1 Timothy 5:9–16
9A 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, 10having 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. 11But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16If 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 widows indeed.
Focused Thinking:
What are the character qualities of a widow who should be put on the list?
Not less than sixty years old.
A reputation of good works.
Brought up children.
Shown hospitality to strangers.
Washed the saints’ feet.
Assisted those in distress.
Devoted herself to every good work.
What about the younger widows?
Their dominant desire will be marriage (5:11–12).
They will be tempted to stop serving (5:13).
They will be tempted to get into trouble (5:13).
They will damage the witness of the church (5:13).
What should younger widows do?
Get married (5:14).
Bear children (5:14).
Be homemakers (5:14).
Don’t give the enemy an opportunity for reproach (5:14).
What is the summary of God’s teaching on widows?
If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened (charged), so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
Personal Application:
What are the timeless principles?
Do these timeless principles apply to modern problems?
Can these timeless principles apply to a different context or are these specific to widows only?
- Could these timeless principles apply to older women who have been divorced under extreme circumstances?
- Could these timeless principles apply with single moms?
- How can we strategically help young widows, divorcees and single parents?
I don’t have time to answer these question this morning, but they are worthy questions to research and answer.
Interactive Prayer:
Father, I’m overwhelmed this morning. As I went through this topic yesterday and again today, I just feel overwhelmed. It just seems so hard to build a healthy church. The church is supposed to be so much more than it is today. God, I want our church to be holy and on a mission. I want to build true disciples. I want to build people who are followers instead of attendees. Right now it is hard to see what we are doing right because there is so much that needs to be done. It is hard to see the improvements, because it takes time to reap a harvest. Father, I pray that You would protect our staff from discouragement. Help us get our eyes focused on You. Help us to be revitalized spiritually. In many respects I feel like we need a retreat. We need someone to speak into our life. We need the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow through our sails and move us forward. Father, lift my spirits. Send encouragement my way.
Give me Your Word for the message on the Easter. Father, give me the ability to capture Your vision and to teach it and cast it in a compelling way. Father, show me the beauty, wonder and awe of Your love and of Your vision. I pray that You would bless this church with a gift that would empower us to accomplish Your mission. Father, do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think to fuel this vision. Father, please draw my heart, the hearts of our staff and the hearts of our leaders to You and cause people to love and obey You. Father, give our people a passion for lost people. I pray that our people will aggressively participate in “Invest and Invite” for Easter. I pray that our people will truly pick three people and become a trusted friend for the sake of eternity. I pray that we will see over 2,000 people come to the Easter. I pray that You would cause “Invest and Invite” to work because it is obedience to the Great Commission, not because it is a quality program. I pray that we will be a church that constantly focuses on “Go and make disciples.” Father, make us pleasing in Your sight, perfect us in unity. Grow our church spiritually, numerically and financially. Father, make us a church that You are pleased to bless. Use us as a vehicle for revival. Father, I had waiting. We need to see revival now. Show me how to become the man of God that you can trust with that responsibility and stewardship.
Amen!
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