Note for 20250704 - Sons in Faith - Part 9 - 1 Timothy 5 - Widows and Elders
Sons in Faith
1 Timothy
Part 9 - 1 Timothy 5 - Widows and Elders
1 Timothy 5:1-25 NASB2020
[1] Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers, [2] to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity. [3] Honor widows who are actually widows; [4] but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. [5] Now she who is actually a widow and has been left alone has set her hope on God, and she continues in requests and prayers night and day. [6] But she who indulges herself in luxury is dead, even while she lives. [7] Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. [8] But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. [9] A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, [10] having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. [11] But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, [12] thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge. [13] At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. [14] Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; [15] for some have already turned away to follow Satan. [16] If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows. [17] The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. [18] For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” [19] Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. [20] Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. [21] I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. [22] Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. [23] Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. [24] The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. [25] Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.5.1-25.NASB2020
Note for 20250704
In today's reading there are two headings which have been combined for the note's heading, but it speaks to so much more than just these two concerns. In fact, it speaks to some matters that might be hard for some, as some were hard for me to hear. It reminds me once more, not to leave the beam in my own eye unnoticed. It speaks heavily regarding provisions, and many might be shamed without me having to speak deeper on these subjects.
I suppose, a plain approach on today's scripture would be to ask this question: Who is responsible for what, in these concerns? Who qualifies for assistance? And right there, seeing this also looks at the responsibility of the church, many fail to qualify and once more my sentiment is drawn to another question, "What is compassion?"
Maybe it is proper to also ask this question, "If GOD has forgiven and we forgive, are the trespasses to be remembered?" You see, if there was a foolishness in a person when he or she was young and they have come to repentance and are now living according to the common faith, do we disqualify (a widow for instance) of receiving assistance? What about the young widow, who Paul states is better to get married again, what if Noone will have her as wife? Or, if a widow has children that can care for her, but they neglect that responsibility, to whom does that responsibility fall then? There is also the question of whether a stepdaughter or daughter in law are also daughters of that widow? Once more, I can't help myself from considering the matter of forgiveness, if there are outstanding disagreements within the hearts of those who are supposed to care for such a widow. Of course, we know that Jesus said concerning the reason He taught us to pray, that if we do not forgive, then neither shall our Father in heaven forgive us. That in itself opens a discussion on, "Who forgives, seeing that GOD has poured out of His Spirit in us?" One can even go as far as to ask, if we can not forgive, if the Spirit of GOD is in us at all?
Friends, please note that I have not even touched on what is written in the scripture of today yet, I am merely painting the stage for consideration of what we have heard. How many can walk away from this conversation without a finger painting straight at our chest? What a phenomenal scripture did we just hear? Does it not have all the instructions regarding social responsibilities, but also touching on matters of the faith, even a measure of how far we still fall short from righteousness in our own selves? I wonder if I even qualify to speak on these matters, for in my view, I risk speaking as a hypocrite.
Who is speaking on it though? It almost seems like a "forgotten" chapter in the modern church, and yet, it may bring relief to the church, if order is brought in on these topics. Or, maybe, it is because the modern church has cast off their care for widows and scorn the elders, muzzling the oxes. How do we then speak on the matter of the elderly?
Are we not called by the Word to be sober minded? In neglecting our responsibilities towards one another, are we sober of mind or have we become like a drunk man?
I do not qualify to speak on this matter, friends. So, we will let the scripture speak today, so I may have a look at this log, this beam I have found in my eye too. Right now, I am not beyond reproach, but I do have this concern, if I do not speak on it, who will? When was the last time you heard a sermon on this?
Oh, I would be better off to look at the variance I found in verse 12 of the NASB2020 (duplicated in the NIV,) from the KJV. That I can speak on, but do I now deflect from the message of today? While I might not stand in authority to speak on today's scripture, the Word does. So, I will give you this chapter from the KJV.
1 Timothy 5:1-25 KJV
[1] Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; [2] the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. [3] Honour widows that are widows indeed. [4] But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. [5] Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. [6] But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. [7] And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. [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. [9] Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, [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. [11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; [12] having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. [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. [14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [15] For some are already turned aside after Satan. [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. [17] Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. [18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. [19] Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. [20] Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. [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. [22] Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. [23] Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. [24] Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. [25] Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1ti.5.1-25.KJV
Let the Word establish the Word. As much as I wanted to bring you the Word in a plain language, in good conscience, I will revert back to the KJV going forward. I will continue to search for a version that is reliable in speaking English, and if you can give suggestions, I would appreciate it. I will test it.
I would also like to invite all to the Voice recordings of the Note, where we will be looking at today's chapter in greater detail. It will only be available on Sunday on YouTube search for @houseofLechem for the channel.
Selah, Shalom.
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App (Expanded from verse 17)
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 KJV
[17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. [18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.3.17-18.KJV
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