Behavior in the House of the Lord
Koinonia Study
I Timothy 5
Caree Connolly
We know
that Paul is a spiritual father to Timothy. He has often called him his son, in
the faith. Timothy currently is in Ephesus to oversee the church that Paul
established there. Paul wrote this epistle, to instruct Timothy in things of
the church. He wrote these things in order that he might know how he ought to behave in the
house of the Lord. All these were to help Timothy's dealings with elders,
younger members, and widows.
Treatments of Church Members
1 Timothy 5:1
Rebuke not an elder, but in-treat him as a father; and the
younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers;
the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Paul was giving Timothy instruction on how to
speak to elders in the church. Timothy was a young man and a minister of
Christ, so he was Paul was teaching the proper tools on being head of a church.
We learned from 1 Timothy 4:12 not to let his youth be a hindrance.
Now Paul is letting him know to not rebuke an
elder. The word rebuke means: to criticize sharply. Although 2 Timothy 4:2
says; [Preach the word; be instant in season,out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.] There is a difference in the
reproofs made, according to the age, quality, and other circumstances. And
elder in age should be in-treated as a father. Showing due respect to the
elders in age and elders by office, and given the dignity of their years.
Speaking to them as you would a father. And in speaking to younger men, reprove
them as brethren. If you start out looking for faults, or picking quarrels, you
only build up resentments. Meekness is important in reproving a brother. This
can be done with love and tenderness. We have elders, and brethren, but Paul
doesn't exclude women. To treat the older women as mothers. His mother and
grandmother probably taught early on proper conduct on his behavior. And to
treat the younger women as he would a sister. The Bible doesn't say whether he
had siblings, but this verse entreats him to in-treat them with purity. In
essence; with a lack of guilt or evil thoughts.
Honor Widows
1 Timothy 5:3-7
Honour widows that are widows indeed. 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. Now she that is a
widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications
and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in
pleasure is dead while she liveth. And
these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
I found about 38 verses in the Bible where God
speaks of care and conduct of widows, with 6 references in Timothy alone. Paul
is writing to Timothy in this case of the direction needed concerning the
widows in his church. Widows were employed by the church as a means to give
them the respect and tenderness due them. {Psalm 68:5} Many times, they were
used to tend the sick and the elderly. In Acts 6 We read that the apostles noticed the widows were being
neglected and not utilized in the church. But if these widows had children, who
were able to take on the care of their parent, it placed less of a burden on
the church. I think too often today, the elderly are forgotten and put aside. I
remember in high school and the Key Club (a branch of the Loins Club) and we
visited a home for the elderly. The lady I spoke to, was probably in her 90's.
She had worked as a switch board operator. She really enjoyed our talk, but it
was sad because her family rarely came and saw her.
This verse uses the word 'piety'. Piety is a;
fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents)
Having the children or grandchildren caring
for a widowed parent shows that parent honor. And shows honor to God. One of
the 10 commandments in Exodus 20:12 states:”
Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which
the Lord thy God giveth thee”. Ephesians 6:1-3 also reminds us to: “Children,
obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor your father and mother;
which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and
thou may live long on thee earth”.
Some of the widows though, were more desolate.
Alone in the world. Either she didn't have children, or her children just
didn't care. But in this verse, she put all her trust in God, and continued to
be constant in her prayers. Anna, shows us in Luke 2:36-37 of her dedicated
prayers to God. But Paul warns Timothy of the widows who lived in pleasure. Meaning
that she lived a wanton, loose, and promiscuous life-style. Paul tells Timothy
that she is dead spiritually. It says in {1 Thessalonians 4:3-5}
Timothy is charged again in verse 7, that gives
instruction on the maintenance for widows, for the children caring for their
families, and for the widows to stay in prayer and not live in sin. These are
all the things that the world sees. To be blameless. Living as God wills.
1 Timothy 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.
As we have seen
throughout-out the Bible, many times verses are repeated.
It's a great reminder of instructions or tools God wants us to remember. Verse
8 is for those who do not honor what verse 4 said; 'let them learn to show
piety at home,'.
We see now, the
consequences of not providing for his household. Especially those in the faith.
Paul says that, he is worse than an 'infidel'. The definition of 'infidel is:
one who acknowledges no religious belief'. Some of the commentaries speak of
the fact that even the world or unbeliever is taught to care for the elderly.
We should be again reminded of the commandment: Honor thy father and mother. Much
more important that being an infidel.
INSTRUCTION FOR WIDOWS
1 Timothy 5:9-13
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years
old, having been the wife of one man. 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. But the younger widows
refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation,
because they have cast off their first faith. 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.
