1. Caring for those in need
1 Timothy 5:1 - 16

2. Caring for those in need
BACKGROUND
Letter written by Paul in around 64 AD
Written to Timothy who he had left in Ephesus to lead the church there
In this section of the letter (through to 6:2) Paul advises Timothy regarding relationships within the church family, God’s household

3. Caring for those in need
HONOURING ONE ANOTHER (1 – 2)
The church is the family of God and within that family there needs to be mutual respect
See Mark 3:34,35 for Jesus’ teaching
We are to treat one another as if we are a family based on mutual respect and honour
Our speech towards each other is important – build up, don’t tear down

4. Caring for those in need
CARING FOR MEMBERS IN NEED (3 – 16)
Remember that there was no welfare state in Ephesus
Honouring widows is not just a question of recognising their status – there are practical and financial implications
In Exodus 22:22 we see that God is protective of vulnerable widows
See Acts 6:1 for an example of early adoption of the practice of helping widows within the church

5. Caring for those in need
CARING FOR MEMBERS IN NEED (3 – 16)
The primary responsibility for care lies with the widow’s own family who are themselves believers (4 – 8)
Remember that this was expected in both Jewish and Gentile society at the time, to not help would bring shame on the family
If the woman has no such family and she is living a godly life then the church should step in to help

6. Caring for those in need
CARING FOR MEMBERS IN NEED (3 – 16)
The primary responsibility for care lies with the widow’s own family who are themselves believers (4 – 8)
Remember that this was expected in both Jewish and Gentile society at the time, to not help would bring shame on the family
If the woman has no such family and she is living a godly life then the church should step in to help

7. Caring for those in need
CARING FOR MEMBERS IN NEED (3 – 16)
The church does not have a responsibility to a lone widow who is living an ungodly life
Discernment is needed in recognising those in real need
Guidance regarding age and conduct is given, including conduct when her husband was alive

8. Caring for those in need
CARING FOR MEMBERS IN NEED (3 – 16)
Younger widows will not be included – they may remarry and were more likely to be able to work
Paul is possibly addressing an issue in Ephesus where younger women were behaving inappropriately and still expecting the church to support them
They may have succumbed to the false teaching forbidding marriage
Some had fallen away from the faith (15)

9. Caring for those in need
LESSONS FOR TODAY
The church should identify as a family
Identify those in need and establish if they have family who can care for them
If they do not than the church should seek to help practically
If we have elderly parents then we should honour and provide help for them
A life that pleases God is practical as well as spiritual