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…

Honor others. Paul follws up his discussion on appealing to people with a reminder that we are to honor widows. Read 1 Timothy 5:3-4. Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 1 TIMOTHY 5:3‭-‬4 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.3-4.NASB Paul is very clear. Family should take care of family first and foremost. If a woman has lost her husband, then her children should be responsible for caring for her needs and ensuring she is OK. However,…

Appeal. When we see an area that is an opportunity for others, how we approach them can make all the difference. Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2. Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. 1 TIMOTHY 5:1‭-‬2 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.5.1-2.NASB We are to appeal to them. When we see people who are struggling in an area, we should appeal to them, assuming that they want to be better. They are wanting to follow Christ more and without feedback, no one can continue to improve. Do…

Evidence. Watch any police or detective show and you will see the characters searching for evidence of what actually happened. They never just take people’s word for what happened; they want proof. Paul discusses the same thing in 1 Timothy 4:15-16. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 TIMOTHY 4:15‭-‬16 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.4.15-16.NASB We have to remember that other people are going to be watching what we do.…

Do you use the gift that God has given you? No matter how you believe you receive your spiritual gifts, the fact remains that those who have accepted Jesus Christ into their life have been given a spiritual gift that God desires to use and work through them. Paul reminded Timothy of this very fact in 1 Timothy 4:14. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 1 TIMOTHY 4:14 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.4.14.NASB Now as I mentioned, there has been a lot of debate among various denominations regarding how people receive their spiritual gifts.…

Specific instruction. Paul now turns to start giving Timothy some specific instructions for him to follow until Paul returns. Timothy is to continue to lean on scripture entirely for his teaching and training. Read 1 Timothy 4:13-14. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 1 TIMOTHY 4:13‭-‬14 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.4.13-14.NASB What Timothy does, he is to do publicly. Studying the scripture, encouraging and building people up, as well as teaching others are all things that should be happening…