(1 Timothy 5:1-16) Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, 2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; 4 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. 5 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. 6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 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.
9 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, 10 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. 11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13 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. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
(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. 2 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.
Reminder:
"praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He
may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like,
or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that slaves honor their masters, especially if their masters are also believers, in order to be a worthy testimony (6:1-2)
- that we do not sharply rebuke, especially elderly people (5:1-2)
- that we appeal to our fellow believers with pure hearts and respect: older men as fathers, older women as mothers, men as brothers and women as sisters (5:1-2)
- that we honor widows who do not have family members able to help them (5:3)
- that the church should look after widows who have no other help (5:16)
- that churches should only help the older widows who have lived lives of devout service to God and the church (5:9-10)
- that widows who do not have family members should fix their hope on God and devote themselves to prayer (5:5)
- that widows should remain above reproach, and not become promiscuous (5:6-7)
- that widows should do what they can to help, and not be idle (5:13, 16)
- that younger widows should lead lives that are above reproach (5:14-15)
- that the church does not help younger widows who are rebellious in their walk with God (5:11-13)
- that widows should try to help each other in order to not burden the church if at all possible (5:16)
- that widows with family members should first look to them for help, with all of them working together (5:4)
- that we are to look after our own family members in need (5:8)
Today's prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, help us to love our family members in Christ as You love them. Guide us to show respect and love to all people. Keep us steadfast and above reproach, no matter how young or how old we are. Help us all to be doing our part in serving You and each other, so that the world will sit up and take notice. All to Your glory, amen.
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