Page 56 - Pastoral Epistles I & 2 Timothy, Titus

I Timothy 5

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 disciplining 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 economic
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…

The Lesson ...

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 economic
classes, modeling truth and godliness with dignity and grace.

We have a responsibility to help our church members. What, if any, responsibility do we have
toward non-members?

What written guidelines does our church have in place as to who we will help with our
benevolent fund, and if not, who makes the decisions?

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