[Linux4christians] 1 Timothy ‭5‬ (Thursday)

[Pastor David]

*1 Timothy ‭5‬ (Thursday)*

*‭Commentary*

Paul continues his mentoring of Timothy as a leader.

"Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a 
father ..."

"Speak to younger men as brothers ..."

"Speak to ... older women as mothers ..."

"Speak to ... younger women as sisters - with complete purity."

"Honor widows truly in need ..."

"... children and grandchildren ... repay parents"  [Care 
for parents rather than dumping them on others.}

"... the one (widow) who lives for pleasure is dead even 
while she lives."  [Not deserving support.]

"... if someone (a believer) does not provide for his own (a 
believing and God-honoring parent or fellow believing widow 
in genuine need) ... he has denied the faith (is in 
rebellion, not lost to salvation) and is worse than an 
unbeliever."  [An unbeliever doesn't know any better, a 
believer does.]

"No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least 
sixty years old [A presumption of her capacity to remarry or 
to earn a living somehow.], was the wife of one husband, [If 
she was polygamous she was both in rebellion against God and 
still has at least one husband to support her.] and has a 
reputation for good works;

	"... who has raised children

	and/or

	"... who has ... practiced hospitality"

	and/or

	"... who has ... washed the feet of the saints"

	and/or

	"... who has ... helped those in distress"

	such that they are

	"... one who has exhibited all kinds of good works."


"But do not accept younger widows on the list ..."

[Note: Paul wanted to avoid younger widows living off of the 
fellowship, based on a pledge to devoted the rest of their 
lives to service, only to respond to the flesh and break 
that pledge by remarrying.  He instead encourages them to 
remarry]

Paul also reminds a believing woman of her responsibility to 
"... widows in her family" so she does not misunderstand the 
responsibility to be only that of the men or others in the 
fellowship.

He moves on to "Elders who provide effective leadership ..." 
  [The title "Elder" is imprecise as it may refer either to 
a Deacon or an Overseer, as described earlier in Paul's 
first letter to Timothy; however, the term elsewhere tends 
to refer to one who is more of a spiritual leader than a 
helper and given the text immediately following appears to 
emphasize specifically preachers and teachers, but not 
exclusively so.]

"... must be counted worthy of double honor [respect and 
financial compensation], especially those who work hard in 
speaking and teaching."  Paul cites Deut. 25:4 as his authority.

"Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can 
be confirmed by two or three witnesses.  Those guilty of sin 
must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest."
[Paul elsewhere has outlined the process for bringing and 
evaluating charges against a brother.]

"... carry out these commands without prejudice or 
favoritism of any kind."

"Do not lay hands on anyone hastily ..."  [To avoid an 
apparent problem of others choosing poor leaders.]

Paul notes that not all sins are immediately obvious but 
that good works are, therefore Timothy was to be patient in 
calling people into leadership - giving time for hidden sin 
to show itself.

*Interaction*

*Consider* the boundaries that Paul sets for the care of 
widows - most critical that they be elderly, they be 
believers, they not have other means of support, and that 
they have a history of serving others.

*Discuss* the way that an "elder" is defined within your 
fellowship and how an "elder" received "double honor" as 
described by Paul.

*Reflect* upon the way that Paul mentored Timothy using 
directives and explanations, and his insistence that he 
avoid "prejudice or favoritism of any kind."

*Share* an example of either the care of widows, or of 
patience in the calling of leaders, and how it worked well 
or poorly in your fellowship.

*Truth in Action*

‭Today I am choosing to discuss this chapter with someone in 
leadership at my fellowship, comparing and contrasting the 
instructions of Paul with our policies and practices, and if 
we find differences to prayerfully discern if there is a 
need for change.  If I cannot meet with a person in 
leadership I will do the comparison myself and pray that the 
leadership will respond appropriately to the prompting of 
the Holy Spirit to bring policy and/or practice into line 
with the Word of God.

*Be Specific*  _________________________________________


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Friday's text will be: 1 Timothy‭ 1:6‬
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Have an http://Ultrafidian.com Day!  Pastor David
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