abide Together: Reflections on 1 Timothy 4 and 5

In 1 Timothy 4 Paul warns Timothy of false teachers who forbid things that God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and know the truth.  Paul also exhorts Timothy to discipline himself for the purpose of godliness & let no one look down on his youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show himself an example of those who believe.  Paul also exhorts Timothy to pay close attention to his personal life and to his teaching. Paul knew that if Timothy was healthy spiritually, then he would lead the church at Ephesus to be a healthy church.  It would take discipline on Timothy’s part.  He would have to assure that his intake exceeded his output, which would result in his growth and the growth of others.  Lord, by Your grace help me discipline myself for the purpose of godliness.

In 1 Timothy 5 Paul gives Timothy instructions as to how the church should care for widows.  The principle is for the church to care for widows who truly have no family to care for them.  Families are responsible for their widows and to not take care of their widows is sin. Paul also gives some instruction concerning compensation for the church’s spiritual leaders, so they can focus on shepherding and teaching the people.  He also gives instruction as to how an accusation against an elder is to be handled.  The thing that sticks out to me this morning is Paul’s instructions on making sure that the elders who are responsible for the preaching and teaching are cared for.  Lord, thank you so much for a loving church family who takes care of me and my family with great love and provision.

– Bryan McKenzie