The Epistle of 1st Timothy
Chapter 5

In this 1 Timothy 5 we find instruction for "all saints". Paul gives instructs every born-again child of God how they are to treat other saints - "older saints"; "older widows"; "younger widows"; and "officers of the church". It is vital that members of local assemblies treat one another properly so that there will be no "strife" or "division" among the brethren.

In Proverbs 6:16-19 we read, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren." Since God says that "sowing discord among the brethren" is an abomination to Him, it is extremely important that believers comprehend His Word concerning how we should treat one another. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this (loving one another) shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35).

A healthy church is one in which there is no strife or division, but a unity of spirit and love and a common goal of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. May God help pastors to preach the message of "loving one another" on a regular basis! This is one message that cannot be over emphasized. Let us examine what the Apostle Paul teaches in Chapter 15 of 1 Timothy concerning how saints are to love other saints.

How Saints Are to Treat Other Saints (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

The work of the pastor requires diversity. A good minister of Jesus Christ must learn how to minister to a variety of different age groups without showing partiality. Often pastors are tempted to minister to saints that are their own age, while they either consciously or unconsciously neglect other age groups. Paul teaches that the good minister is to resist this temptation and make sure that saints of all ages be ministered to properly. Since Timothy was a young man and inexperienced pastor in Ephesus, Paul exhorted him to treat elderly saints with proper regard.

In 1 Timothy 5:1 Paul writes, "Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren." This means that Pastor Timothy should not search for faults in the lives of elders of the church, but rather he should maintain a respectful attitude toward them. This does not mean that Timothy should compromise the doctrines of God’s Word, but he should maintain a healthy attitude and respect of men of more experience. Paul also addresses the need for the pastor to treat the elders as fathers. This carries the idea that children should respect their parents, therefore, pastors should not disrespect elderly saints in the church. In regard to the younger saints, Paul instructs Timothy to treat the younger men of the church his brethren.

In 1 Timothy 5:2 Paul writes, "The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." It is clear that God views all saints, whether old, young, men, or women, as members of the same family. If believers would also consider this same truth, there would be more love and less strife in the church. What member of a family would allow his brother, sister, mother, or father to suffer without trying to come to their aid? What family is not brought closer together whenever their is a family crisis?

At the moment of salvation, every believer becomes a child of God. This is taught in many passages of the Word of God. In Colossians 2:12 Paul writes concerning those who have received Christ, "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." Every person who has been saved has been "plunged; birthed; buried" into the family of God and raised in the newness of life. Every thing that occurred to Jesus "physically" in His baptism by John the Baptist happened to the believer "spiritually" at the moment of salvation. In 1 Corinthians 12:13 we read, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." This is the "baptism of the Spirit".

It is this operation of God that transforms us from the sons of Adam unto the sons of God. Paul wrote the Romans and taught this principle - "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…" (Romans 8:15-17). This same "adoption" is again referred to by Paul in Galatians 4:4-7, "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Now, since we are all sons of God through Christ and part of the same family, there should be "love one for another." One of the greatest problems of the church is strife and division among believers. It is obvious that unbelievers are not compelled to Christ whenever those who profess His name are odds with one another. It is a certainty that unbelievers know more about problems in the church than do most of the membership. Those who are lost make a point of finding out what is wrong in the church so that they will have an excuse why not to come. All saints should take heed to these first two verses of 1 Timothy 5 and do them.

How Saints Are to Treat Older Widows (1 Timothy 5:3-10)

When Israel was an infant nation wandering in the wilderness, God made provisions for widows (Exodus 22:22). God has a tender spot in His heart for widows and orphans. One of the primary ministries of the New Testament church is to care for the widows and fatherless (Acts 6:1) It has been said, "People will never care how much we know until they know how much we care." However, it is also important to realize that the church is not responsible for "all widows" as we will learn.