This portion of verses
goes deeper into widowhood. The church had offices for the widows within the
church. Positions like; deaconesses. Titus 2:3-5 gives a good account for the behavior and conduct of a deaconess.
The
aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not
false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That
they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love
their children, Verses
9-10 of Timothy emphasize that widows going into a position of church, to 60
years and above. Sixty was considered 'old age' than. They needed to have had
one husband. This was stated since polygamy was practiced than. Not just by the
men, but also women. And her character needs to be up-rightly. With her
children, her works, and her counsel. Reminds me a little of the Proverbs 31
women.
Continuing with 11, as
we read before, that widows of a certain age and charcter were given duties in
the church. Paul lets Timothy know that the younger widows were, due to age,
still able to marry, and provide for themselves. But they also went more toward
the loose and wild behavior. We read about that in verse 6 But she that liveth in
pleasure is dead while she liveth.
These widows were being
idle, busybodies, and gossipers. Today’s media has shows like: Housewife’s of
Atlanta, The Kardashians, etc. Not shows I watch, but just the clips on
up-coming episodes detail all the things in their life, which include:
gossiping, busybodies, and going from house to house. Interesting..nothing new
happening from back than to now.
1 Timothy 5:14-16
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children,
guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already
turned aside after Satan. 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.
The instruction set
forth in 14 was for the younger widows to marry and have more children. 1
Corinthians 7:39-40 also speaks of re-marriage. The remarriage here is recommended
as an antidote to sexual passion, idleness, and the sins noted in 1 Timothy 5:13
Some of the widows had already gone to the path of un-Godly behavior. It's the
idle hands that the enemy seems to easy to get hold.
"Idle
hands are the Devil's playground." Author: Unknown
CONCERNING THE ELDERS
Let the elders that
rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the
word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that
treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder
receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke
before all, that others also may fear.
In the Bible Study Tools
commentary, instead of 'rule well', the writer uses 'preside well'. 'Oversee'
can also be used here. As elders, overseeing, with wisdom, ability, and loving
faithfulness was an important duty to have, especially as ministers of God's
Word. { I
Thessalonians 5:12, Galatians 6:6 } all speak of the double honor, regarding the labor of being in
the Word and doctrine. These elder were part of the ministry. I had some
trouble trying to understand verse 18. I finally found a commentary by Ron
Daniels, a pastor of Calvary Chapel Cheyenne. Verse 18 is speaking of wages.
This verse is quoting Deuteronomy 25:4. “You shall not muzzle the ox
while he is threshing."
Basically, if an ox is threshing wheat, he should be allowed to
eat some of that wheat. A minister is teaching the Word. It is fitting for them
to receive the wages due them, especially if this is the calling God placed
them in. 1
Corinthians 9:14 says “ the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their
living”
Paul continues, concerning
the elders, in cautioning Timothy against someone accusing an elder of wrongful
conduct. Not to jump to conclusions or a judgment call. This stands for anyone.
Deuteronomy 19:15 “A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of
any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three
witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.
Accusations
of church members or officials come often in these days. The sad part is, three
or more witnesses are generally seen through the eyes of the media.
For Timothy, if an elder is established to be unrepentant, he would be rebuked
before the church.
We are reminded that we
are not to be partial. Pastors are the ambassadors for God. Making like
decisions God would make. God doesn't compromise about sin. A pastor shouldn't
either.
CONCERNING PARTIALITY
1 Timothy 5:21-25
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. Lay hands suddenly on
no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water,
but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are
open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good
works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be
hid.
In these final few
verses, Paul is advising Timothy against being partial. We know from James
{3:1} the seriousness
of the job of leaders in the church; they serve an eternal God and must please
Him first in everything they do. It also says in {Ephesians 3:7}
Regarding partiality,
James 2:1-9 gave us God's view on partiality. Galatians 3:26-29 lets us know
that we are the same in the eyes of God.
Timothy is cautioned to
wait before appointing leaders immediately. Give them time to show themselves
approved by God. I've mentioned this before, but I think pastors jump into the
ministry thinking there ready, or that its easy.
Verse 23 probably could
get into a debate about the use of wine. I will just mention that in Timothy's
case, he had problems with his stomach. Paul is letting him know that a little
wine would be helpful.
Finally, ending with 24
and 25, we see that there are 2 contrasts. One where men's sins are openly
apparent, some are hidden and not seen, but will be in judgment. And the other
is similar in that some works are open and broad cast, and others keep their
works quiet.
So what can we see is the nugget of truth in this chapter to take with us.
We don't always see what
is not shown,
but God does, because He sees what's in the heart.
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