Widows
1 Tim 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
Do not rebuke an elder. Show respect for his age and authority. To rebuke is to hit, or to use harsh angry words, to scold. Treat him as a father and the younger men as brothers.
1 Tim 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Likewise, with elder woman, show them respect as mothers and the younger as sisters, with pure words.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. This is not an option, but a command. If we cannot love one another, how can we love God?
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1 Tim 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
He answers who these are in verse five.
1 Tim 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
The responsibility to care for widows, mom, falls on the children or nephews. The word for nephews actually refers to offspring, children and grandchildren. They are to show piety: reverence and respect, They are to requite: repay, not revenge, but pay them back for years of loving care with love and care given to them. For that is good and acceptable to the Lord. Remember what Jesus said to those who did not take care of their parents?
Mat 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Mat 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Mat 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
Mat 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mat 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
These hypocrites were giving gifts to the altar to God's service, but neglecting to care for their own parents. This tradition went around the law of showing honor to your parents. Some have no parents, or parents who are unsafe to be around. Jesus looked to those who did the Fathers will as his parents, his brothers and sisters. Anyone in need we should be obligated to help in some way.
Mat 12:47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
Mat 12:48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
Mat 12:49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Jesus from the cross looked out for his mothers well being, in part John having this charge was kept from martyrdom.
John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
1 Tim 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
One requirement for a widow, as the churches responsibility is that she be desolate; completely alone and forsaken. She trusts in God, and prays day and night. This sounds like Anna, who blessed Jesus.
Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
1 Tim 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Those who live in sin we are not obligated to help. But, we are to seek the lost and bring them to Jesus, then they fit into God's requirements; they become family.
Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
1 Tim 5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
Command and do these things, be responsible so that they will do the right thing. These things are written for our sake.
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
This is a strong warning. We are to provide for our families and our aged parents. It is not the governments job to take care of all. We are commanded to work and care for our own.
1 Tim 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1 Tim 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Anyone you know that meets this requirement? Then the church is not obligated to care for them. The principle here is that if we are going to seek the church to support you, you must seek God with all your heart and life. There are long lines of people seeking favors from churches, but many do nothing to seek God.
1 Tim 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1 Tim 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1 Tim 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
There is a tendency for younger women to share gossip with idleness. This is especially bad if they are not trusting in Jesus and involved in sin. It is best to marry or find employment and not expect the church to support them.
1 Tim 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
1 Tim 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Be mothers, keeping the house training up Godly children. This is an important role. Give no occasion to the adversary, do not sin. No depression, no headaches, no gossip, no self contempt, be in a responsible place. The highest responsibility for a woman is to be a mom. Helping others in need is also being as a mom. Giving them love and gentle guidance. Being there for others who need a mom or sister.
1 Tim 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
In conclusion, the family has responsibilities for widows so that the church may care for the true widows, the elderly godly women, such as Anna, who prayed day and night.
Elders and order
1 Tim 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
There should be a balance of worship and the word.
Worship is not performing, it is personal worship. It is not someone on the platform, worship is of the heart. We need to get out of the way.
The elder must preach the whole word of God and the doctrine, or else new believers will have nothing to grow with. Emotions will not stay in our heart, the word will.
All is by the Holy Ghost.
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Our worship should be to God, and words of truth. The preaching in the Spirit is to be God's word and doctrine.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
We are to teach the gospel, win souls and disciple them
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1 Tim 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Elders are to be honored because of their age, as fathers.
1 Tim 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
Elders that rule well; a ruling elder may not be old, but be one who is in leadership, a pastor or assembly leader. What is the most important duty of the elder? To labor in the word and doctrine. This is the duty of the leaders to feed the sheep. Worship with the heart and feelings, but feelings will not last, the word lasts and needs to be planted within our hearts. Let them be doubly honored. This can mean receiving a wage, if this is their need.
A good shepherd is like Jesus
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
It is a good thing if the Lord chooses to meet all the shepherds needs through the church body. To do what one is called to do and loves to do and be paid for it allows the Shepherd to devote more time in studying the word, prayer and ministering to the sheep. The income should be enough to meet his needs. If the local body is generous, that is good too. The apostle Paul worked so as not to be accused of taking from the church. Later he received an offering from the churches, which he considered their spiritual reward. He was under house arrest at this time and could not earn an income.
Phil 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Phil 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Pet 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
1 Tim 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Do not accuse a leader or believe gossip, hearsay or rumors. We should not be accusing another, this is the work of satan. We are to pray for those in leadership, encourage them and tell them when they do good that they are appreciated. If he is to be accused it should be by two or three witnesses. Pray for your leaders, for they are a target of the devil.
1 Tim 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
If found guilty of something immoral, he should be rebuked before all. Some recent examples are sexual sins. They should be rebuked and dismissed. The whole community will hear and expect justice, not a cover up. Of course satan will magnify the sins of a man or woman who serves God. So we must be sure to not live in sins, for they will be found out.
1 Tim 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
Do not be a respecter of persons. Some will say, "well, I have a theology degree or perhaps twenty years in the ministry. Or, you know that I am a good person." Let justice and truth prevail. Sin is sin. It should be confessed and repented of. We are not be prejudiced, but hear all sides of a disagreement. Who is watching? God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect (not fallen) angels.
Regarding gossip?
Spurgeon advised in Lectures to My Students that when people come to a pastor with gossip, he should say, “Well, all this is very important, and I need to give it my full attention - but my memory isn’t so good and I have a lot to think about. Can you write it all down for me?” Spurgeon says this will take care of it, because they won’t want to write down their gossip.
1 Tim 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
This can be understood in two ways. The first, in context would be to not ordain or bless a wayward repentant leader too quickly. Give him time to prove himself. Secondly it refers to ordaining a novice with no spiritual roots, into a leadership position. They should first be planted and put down roots in sound doctrine and exercise their Spiritual gifts.
1 Tim 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Do not be a partaker with them, don't go along with, nor cover up the sins of another. Then you will be guilty of aiding them in their unrepentant behavior. Keep yourself pure, do not go along with sin.
1 Tim 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
This is not a command for us to drink wine. This could be a stumbling block for the weak. Timothy was trying to abstain, as an example of piety, however In many places, the water is not fit to drink. Mixing wine with the water, was a less hazardous drink then was the amebic water that many places have. He had often been ill, perhaps dysentery or other problems resulting from the bad water.
1 Tim 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Some men's sins are open to see, others are hidden, but surface later on. We are seeing that some priests are being accused of molesting children years after the crime.
Num 32:23 ... behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
1 Tim 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
This is what we all want, to do good works. We serve God with a clear conscience and by His Spirit so that all may see our good works and glorify the Lord. The things we do in secret are not hidden from the Lord. Every good thing is rewarded both here and in heaven.
Mat 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Again, if we are not of God's Spirit that will be made known also, it cannot be hid. Let us remember and do the good fruit of the Spirit.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Respect your elders and leaders. Elders have the responsibility to be of good moral character, their duty is to labor in the word and doctrine. There should be a balance of worship and teaching, emotional and conviction. If someone accuses an elder, we are to have two or more witnesses of the offense. The goal is restoration. Sometimes they must be rebuked publicly and removed. They are not to be put back too quickly, but show that they are restored. A novice should not be placed into leadership too soon. An elders good or bad works will be found out. We are not to go along with corrupt leaders but to lead pure lives. We cannot hide from God and the angels, all things will be made known. Pray for your leaders that they follow God and not fall into sin.
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