As a pastor of a New Testament church, one will soon become "painfully aware" of how often others will attempt to take advantage of the church. There are those who will ask the church for money, food, gasoline, a place to stay, and many other things. While many of these people would not dare darken the doors of the church, they are bold in asking the church for its help. This presents a great problem for the pastor and the New Testament church. What should the church do? Should they give money? Food? Gasoline? Will turning people away reflect poorly upon those who are lost? How much is enough? Some people would "milk" the church for all they can, so there is a definite decision to be made.

It would seem that this passage dealing with "widows" gives us some insight into how to deal with situations such as these. Paul distinguishes between "widows" and "widows indeed" (1 Timothy 5:3). In the following verse (vs. 4) we find that, while God’s heart is sensitive to widows (Ex. 22:22), He gives clear instructions for dealing with their problems. Widows who have children or nephews are to be taken care of by them, not the church. Children or nephews who are mature enough to care for their parents should do so, thus relieving the church of the burden of responsibility. Paul adds, "…for that is good and acceptable before God."

As for "widows indeed", God’s Word gives specific qualifications to distinguish them from other "widows". In 1 Timothy 5:5-10 Paul lists seven (7) qualifications that must be met before a widow should be considered a "widow indeed" and supported and cared for by the church. First, in vs. 5b, we find that the widow must be one who "trusteth in God" - is saved. If a widow is not born-again, that widow is not the responsibility of the local New Testament church. It is obvious that no church can support all of the widows of a town, so the first prerequisite for being a widow indeed is that they are of the "household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Secondly, in vs. 5a, we find that the widow must be desolate - without support. Any widow who has relatives willing and able to support her should do so. In vs. 8 we find that those who are not willing have denied the faith. Thirdly, in vs. 5c, we find that a widow indeed is a "faithful child of God" who continues (consistently) in prayer and supplications night and day. What a testimony of faith! One who is given to much prayer is a delight unto the Lord. Jeremiah 33:3 informs believers that if they call upon God, He is faithful to answer their call and show them great and mighty things that they know not. God’s Word clearly teaches that God will care for those who put Him first in their lives. Fourthly, in vss. 6-7 we find that a widow indeed is a woman who is not self-indulgent. A church is not responsible to meet the needs of a widow who seeks only to satisfy the lusts of her own flesh by lavish spending. Fifthly, we learn in vs. 9a that a "widow indeed" must be a least sixty (60) years of age. Obviously, it is not a common practice for women this age to remarry, so they will need assistance. Sixthly, a widow indeed must not be a woman given in marriage to more than one man (5:9b). This is another evidence that God is not pleased with marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Seventhly, a widow indeed is a woman who has a legacy of godly service. She is one "well reported of for her good works."

As we study these seven (7) qualifications of a "widow indeed" we find that many widows do not qualify in our churches. We also learn that taking care of the needs of every person that knocks on the doors of the pastor or church is not the responsibility of the church. The New Testament church must first be responsible for the "household of faith". However, the church must also be careful to maintain its vision of reaching out to the lost. There is nothing wrong with providing food, gasoline, utility payments, etc. for those that are in need. This is a wonderful testimony, and it is a means in which the lost may come to Christ for salvation. However, there must be careful consideration and prayer given before the church spends money on those who desire to "prey" on the treasury of the church. It is never a good idea to give "money" to strangers who ask for it. There is no way of knowing what they will use the money for. Some would spend it on drink or drugs or both, while others may use it wisely to purchase a hungry baby some milk. It would seem the best policy to set up an account with a local gasoline station, grocery store, or have your own food pantry on hand to assist those in need. Whenever possible, encourage those you are helping to attend church services, listen to the story of Jesus Christ, or read a gospel tract. Be sure to tell them that you will pray for them and invite them to join you in prayer.

How Saints Are to Treat Younger Widows (1 Timothy 5:11-16)

Paul now addresses how that the church is to treat widows that are not "widows indeed." In verse 11 Paul says that younger widows are to be refused. The word "refused" means that they are not to be supported by the local assembly of believers. No doubt Paul had women much younger than sixty years of age in mind. He comments that there is a reason for this refusal, "….for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry" (5:11b).

