1 Timothy 5
September 26
Reading: 1 Timothy 5
1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."
19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
1 Timothy 5 continues Paul’s instruction to Timothy on church polity. How should a church be governed and organized, and how should it operate and conduct its business?
Just as we did in the previous four chapters, we are learning in this chapter about what some of the issues were in the church at Ephesus. In 2 Thessalonians 3 we learned that some in the church were inclined toward laziness and gossip. They liked having people in the church take care of them when they were quite capable of working. (1 Thessalonians 3:10) A similar problem may have existed in Ephesus, particularly with some widows.
It is important to read this chapter carefully, as the Lord wants us to care for people, especially widows and orphans. (James 1:27) What is important is for every member in the body of Christ to serve as they are able, to respect one another, and to care for the vulnerable.
Verses 1-2 prepare us to think according to the teaching throughout this chapter.
Verses 3-16 provide instruction to widows and about widows in the church. A few principles stand out from this section. Everyone, widows included, is expected to live a godly life, praying to and obeying the Lord. Those who have the means are to provide for their own family, and for extended family if they are in need. (vs. 8) No one is expected to provide for someone if the provision enables that person to live an ungodly life.
Verses 17-18 explain that elders (pastors and leaders in the church) are to be respected and provided for. The effort to preach and teach and lead is not easy and takes time. You might wonder at the instruction in verses 19-22. Why should a church be careful regarding accusations against its leaders? It is because, in ministry, these leaders bear a heavy burden and are vulnerable. Satan wants to get them. Because of professional ethics and confidentiality concerns a leader is often unable to defend himself and cannot say anything against his accusers. He knows things about them due to times of counseling, prayer, and spiritual observation. But he can say nothing as these people are his own beloved flock, even when they attack him.
Verses 24-25 encourage everyone in the church to be wise and perceptive when it comes to the behavior of others in the body.