Reflection
- (1Ti 5:9 ESV) Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband,
- (1Ti 5:10 ESV) and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
- (1Ti 5:11 ESV) But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry
- (1Ti 5:12 ESV) and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith.
- (1Ti 5:13 ESV) Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
- (1Ti 5:14 ESV) So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.
- (1Ti 5:15 ESV) For some have already strayed after Satan.
- (1Ti 5:16 ESV) If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
Discussion
The church is the family of God. Each one of us is adopted by the redemption of Christ. As such, we live differently than the world around us. Instead of living for ourselves and building on worldly desires, we live for others and build up the kingdom of God. This applies to each of us in every stage of our lives. As we mature, our roles change and the church as a whole benefits.
There is a special role for widows in the Christian church. For a believing woman who has lived a godly live and is now alone there is a new responsibility to take on the church family as her family. She brings an immense blessing to the church in how she can minister to the needs of others. We should treat these servants of God with immense respect and gratitude for their example and blessing to each of us.
Connection
How can widows be used to build up the people of the church?
What life experience is important for the widow to be able to serve the church?
What should women be doing throughout their lives in order to prepare for this calling of God?
Why is it important for each of us to be about the work of God and give the enemy no room for slander?
Expansion
Calling Of God
Romans 8:27-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, John 1:12-13, Romans 6:16-18, Romans 9:10-24, John 6:43-45, Romans 10:10-21
God Will Preserve Us Until The End
John 10:28-29, 1 John 2:19-20, Romans 5:9-10, Romans 8:30, Romans 9:10-16