This commentary of Paul suggests that there were many younger women that were "spiritual" so long as their husbands were alive, but soon after the death of their husbands, they became "wanton against Christ." This phrase has the idea of "turning away" from Christ. In other words, younger widows had a tendency to "grow cold and indifferent" spiritually. It is obvious that the natural yearning of the flesh was the problem. It seems that they forgot their commitment to Christ when their husbands died. There are many disturbing results of this "turning away." First, they lacked faith in Christ as their sufficiency. No doubt they feared that they would become destitute with no man to care for them. Paul suggests that eventually they will marry. Secondly, because of the carnal condition, Paul suggests that they will marry. This marriage many times was the result of desperation and little or no consideration was given to marrying in the will of God. Verse 12 reveals that the marriage is one of "damnation" because they had "cast off their first faith" or "prior commitment." Thirdly, the result of their "turning away" is described in 1 Timothy 5:13. Paul describes these young widows as "idle" and "wanderers" - they often become spiritual hobos wandering about from church to church, no doubt seeking a church to satisfy their own desires, rather than seeking to serve God in a local assembly of believers; "tattlers" and "busybodies" - these young widows become more concerned about talking of the affairs of others and attempting to get involved in the lives and business of others now that they are without their husbands. How sad when people who suffer the loss of a spouse no longer feel productive and fulfilled. If they would but give themselves solely to the Lord, they would know the joy of "abundant life" that Christ offers.

Paul continues giving instruction to Timothy and the church in regard to younger widows. Paul shares his heart by saying, "I will therefore that they younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully" (1 Timothy 5:14). Paul clearly teaches that "younger widows" would be better off remarrying, rearing children, and taking care of their households, than to be consumed with being idle, wandering, tattling (gossiping), or being a busybody. Of course, this is good advice for everyone to heed! Sadly, Paul suggests that some (younger widows) have already "turned aside" (turned away from their prior commitment to Christ), and they have been led by Satan. This is a very vulnerable time for "young widows". It is a traumatic event in their lives, and they are in need of the church to have compassion on them. Many times when a person goes through a tragic trial of life such as this, others will tend to distance themselves from them because they feel uncomfortable. Although the church is not required to support "younger widows" monetarily, it is advisable that those in the church take an interest in talking, consoling, and helping these widows and any other person for that matter, who is hurting. The consequences is that they will be "led away by Satan."

Paul suggests in verse 16, "If any man or woman that believeth (are Christians) have widows (family relatives), let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed." This would seem logical that believers who have relatives who are widows, whether young or older, they should take care of them. Obviously, the church will be financially burdened any time it cares for a "widow indeed", therefore, when relatives care for their relatives the church is "relieved" of this burden.

How Saints Are to Treat Officers of the Church (1 Timothy 5:17-25)

This section of 1 Timothy 5 refers to how saints are to treat "officers of the church." Paul uses the term "elders" to describe the officers, and concludes that those who "rule well", as opposed to those who do not rule well, are to be counted worthy of "double honor". It seems apparent that officers in the church who are "true servants" are to be treated with respect, honor, and dignity. Keep in mind that the overseeing of a church is often a difficult task. Those who willingly give of themselves as "servants" or "ministers" to others ought to be appreciated, not ridiculed and held in contempt.

Paul adds to verse 17 that those who "labor in word and doctrine" are especially deserving of respect. Most congregation members are not aware of the time and effort that is involved in ministering to the saints. There seems to be many in the church that are oblivious of the sacrifices that those who labor in word and doctrine make. Ministers are not often afforded some of the simple pleasures of life, friends, and families because of the time and effort it takes to study, meditate, and pray over messages and planning of church ministries. The pastor of a church is often called upon to visit in the hospitals, preach funerals, officiate weddings, preach at various meetings and events, and counsel those who have a variety of needs. Those who come to church only occasionally or who never participate in any ministries or activities of the church have little or no idea of the daily responsibilities of the minister.

