The Goal Is Love!

 

 

"Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, ² the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. ³ Honor widows who are widows indeed; ⁴ but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. ⁵ Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. ⁷ Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. ⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. ⁹ A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. ¹¹ But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, ¹² thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. ¹³ At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. ¹⁴ Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; ¹⁵ for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. ¹⁶ If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed."  

I Timothy 5:1-16

 

Good Morning my beloved,

 

Welcome to worship this Lord's Day!

 

We so glad that our brothers and sisters from around the world are here with us today.

We continue to pray for all of you, daily.

 

If you have prayer requests or concern, please write to our Prayer Wall and let us know. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Historically, the churches have bore responsibility for benevolence. This is not to suggest that unchurched people could not be charitable; it is, acknowledgement that benevolence in modern thought, was initiated by and fostered among the churches. This is especially true in North America. If we look at the first charities, they were church based; church sponsored charitable institutions continued to be the rule until quite recently in the history of our nation. In order to validate this statement, one only need think of how many orphanages, how many hospitals, how many institutions for education were begun by government, comparing that number to those that grew out of church ministries. Though governments have assumed oversight of most of these institutions, more through regulation than through default, it cannot be denied that institutions of education and higher learning, medical facilities and homes for the vulnerable were disproportionately initiated and operated by the churches throughout the earliest years of our nation.  

Throughout history, government has primarily concerned itself with the welfare of the ruling class, those who have corrupted not only this nation, but the world. The masses of people living under a given government are typically viewed as vassals, subordinates, whose responsibility is to produce goods to benefit the state. It was only with the advent of the modern democratic state in the western world that governmental benevolence was introduced. And this development of governmental benevolence grew out of seizure of benevolent ministries from the church.

However, it was not so many years ago, that is until the modern government usurped the role of social benefactor, that families accepted the  responsibility of providing for their own families and family members; and the churches served primarily as a safety net for those rare instances where ones family no longer existed or where family was unable to support and assist its members. And, as governments have grown in both size and power, churches and religious organizations have been shouldered aside as governmental agencies arrogated to themselves the role of administering benevolence through compelling redistribution of wealth.

With the arguments for separation of church and state last year, again coming to the forefront, many Americans are divided on the extent to which the country’s laws should reflect Bible teachings. However, modern government continues to usurp the place of God, most often, without even a whimper, or sound from the pulpit. As such, the church has grown increasingly dependent upon government for "permission" to do what is natural to the redeemed of the Lord. I find this to be disturbing, because people have therefore, placed their faith in the government of men, rather than in Almighty God.

 

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

 

Heavenly Father,

 

Father, thank You for this clear Word to us and practical instruction. Thank You for this powerful reminder, that we, as Your children, are called to exercise ourselves to godliness. And, that as leaders, we are to be the example. Lord, we confess that we are often preoccupied with our own selfishness, self indulgences, and personal desires. We confess to You, that the truth, as far as it relates to us, convicts us, is so often difficult to hear, because we tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. Thank You for reminding us, that we have not yet arrived to the standards of which You have placed upon us, that we have a long way to go. Lord, I thank You for those that You placed in my path along the way, to teach me the glorious Gospel of Christ. Thank You for equipping me to instruct others, according to Your Word.

 

Lord, help us to acknowledge that we often resist becoming involved in the complexities of those who have great need, use this Word that You have for us today, to transform our hearts, our lives. Cause us to be faithful, to have the heart of Christ who, even in bearing the sins of the world, was so concerned about the needs of others, He asked they would be forgiven for what they had done to Him. Father, help us to take up the cause of Christ.

In His name, we ask and pray

Amen

 

Today's Message: The Goal Is Love!

What are the marks of a brother’s love for a brother? Brotherly love means that we are to recognize younger men as a fellow believer, and, that as a believer, we are to promote his welfare. Even though, we may not always agree with him; that as a fellow believer, we are to always judge him charitably.

 

May I submit to you, that everyone within the Church, the body of Christ, is to be treated with great care and respect. In other words, the bottom line is, that as the family of God, we are "stuck" with each other.

 

Open your Bibles with me to the Book of First Timothy chapter 5. As we continue in our study of this critical, practical, instructional letter to Timothy, I believe, it clearly speaks to all of us, who would claim Christ today.  In this particular section of God's Word, the Apostle Paul addresses specific groups who are vulnerable to dishonor.

