1 Timothy 5:1-16

How to Relate to Special Groups in Church

June 28, 2009

Simon Goncharenko

21 FELLOWSHIP, sbc

Outline

I.                    How to relate to the members of different ages – 5:1-2

a.       To older men – exhort as fathers

b.      To younger men – as brothers

c.       To older women – as mothers

d.      To younger women – as sisters

II.                 How to relate to widows – 5:3-16

a.       Genuine widows are to be supported by the church – v.3, 5, 9-10

Support = respect + money – 3

                                                              i.      What is a genuine widow? - 5

1.      Childless – 5a

2.      Trusts in God – 5b

3.      Prayerful – 5c

* Right Obligation to Family – v.8

-          Extends to both parents & grandparents – Gr. lit. “born before”

o   Such help is a sign of true piety/godliness

o   Giving of this care is a repayment of the earlier care received

o   Care for one’s family is pleasing to God

-          Can be a form of “grace giving”

Bottom line - The Old Testament had demanded such care (Ex 20:12), and Jesus had taught its importance (Matt 15:4–6).

4.       Minimum of 60 years of age – 9a

5.      Married once – 9b

6.      Good reputation - 10

a.       Raised children

b.      Shown hospitality

c.       Humble – washed … feet

d.      Merciful – helped the afflicted

e.       Generous – every good work

b.      Other widows should not be supported by the church –  v.4, 6-7, 11-16

                                                              i.      What are “other” widows? – 4, 6-7, 11

1.      Widows with immediate family - 4

2.      Self-indulgent ones – 6-7

* A pastor’s job is to command – with forcefulness and authority, where necessary, so that the end product may be a congregation that is irreproachable.

3.      Younger widows – 11a

                                                            ii.      Why should they not be supported? – 11b-13

1.      Still thinking about marriage

2.      Learn to be idle

3.      Gossips and busy bodies

* What is the ideal arrangement for a younger woman? - 14

- Marry

- Have children

- Rule the house - The wife should manage the affairs of the household, and her husband should trust her to do so (Prov. 31:10–31).

                                                          iii.      Who can support them? - 16

1.      Their own family