreciation they have for the help God is providing through his people.