1 Timothy 5:1—6:2: Implementing Spiritual Teaching
AT ONE TIME or another all of us have probably been in a situation in which we felt that someone in our church or fellowship was sinning. Whether or not we act on the situation and how we communicate to that person has a big effect on the outcome. Often when we rebuke others about their lifestyles, we come off as being judgmental and self-righteous. When Paul tells Timothy about specific persons and groups he needed to confront about certain issues, he is careful to show how to do so in love. Paul's teaching here gives us valuable guidance on being both direct and loving with other Christians.
Warming Up to God
When have you found—or seen—rebuke to have a positive impact?
Read 1 Timothy 5:1—6:2. »
Discovering the Word
- Paul touches on the different age and gender groups Timothy must lead. How is Timothy to regard the people he ministers to?
- How is a godly widow to be distinguished from an ungodly one (vv. 3-8)?
- What criteria did a widow need to meet to receive a place on the list of those who received financial aid from the church (vv. 9-10)?
- Why do you think Paul gives these specific instructions about rebuking an elder in verses 19-20?
- How have you found verses 24-25 to be true?
- From 6:1-2 what do you think has been happening when slaves become believers?
Applying the Word
- How can you rebuke someone in ways that are clear but also affirm the other person as a member of God's family?
- In affluent Ephesus, like twentieth-century America, many elderly people were evidently abandoned. What obligations do you have to your own parents?
- What ideas does this passage give you for new areas of ministry?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for those in your church who are needy and who may be without family.
For Further Study
Loneliness by Elizabeth Skoglund