We began 1 Timothy chapter 5 this week in our ongoing study through 1 Timothy and our series called Steadfastness. This section turns to how to handle our brothers and sisters in Christ within the church with a special focus on the care and duties of widows. Our text covers 1 Timothy 5:1-8:
(1Ti 5:1 ESV) Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,
(1Ti 5:2 ESV) older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
(1Ti 5:3 ESV) Honor widows who are truly widows.
(1Ti 5:4 ESV) But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
(1Ti 5:5 ESV) She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,
(1Ti 5:6 ESV) but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.
(1Ti 5:7 ESV) Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.
(1Ti 5:8 ESV) But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.