Daily Bible Study

Tweet

Day 5 1 Timothy 5 1 Timothy 5:1 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 Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show 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, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 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 who believes 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 who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture says, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them who 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 who are otherwise cannot be hid. What kind of person are you? Do you have a family? Are you a widow or married? Do you gossip, read gossip, want to know what everyone is doing? Or do you mind your own business and take care of your family? Paul told Timothy what a god-fearing woman looked like. She wasn’t a busybody, minding everyone’s business but her own. Paul told him the difference between a widow who was destitute without family to care for her and a woman who was on the hunt for another husband. As Christian women, you need to be aware of what pleases God. Take care of your household and not put your nose in anyone else’s business. If you’re a young widow, it’s easy to think about being married again, and it’s not wrong to remarry. In fact, it’s commendable. However, not all women were meant to remarry, and those who don’t and remain single, should focus on what God would have them do and not run after the world. Today, it’s not only widows, but divorced women who seek another partner instead of seeking God first. Paul didn’t leave men out, but told Timothy that any man who didn’t take care of his family was worse than an infidel. An infidel in that time was a Gentile. He noted that Gentiles took better care of their families than Christians. When you put God first in the family, you won’t want to run after the world. You will be content to stay home and look after the needs of your family. Let’s pray: Father, help me put You first in my life, taking care of my family and not making myself a nuisance to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 16 May 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay