Page 60 - Pastoral Epistles student textbook

Study Section 9: I Timothy 5

9.1 Connect

In writing to Timothy, Paul gave some boundaries for passing judgment within the church
by providing safeguards against opinions and politics. Whether it is interpersonal
relationships, extending financial aid to the needy, investigating accusations against a
leader, or discipling someone who has sinned, impartial judgment is required because we
are accountable to God and as leaders, we are acting on His behalf.
Anticipating the temptation to compromise, Paul demanded a detachment from the opinions of others
and even from ourselves. He emphasized personal responsibility and godliness as the foundation for
distributing Christian compassion and mercy without prejudice.

Leaders must be faultless in their interpersonal behavior, ready to associate with all age groups and
economics classes, modeling truth and godliness with dignity and grace. The church also has a
responsibility toward its members, particularly in providing for widows and leaders. Church
benevolence and support must adhere to strict guidelines. Let’s see what those may be…

9.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to explain the Biblical position of how to help widows and
those in need.

2. The student should be able to explain the difference between Christian liberty and
reaping what we sow.

9.3 I Timothy 5

James 1:19, 27. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should
be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after
orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the
world.
Look at V19. 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Of those three qualities – which one are you best at doing and which one is your biggest challenge?

Look at V27. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to
look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted
by the world.
Leaders must be faultless in their interpersonal behavior, ready to associate with all age groups and
economics classes, modeling truth and godliness with dignity and grace.

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