Agreement with Jesus. We must be saying the same things that Jesus is saying. If we are not, then we are arrogant and conceited. See what Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:3-4. If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 1 TIMOTHY 6:3‭-‬4 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.3-4.NASB Everything that we stand for should be what Jesus Christ stands for. If we are saying or doing…

Treat others in a way that honors God. Paul wanted to make sure that everyone understood how to treat others, no matter their position or station. Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2. All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles. 1 TIMOTHY 6:1‭-‬2 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.6.1-2.NASB In that…

Sin sticks. Sometimes we feel like our sins or something that can be easily brushed off and overlooked. Paul is very clear that is not the case. Read 1 Timothy 5:23-25 No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. 1 TIMOTHY 5:23‭-‬25 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.23-25.NASB Some basic general advice here, Paul wants people to understand that some sins are very obvious to people.…

These principles. We are to maintain an attitude of serving and loving Christ, while having patience to deal with the rest of the world. Listen to how Paul puts it in 1 Timothy 5:21-22. I solemnly charge 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. Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. 1 TIMOTHY 5:21‭-‬22 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.21-22.NASB We are to maintain these principles. Which principles? All the ones that have come before this verse. Paul…

People get frustrated with each other. It happens inside the church just like it happens outside of the church. When people get frustrated with the leader of the church, how should the handle any negative things that they hear? Read 1 Timothy 5:19-20. Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 1 TIMOTHY 5:19‭-‬20 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.19-20.NASB First, don’t just believe everything that you hear. People may say a lot of things, but realize that accusations must be confirmed by multiple…

Work that is worthy. We all work, whether it is a career position that we get paid for or a hobby we enjoy or just the day to day activities. They question is are we working in a manner that we are worthy of what we receive for it? The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ” you shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing ,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 TIMOTHY 5:17‭-‬18 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.17-18.NASB Paul is looking at this from both vantage points. The…

Purpose. It’s important to have a purpose, not just big picture as in a purpose for life, but it’s also important to have purpose for each day. Otherwise, we can easily get distracted. Paul mentions this in 1 Timothy 5:11-16. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. At 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. Therefore,…

Character. The people around us should be able to see the character we have based on how we live and how we treat others. Read 1 Timothy 5:9-10. 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, 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. 1 TIMOTHY 5:9‭-‬10 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.9-10.NASB Paul is continuing to give direction on…

Responsibility. Each one of us has a responsibility to look after and care for one another. Paul made this very clear to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:7-8. Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 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. 1 TIMOTHY 5:7‭-‬8 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.7-8.NASB We have a responsibility to take care of those we are around. We saw this as we studied James a couple of months ago. Here, Paul reminds Timothy that our faith is demonstrated as we care for those around…

Hope in God. Do we really understand what that means? Often we watch as God continues to strip away things from a person’s life with the hope that the person will turn to Him. Read 1 Timothy 5:5-6. Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 1 TIMOTHY 5:5‭-‬6 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.5-6.NASB When you have nothing else, it becomes easier to trust in God. A widow who had no other family or means to support herself knew…