The Dynamic Church
5
We are looking today at 1 Timothy chapter 5. In the previous chapter Paul taught the importance of training in godliness. Now we see how this is practiced in everyday life. This is the mystery of godliness with its feet on the earth. Real godliness is always practical. The dynamic church is strong on good relationships.
The church is made up of all types of people from all ages and circumstances. Harmony is vital. The dynamic church is a united church with a practical ministry to each member. In this chapter Paul looks at the relationships within the church. He has Timothy’s behaviour primarily in view but these truths can be applied by us all. If it's necessary to rebuke an older man it must be done gently. It is likely that the older men referred to were the ones guilty of teaching false doctrine. Verse 1 says, “Do not rebuke an older man harshly but exhort him as if he were your father”. It must be done with respect and care. We read in Galatians 6 verse 1, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently”. Paul goes on to say in 1 Timothy 5 verses 1 and 2, “Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity”. This attitude of concern and love lies at the heart of meaningful fellowship. It fosters togetherness. Christians should never be guilty of speaking in anger to each other.
In Paul’s time the age of sixty was regarded as the age for retirement, and the age after which a woman was not seen as eligible for marriage. Paul gives instructions about the needs of widows in the church. The early church had a “widows list”. We read in verse 9, “No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty”. The care of the widow goes back to Old Testament times. It has its roots in God’s care for them. We read in Psalm 146 verse 9, “The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and widow”. We see Old Testament biblical principles being used by the early church. We mustn’t think that the Old Testament is null and void for us today.
There are many lessons to learn from it to help us in our walk with God as Christians. The “widows list” was probably a method of financial and practical support administered by the Deacons of the church. The list was intended for destitute widows. If a widow had a family then it was their responsibility to look after her. We read in verse 4, “But if a widow has children or grandchildren these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents”. The widow who would be put on the churches “widows list” would be a believer. That was one of the conditions. Paul refers to her in 1 Timothy 5 verse 5 as, “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her trust in God”. In verse 10 she is described as one who, “is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the saints feet, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kind of good deeds”. We looked at the role of women in the church in a previous study. The qualities mentioned here show what a rich ministry a woman can exercise in church life, as well as in the family. This is opposite to the character of the unsaved widow. Paul describes her in verse 6. He says, “But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives”. The unsaved widow lives for herself and what pleases her and not God. She doesn’t trust in God, and resorts to all sorts of carnal methods for earning her money. What type of woman are you? Are you active in serving the Lord in the church? Do you trust God to meet your needs? Are you pleasing yourself and devising your own plans to get by without regard for the Lord?
The younger widow is best to remarry. This will stop them from wasting time and slipping into gossip and becoming idle. This will give the enemy an opportunity to accuse the young women of the church and discredit their testimony. Paul says in verse 14, “So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity to slander”. Younger widows need focus in their lives and should spend their time in a meaningful and righteous way.
Paul’s final words in this chapter deal with the treatment of Elders. The scriptures teach both the plurality and parity of the Eldership. Verse 17 says, “The Elders who direct the affairs of the church”. The plural word “Elders” denotes plurality. That they are mentioned as a group shows their parity. This means that they are all equal. Within the Eldership there will be one or more set apart for the preaching and teaching of God’s word.
This one would be the Pastor and Teacher that Paul mentions in Ephesians chapter four. It’s there he lists the ministry gifts given for the building up of God’s people. He says in verse 11, “ ... and some to be pastors and teachers”. Ideally, the teaching Elder should be supported full time by the church so he can work without distraction studying the word of God. We read in verse 18, “For the scripture says `Do not muzzle the ox while it is trading out the grain` and `The worker deserves his wages`”. To free up the teaching Elder to study is vital if the church is going to be fed on God’s word. It’s also important for the Elder so that through his careful studies he will be able to spend time arriving at sound conclusions. Paul says in 2 Timothy 2 verse 15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth”.
May our fellowship be practical as we serve the Lord where he has placed us. We are called to support the needy. The widow has her own needs but she represents all who are left without any real help. It’s worth asking yourself the question, “what practical things have you got in place in your church to help the helpless, the destitute, and the lonely and vulnerable”? We are also called to support practically those who minister Gods word to us. May we know God’s help as we put this into practice?