1 Timothy 5
Advice About Widows, Elders and Slaves
1Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,[a] 10and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
11As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. 14So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
16If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,"[b] and "The worker deserves his wages."[c] 19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.
21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.
Footnotes:
[a] 1 Timothy 5:9 Or has had but one husband
[b] 1 Timothy 5:18 Deut. 25:4
[c] 1 Timothy 5:18 Luke 10:7
5 comments:
1 Tim 5
24The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.
This verse jumped out at me, as it reminded me that God sees everything, those small things we do for the good of others, and those sins even we don't realize we commit. It is in this vein that I'm reminded how much God loves us, and how eternally blessed we are to have His grace. For there are so many little things that we (at least I) do that are good, and those things which are sin, that I certainly don't deserve any of His love, but yet I know He loves me.
Father, help us to train our minds and thoughts on Jesus, that we may conform even our smallest of deeds and habits to Your will, that we may become more like your Son. Continue to watch over those we are praying for: Tim and Sheree, Sheree's health, Eric and his family, Allyson (and Elizabeth-soon, not here yet), jrs, and LT.
Thank You for Your continual grace and love. In the name of our Savior, Jesus,
Amen
crb
8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
i have always been intrigued by this verse. i like how God calls out the importance of family. i have a very close, tight family. i often ask myself how much "responsibility" should i have for my parents. My interpretation of this verse makes it look like I should help them financially, spiritually, physically, etc. the balance i have trouble striking is when do i take on their burdens and make them my concerns and my responsibility. I think the key is to look at it through joyous eyes and not a heavy, burdensome perspective. I should be thankful that i can help them and support them.
I am sure each of us has our own unique family structure and relationships. I pray that we show joy in our relationships. Last night i was reading a book called "absolute surrender". it said (paraphrase)...how can we love God who we can not see, if we do not love our brother who we do see. I think the concept goes beyond blood brothers and is more about loving everyone.
What, nobody gonna touch those verses in the center portion of the passage? :-) As LT said last night, more practical advice on how we should behave and provide for our families. I can definitely relate to this and verse 8 is one I have memorized. I would say however, that you have to have some discretion right? Can you give money to those who do not use it responsibly?
Father, lead us in all of decisions. Help us to make the ones that will bring you honor. Thank you for my mom, what a wonderful blessing. And thank you that I am in position to help her.
In Christ,
cas
verse 1 and 2 "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.
I wished more of our younger generation lived by this code. I grew up in the south with "yes sir" and "yes maam" and always greeted my elders with Mr and Mrs. I think our younger generation has lost this concept. I see so many kids that call adults by their first name only.
I agree with CAS, that we must be careful not to give money to irresponsible people and thus must call on the Lord to help us with the decision about giving.
Yeah timmcd6, i think the passage about loving your brother refers to all. On a personal note, it has helped me get through some tough times and forgive people who hurt me.
Lord, I asked that you watch over all my brothers who read this blog and their familes and give us the things that we need and some of the things that we want. I am truly bless to have a mother like minds. Thank you for choosing her as my mother. These things we ask in your name.
Amen,
LT
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