October 25, 2024 - 1 Timothy 5

Paul is concerned about relationships and ministry within the church.  He instructs young men on how to address older men; with respect and honor.  He instructs the same young men to appeal to each other as brothers, to older women as mothers, and to younger women as sisters.  It sounds as if a younger generation of men were acting improperly – arrogantly?  haughtily?  disrespectfully? – and in need of correction.  Furthermore, the widows (but only those who were truly in need) were to be looked after, harkening back to a similar situation described in Acts 6 when the first deacons were chosen to look after the widows.  A widowed mother or grandmother, on the other hand, must fulfill her own responsibilities and look well after her own household, not improperly waiting for others to care for the family, but being responsible while setting “her hope on God and continu[ing] in her pleas and prayers night and day” (5:1-5).  The Bible sets forth the way of forgiveness and salvation – the gospel!!! – but is also concerned about our everyday interactions and relationships.  How much better off we would be as a nation if we were to listen to and obey God’s instructions!

God, give us Christian homes!

Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,

Homes where the Master's will is sought,

Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought;

God, give us Christian homes;

God, give us Christian homes!   -- B. B. McKinney (1956)