1 Timothy 5
Summary: Paul previously left Timothy in Ephesus to confront false teachers inside the church there. He is now sending further instruction for Timothy concerning the result of the false teaching (division and controversy in the church). Paul’s overall theme of this book is that the Gospel leads to practical and visible life change when taught correctly. Paul knows that when the Church is healthy and the true Gospel is being preached genuine life change will be the result.
Major Points:
(V. 1-16) Relationships within the Church should resemble that of a family. When we are walking with Christ, there is a level of respect that isn’t seen in the unsaved world. After this, Paul teaches us about God’s concern for the “quartet of the vulnerable”. He uses widows specifically here because this was a huge need in the early church, but throughout scripture we also see God’s heart for not only the widow, but also the orphan, immigrant, and the poor. We have to be strategic about how we serve the people in these categories because the Church itself shouldn’t be the only support system. Paul explains that there is some level of individual Christian care, especially when the needy is within your family. When christians begin to serve “their own household”, it takes a lot of pressure off the church as a whole.
(V. 17-25) Paul now moves into Church leadership again. We see first a call to honor leadership and then a call to hold them accountable. We need to continue to value and encourage leaders in the church financially, spiritually, and verbally. This does not mean that leaders can’t be held accountable. The church is also responsible for keeping leaders honest. The goal is to simply be wise and accurate when holding a leader accountable. This starts with making sure leaders are ready to step into that role: “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” refers to appointing people to leadership roles.
Question Bank:
How has your week been spiritually?
What is God teaching you?
What sins are you struggling with that you need to confess?
(V. 1-16) What does it look like to treat the church like family?
(V. 1-16) Why does Paul speak so harsh against those who don’t care for their household?
(V. 1-16) How are we supposed to support those in need exactly?
(V. 1-16) Why should we have a concern for those in need to begin with?
(V. 1-16) How did Jesus serve the “quartet of the vulnerable”?
(V. 17-25) What does it look like to “honor” leaders?
(V. 17-25) What does it look like to address issues in leadership?
How does this chapter point back to the Gospel?