Reflect
Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2. Paul instructs the church on how to view the roles of relationships in the church. We are to see the older men as fathers, the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers and the younger women as sisters.
The younger treat the older with reverence and appreciation, and look to them for wisdom. The older are excited by the younger with the energy and zeal they bring into the family of God. A healthy church family knows what their roles are and are content in serving in those roles. They have a mutual respect for one another. This creates an atmosphere of peace, purity and holiness, and removes the atmosphere of lust and sexual immorality.
Has there been someone in your church family that has encouraged or mentored you in your faith?
Has there been an opportunity for you to encourage or mentor someone?
As you pray and ask for the Lord’s guidance, is there a person or area of ministry He has placed on your heart to invest your time and gifts?
Read 1 Timothy 5:3-8. In this passage, Paul is speaking about the care of widows.
The phrase “a true widow” in vs. 5, refers to a widow who had no children, grandchildren or relatives to care for her. God deeply cares for widows and instructs the church on how to care for them.
Are you currently caring for a family member?
What is your attitude about being given this responsibility?
Do you see it as a privilege or a burden?
While we can sometimes see this responsibility as an inconvenience, God calls us to see it as an opportunity to serve those who served us. In verse 8, those who deny their responsibility to care for their relatives are seen as worse than unbelievers! WOW! We are an example to our children of how they should love and serve those in their family as they age. What are you modeling for your children and those around you?
Read 1 Timothy 5:9-16. The order of widows is clearly explained here.
To qualify for church care, widows must meet certain criteria: they should be truly alone, 60 years of age or older, have been the wife of one husband, committed to prayer, live moral lives, not be selfish, possess a good reputation for good works, be good mothers, have shown hospitality, cared for the afflicted, and served others well.
The widows who do not qualify for church care are younger widows who might be inclined to remarry. A younger widow must not be an idler, gossip or busybody.
Looking at these two types of widows, how do you see your role in the church and in your family as you age?
Do you see the qualities of the true widow in your life? Do you desire to give your remaining years to the service of God?
Do you see the qualities of the younger widow in your life? Are you a gossip or a busybody? It’s never too late to change course!
Read 1 Timothy 5:17-25. In this passage, Paul moves from the care of widows to the care of elders.
Elders were not just a term for older people, but rather a term for senior leaders. Faithful church leaders should be supported and appreciated. They should be compensated for their good work. They should not be the targets of criticism and unrealistic expectations.
How do you treat your church elders/leaders? Do you enjoy finding fault or do you show your appreciation?
Our church leaders should know that we are going to take care of them cheerfully, gratefully and generously. How is the Lord leading you to care for your church elders? (i.e. prayer, words of encouragement, ministry and/or financial support?)
If an Elder sins, they are called to repentance. If they refuse to repent and turn from their sin, they are to be rebuked publicly. As the church, we are called to not play favorites or judge them too quickly. Don’t be persuaded by others opinions. We are not to promote leaders to hastily or in order to gain favoritism from them. Sometimes sin takes a while to come to light as well as good works. Give it some time in order to see their true character.
If those around you were to examine your life, what would they see?
In what areas are you needing God’s transforming power?
Paul is instructing us on how to have a healthy personal and church household. Why? Because the world is watching! We need to protect the reputation of the church. The healthiness and beauty of God’s house attracts the lost, and should draw them to Christ.
In our households, places of influence and our church family, we are to live our lives according to these standards. Taking inventory, in what ways is God speaking to you as to how you should more fully surrender your life to Christ and live according to His commands? Obedience is the only way to peace and blessings.
