Introduction: The Church is a Family
- The Gospel Shaped Family is characterized by honor. (5:1-2)
Romans 12:10 (ESV) 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
- Older men as
- Younger men as
- Older women as
- Younger women as in all
(MULTILINE)
2. The Priority of Honoring Widows (5:3-16)
Pastor Kent Hughes wisely comments: “Today the application of this passage should be wider, because modern American culture has produced a category of women virtually unknown in the first century—Christian women and children who have been abandoned by their spouses and left without family support. Godly single mothers are a new class of ‘widow.’ And those without family and resources are the church’s sacred responsibility.”
The Calling of Widow is to be a prayer warrior. (v.5)
What was the list of widows created for?
- Support
- Service
(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
- Raising up kids is a spiritual war. (v.14-15)
- Your home is a military outpost.
(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Application:
- Do you know the widows in your church?
- How are you supporting them—spiritually, emotionally, and financially?
- As a family, are you fulfilling your role to care for your own?
3. Show Pastors/Elders Double honor.
The terms “elder” (or “presbyter”), “overseer” (or “bishop”), and “shepherd” (or “pastor”) are used interchangeably in the NT (Acts 20:17, 28; cf. Titus 1:5, 7).
- Compensation for Pastors v. 17-18
- Accusations against Pastors v.19-21
- Ordination of Pastors v.22
- Libation and Pastors v.23
(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Four kinds of people in 1 Timothy 5:24-25:
- The Open Book– The blatant sinner. Their sins are obvious, and judgment follows quickly.
- The Slow Reveal– Their sins stay hidden for a while but come to light later.
- The Shining Light– Their good works are evident for all to see.
- The Hidden Gem– Their good works may go unnoticed now, but God will reveal them in time.
Some practical questions:
What kind of person are you? What will people find out about you in days to come? Will your sins catch up with you? Or will people discover that you are much godlier than they ever expected?
(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
4. Regard those in authority over you as worthy of all honor (6:1-2)
(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Application:
- Do you work as though Christ is your boss?
- How do you treat coworkers and employers?
- Are you known for excellence and integrity?