1 TIMOTHY 5

We think of this letter from Paul to Timothy as an instruction of GUIDANCE on how to lead and manage the church of believers. And that is exactly what it is. Paul's spiritual wisdom is a very valuable benefit for Timothy. But as we look at and consider this teaching, we see that these instructions will also benefit every believer.

There are several topics covered including attitude, treatment of people (each other), treatment of church leadership and even instruction on physical health.

This is about the BODY of believers/ CHURCH, and provides the instruction of how to be effective in the world we live in.

Matthew 5:16 NIV

1 6 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Timothy 5:1-2 NIV

[1]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.

OLDER MEN

Timothy was young.

He was not as experienced as the OLDER men were.

Older doesn't necessarily mean wiser.

But listen with respect and evaluate the situation before responding in respect, reason and love. Don't use harsh rebuke.

YOUNGER MEN

This is a follow-up of the previous statement.

Treat them as you would your brother, partner or friend. With respect.

OLDER WOMEN

Again, respect as a mother. Older but with respect.

YOUNGER WOMEN

Treated as sisters.

Especially in respect for physical relations.

Conduct always pure and above reproach.

1 Timothy 5:3-8 NIV

[3] Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. [4] But 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. [5] The 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. [6] But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. [7] Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. [8] Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

These instructions were written way before "social assistance systems' ever existed. At that time "no husband" meant "no support". Even older children didn't provide for and elderly widow.

But remember, this was outside the Church.

This is talking of more than just encouragement.

It is referring to financial support.

But a widow in the church with children or family with the ability to assist her, then it is the duty of those to do it.

The widow Paul is talking about is one that is totally left alone.

No children or relatives.

For widows that are living a life contrary to God's Word, or worldly lives, it puts them outside the assistance qualification.

1 Timothy 5:9-10 NIV

9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, [1 0] 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord's people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. Specific qualifications.

1 Timothy 5:11-15 NIV

[1 1] As 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. [1 2] Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. [1 3] Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. [1 4] So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. [1 5] Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

Younger widows would be more likely to have sensual desires.

Scripture is clear about restraint outside of marriage. Avoiding the things that are purely for self satisfaction.

This is good advice for everyone.

Godly women are obvious and these are who Paul is describing as worthy.

1 Timothy 5:16

[1 6] If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

Fairly self explanatory.

If the widow assistance is adequate already, leave it alone.

1 Timothy 5:17-21 NIV

[1 7] The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. [1 8] For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." [1 9] Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. [20] But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. [21] I 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.

The leadership of a body is to be respected.

Teachers and preachers are worthy of financial support.

Depending on the circumstances, these leaders are worthy of honor and support.

If a teacher or preacher is already being supported by outside means, then the financial obligation should be adjusted accordingly.

1 Corinthians 9:9-12 NIV

[9] For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain ." b Is it about oxen that God is concerned? [1 0] Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. [1 1] If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? [1 2] If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

If working as a full time preacher, that person is due financial support.

1 Timothy 5:24-27 NIV

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. [25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. [26] Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. [27] 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Speaking to the spiritual leaders, preachers, teachers. Speaking of SELF DISCIPLINE. (Spiritual) Includes training.

Includes rewards. A crown designated for preachers / teachers.

Work to not be hypocritical.

This is also wise instruction for each member of the body with a reward of eternal life.