 

I would like to encourage you to follow along with me as I read to you from our text for today, listen for the Spirit of our Lord, as He speaks to our hearts. I Timothy 5:1-8.

 

"Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,  thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed."  

 

I believe that this passage flies in the faces of those people, who in our society, think that men and women, old and young are to be treated alike. As we see clearly in today's passage, they are not alike. Here, God demonstrates to all of us, how it is each must be treated within the household of God. Is it any wonder why so many pastors choose not to deal with such critical text, in today's church? However, as an expository teacher of the Word of God, I am not afforded that "so called privilege," of what is to be considered right or worthy for teaching. As I am called upon by the Lord, as are we all who would teach, to preach the whole counsel of God. As I have stated a number of times, that is why expository teaching is so important in our day, because it forces us to deal with the issues, we would otherwise, choose to ignore. I pray that all of you here, would see the "family" atmosphere present within the local church.

 

Paul begins verses 1 and 2, with "Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity."

 

We each have various parts to play in the family of God; specific roles in which we are to live out and that all of us count. We are all important. That is what the Apostle Paul wants us to see. We are, therefore, to treat everyone within the church with honor and respect, which, flows from our deep love for our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

In writing Timothy, the Apostle Paul provides guidelines for the role of a congregation in the area of benevolent duties. I do not believe, that these Scriptures should be considered to be exhaustive; they are however, definitive for directing the community of Christ in matters of benevolence.

 

In verses 3-4, "Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God."

 

Here, Paul writes Timothy of the helpless widow, he is to lead the way in honoring the widows within  the church, demonstrating to others, to treat her with honor. The world, then, as now, often takes advantage of widows, the elderly, and anyone who may be in a vulnerable state. I often find myself asking, "How could there be so much evilness in the world." The church, however, is called to be separate from the world, therefore, we are to esteem widows with honor. 

I believe, that the first thing that Paul wants us to see here, is that not all widows are true widows. Therefore, if she has family, then her family is to make sure that her needs are met. At the end of verse 4, Paul tells us "for this is acceptable in the sight of God." In other words, it pleases Him, when family members care for their own. What then, must He think of those who do not? May I also submit to you, that families are most often brought closer together as the various members care for those in need within the family. As God would see it, a widow who has family, is not a widow in distress, so long as the family lives up to what is commanded of them, by God. We who follow Christ, look to God to provide our needs as we are taught in His model prayer; therefore, we do not look to a mere human entity that does little more than reveal its inefficiency, through keeping a substantial proportion for itself. However, let us be said, there are times, when God will use the devil's followers, meaning unbelievers, to care for the needs of His people.

Verse 5, "Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day." Here, we see that for the one who is alone, and helpless, as she prays to God for her care,  God answers her prayers through support from the local church. The key here in determining who the church must help and who the family must help is made clear.

 

In verse 6, Paul writes, "But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives." Here, not only does the Apostle Paul differentiate between widows who have families and ones who do not, he also speaks of her moral conduct. If she is bent on frivolous living, she is not doing her part, in fact, she may even be lost. Therefore, she should not be cared for by the spending of the church.

 

The Church in Ephesus recorded the true widows, who met the qualifications of being alone and godly, were added to the register, of those who were to be supported by the church. As with all who are in need of support, certain criteria need be met, as charitable spending is closely monitored, primarily so that funds are not to distributed to just anyone who waltzed into the church, with a sad story.

 

Then, in verse 7-8, Paul makes a rather bold statement, quite frankly, one we certainly will not hear many proclaiming from the pulpits of the churches today. "Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Beloved, it never ceases to amaze me, that the same entities to whom we entrust to be qualified to administer the care of millions of individuals who require financial assistance, are the same ones who spend billions of dollars on observing the bizarre sexual behavior of ship worms!  As a footnote, while governments may appear quite generous, in assisting those who are in need, I'd like you to bear in mind, that it is largely your money that is being spent. As our growing population of elderly struggle to provide their basic needs, we are funding the paychecks, medical insurance and retirement accounts of the Federal government officials. Though most often quoted to justify our own greed, as the old saying goes, "Charity begins at home." 

 

However, what must be kept in view, is the need for Christians to step up and assume responsibility for the vulnerable. I believe the assumption underlying that responsibility is two-fold, the personal responsibility and corporate responsibility. Personal responsibility means that we as parents, accept the duty of caring for our own family. As well as grown children, are to realize that they bear responsibility to provide for their own family, as well as their aging parents, who can no longer provide for themselves. In the rhythm of generations will often impose, a dramatic reversal of roles for each of us. In the  course of life, those we who once held as infants in our arms, will one day be held in their arms, as they care for us at the end of our days on earth.

