Answers for a study in the book of 1 Timothy: Chapter 5

“Answers for a study in the book of 1 Timothy” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “apologetics” posts on the weekend where the original questions can be found at the bottom of the study, and then answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research, and then check your answers. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper for discussion if you’d like.

1.  Review of Class Topic:

With your table group, discuss today’s apologetic presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Answers will vary… 

Read 1 Timothy 5:1-25 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:

2.  What does Paul say about how Timothy should treat older men and women, as well as younger men and women?

“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.” 

1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NASB)

• Paul is basically telling Timothy to treat everyone with proper respect due them based on their age in relation to Timothy, as would be fitting of anyone in that day.
• This is a lost virtue in our western culture today. However, many cultures around the world still view this as the only way to properly behave and relate to one another.

3.  What is said about “widows,” and what do you know about the culture that would make this an important direction for Timothy and the church to follow?

“Honor widows who are widows indeed; 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. 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. But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 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. 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, 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. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 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. Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 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 5:3-16 (NASB)

Paul tells Timothy to do the following for the widows:

• Honor true widows.
• If a widow has children or grandchildren, or parents, she is to be obligated to them, and she is to take care of their needs, physically and spiritually, and they are to take care of her.
• If a widow is left alone, she is to be in service to the LORD and be taken care of by the Church.
• If a widow is over 60, and has been faithful, she is to be taken care of by the Church.
• If a widow is given to worldly pleasures, then she is not to be put on the list of “true widows” who are in need.
• Younger widows are not to be put on the list as they still have the opportunity to earn a living and/or remarry.
• This is also a warning for Timothy and the other leaders to not be taken advantage of by someone who is looking for a handout, and who is idle in their desire to work, or remarry, thus causing problems in the body of Christ.
• Note: We must remember the culture of that day is not the same as ours today. Women at that time were expected to bear and raise the next generation. They were to be taken care of by the husband, or the family if she is widowed so she can continue perform that job and purpose. Those who did not have children or family were then expected to serve God and others in whatever capacity they could within the community of the Church.

4.  Discuss: Why does Paul make a distinction between the young and old widows, and what is the warning?

• Paul makes a distinction, because as we still know, younger people are tempted to indulge in worldly pleasure and pursuits that were not much different then as they are today.
• Older widows would be considered wiser and mature enough to handle responsibilities that were still in the family and those in the Church community.
• Note: It is important to remember that the “community” you were part of in that day, was the life source of all of your needs (physical, financial, emotional and spiritual), and being part of, and playing an important role in, that community ensured your needs would be met along with your well-being and safety.

5.  What does Paul say about Elders, and why is it important to be sure they are fit for service?

“The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.  I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.”  1 Timothy 5:17-22 (NASB)

Concerning Elders Paul says:

• Those who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
• They are not to receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
• Rebuke in the presence of all, those who continue in sin, so that the rest will be fearful of sinning.
• Paul also tells Timothy to not choose and lay hands on someone too soon, or with any bias concerning their assignment.

Application to today:

• Within this admonishing Paul is letting Timothy know that those who are honestly and truthfully serving the LORD are to be taken care of (financially and physically); they are to be protected against evil (such as false accusations); and if they are guilty of living in sin that they should be publicly rebuked which, according to Scripture (other places in the New Testament), would include losing their role and being kicked out of the congregation.
• This principle is still important for church service today, especially in the “gotcha” culture we live in, as many non-believers seek to discredit believers based on leadership’s perceived, and sometimes actual, behavior.
• Those who are in service to the LORD should be above reproach in any way, and should live their lives in a way that honors God at all times.
• Especially with leaders, teachers, and pastors, it is important to remember that one is representing God, as His Ambassador, and should always understand that burden carries a higher responsibility, accountability and cost.

6.  Discuss: Compare and contrast what Paul says about sins versus good deeds, and why?

“The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.”  1 Timothy 5:23-25 (NASB)

• Paul is saying that sin, no matter how great or small, will follow us to judgment, as well as our good deeds.
• It is important to remember that at the judgment, believers will stand behind the LORD Jesus Christ who will cover their sins, and who already took the penalty for them on the cross.
• It is also important to remember that salvation is not based on our “good deeds” but only on our belief in what Jesus has done to cover our sins. Good deeds are something that believers do after salvation, because of our love for the LORD and others.
• We could never do enough good deeds in our lifetime to earn our own way to salvation, sin keeps pulling us back and we fail all the time, but Jesus has our backs and will stand before the Judge on our behalf on that day of judgment – we need to praise Him and thank Him every minute of every day!

7.  Memory verses: Recite – 1 Timothy 1:15 (reason for salvation); 2 Timothy 2:5 (Jesus, the one and only mediator); Proverbs 1:7 (the importance of knowledge); 1 Timothy 4:1 (Warning concerning falling away); and Proverbs 3:5-6 (trusting in the LORD)

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” 

1 Timothy 1:15 (NASB)

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NASB)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:7 (NASB)

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons”

1 Timothy 4:1 (NASB)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Please continue to join us as we read and study the Bible as part of our Christian Apologetics’ class each week!

Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study questions are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) are posted mid-week.

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

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Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15