 

In verses 9-14, Paul says "A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach;"

 

The point that the Apostle Paul is making here, is that a younger widow is free to remarry and therefore, should do so. She should care for her husband, children and home, because if she were to be placed on the widows list, she would then become lazy and dependent rather than being productive and fulfilling her God given role. 

 

When families care for their members and when the church cares for widows in distress, God is glorified. When there is no family then God uses the church to care for the widow. The job of the church is to care for widows just like they were your own mothers. The church of God becomes the family who cares for the needs of the widows in the church. She is given honor rather than forced to beg and scrape by in poverty. 

 

In fact, James says in James 1, verse 27, "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." 

 

Beloved, what a beautiful opportunity we are given, as Christ's own, to care for those who are in need. This is the working out of the 5th Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." Therefore, when it is just the mother left children care for their mother, or grandmother as a means to love God. I am bold in stating my conviction that those without family and without resources are a sacred responsibility for the congregation.

 

Isaiah 1:17 tells we are to "Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan,
Plead for the widow."

 

Deuteronomy 10:18 says "He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing." 

 

In verse 12,  we see that the register of widows had a different set of qualifications than the first group. They had to be sixty years of age and apparently had to pledge remain to single. The age requirement set by Paul, to be a part of this second group was sixty, which was considered old in the ancient world. It was considered so because most men never made it to sixty and very few women made it as well. So this was the high end of the average life expectancy in the ancient world, even though it sounds pretty young to many of us these days. This registry, however, was not for widows needing support but for widows capable of offering service. Not only did the widow receive according to their need, they were allowed to give according to their ability. The qualification seemed to be age, married fidelity, and good works. The good works were defined by verse ten to be, bringing up children, whether her own or others, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, and helping those in trouble.

 

Since the early church were scattered by persecution. In such a hostile environment, hospitality was a vital component for the spread of the Gospel. Therefore, a widow who was to be appointed to the order of widows was to have excelled in the ministry of hospitality. The widow would have been considered throughout her life as hospitable, her hospitality would have continued after widowhood through opening her home to those in need of shelter and of food. This gives us further evidence that the order of widows was not to be restricted to only those who were destitute. Women who were destitute, would not have been able to open their homes or to assist through providing hospitality to others. 

 

Today, we do not often realize the persecution, oppression and opposition experienced by these first Christians. The Apostle Paul acknowledged the afflictions  of believers, when he wrote I Thessalonians 1:6-7, "You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers.." 

 

Such affliction is verified in the words of our Lord, Jesus, when in John 16:33 He said "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." Through organizations such as Open Doors USA, the affliction of Christians is becoming too well recognized in some regions of the world such as North Korea, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia, China, Vietnam and India as our brothers and sisters are being persecuted and oppressed in this very day. Beloved, we all have been blessed with opportunities to care for the afflicted, and may I be so bold as to say, these opportunities are likely to significantly increase in the days to come, many of which I believe, will be in our own country.

 

In Closing...

 

These practical instructions, as outlined in our text, requires that we teach a view of wealth that is at odds with the prevailing cultural wisdom. Money is not a commodity to be hoarded; but rather it is a tool to be used to glorify God. All wealth is given to those of us by our gracious God; it is not given solely for our personal pleasure and comfort, it is to be used to honor God, who gives us the knowledge, wisdom and strength as well as the ability to obtain wealth. 

 

Deuteronomy 8:18, clearly teaches us  " But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

 

I believe that a passage such as this, reflects the present situation in our society, in which the early Church found itself. The dangerous perils of idleness remain the same today, as in any age, throughout Church history. We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are commanded not to be judgmental. We are commanded to share all things in common. "Command" is a strong verb, it is the Greek word, "parangellō," it is used by those in authority, to make an announcement about something that must be done, give orders, command, instruct, direct. These are the principles. Then, as now, what complicates this matter, very much the social background of the times. However, I strongly believe, that the issue is today, as is with all Biblical injunction, is our obedience to the Word of God.

 

Beloved, we are commanded to help those in need, and whether we like to admit it or not, we are all dependent upon the Lord, to care for our needs. Therefore, let us also care for the needs of others.

May it be so..

And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen

 

 

 

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