Paul teaches us that these men are to be "counted worthy of double honor". Church members should be mindful that although the pastor provides leadership in the church, he is still just a man. In John 1:6-7 we read about John the Baptist. The Apostle John wrote, "There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." We learn much about ministers in this passage. First, we learn that John the Baptist was a MAN. He was not a superman, nor was he perfect. He was clearly described as a man. A man is capable of doing things wrong. He is not omniscient, omnipresent, nor omnipotent. As one preacher said, "The BEST a man can do is still only the best a MAN can do!" Secondly, we learn that John the Baptist was a "man SENT from GOD". The pastor of the church should be "a man sent from God", not a man selected by the congregation. Often churches looking for pastors look for a man that fits their preconceived idea of a pastor. They go about looking with their committees for a man that fits the mould, rather than for the man in whom God wants for their church. Is the pastor of your church the man whom God has sent, or is he the pastor that men sent? You will find in the Word of God that whenever there was a need among Israel or the church, God sent a man. He did not send a program; He did not send a song; He did not send a building; He sent a MAN! This is God’s methodology of accomplishing His will. Thirdly, we learn that John was sent by God for a specific reason - "The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light." This should be the main concern of ministers - to be a witness of Jesus Christ. The minister is not the Light, nor is the church - Jesus Christ is the Light, and the church is the candlestick. We are to "hold forth the Word of Life" by our words and our works. We are to "hold up the Light" in a manner that others may see the Light. This should be the major concern of every born-again child of God. Are YOU holding up the Light? Fourthly, we find the purpose of this reason - "that all men through him (Christ) might be saved." Every ministry of the church should be designed with this ultimate goal in mind - to see souls saved!

In 1 Timothy 5:18 we learn that pastors should be compensated financially. There are many in the church today that do not understand this principle. Paul clearly teaches, "The laborer is worthy of his reward." Because of the time and effort required to minister to a church, pastors need to be free from having to work a secular job. Those who must work are hindered in administering the church, and the quality of their ministries suffer. It is also sad when many of these members complain that the pastor is not able to visit or perform some duty that they expect him to do. What a dilemma for ministers! A good pastor is certainly worthy of his reward. No wonder Paul says, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine."

One of the greatest errors of the church today involves "church discipline". Most churches do not practice church discipline at all, while others go to the opposite extreme and abuse the exercise of discipline. In all cases, discipline should be bathed in prayer and exercised only for the purpose of "restoration", not "revenge". There are many passages in the Word of God which gives instruction concerning "church discipline" - Matthew 18:15-18; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2:6-11; Galatians 6:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-16; 2 Timothy 2:23-26; Titus 3:10; and 2 John 9-11 are just a few that should be studied.

In the case involving an "elder", there are certain important steps that should be followed that are outlined in 1 Timothy 5:19-21. Paul sets forth criteria that should be considered when disciplining "leadership" of the church. First, always be sure of the "facts". Too often people have the habit of jumping to conclusions without first checking out the accusations. Sometimes people are prone to exaggerate or out-right lie about others, especially those in positions of leadership. Secondly, facts should be supported by witnesses, not rumors. We should always be skeptical of those who want to remain anonymous when they are speaking evil of others. Thirdly, when a leader is accused, all witnesses should be present. Everyone has a right to "face their accusers", and the leadership of the church is no exception. Fourthly, those leaders who have been proven guilty of some gross misconduct should be "rebuked publicly". This public rebuke is an important aspect of church discipline. Paul states the reason for this rebuke in 1 Timothy 5:20, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." When the church membership witnesses public rebuke, they will clearly realize that if leaders are rebuked, they will be also if found guilty of such conduct. Fifthly, those who are in charge of church discipline should always obey God’s Word. Personal feelings should not be considered in disciplining a members of a local assembly, whether a leader or not. Sixthly, there should be no "good ole boy" tactics practiced either. So often we find that man is guilty of being a "respecter of persons". This should never be considered in church discipline. If it is, then the whole church will greatly suffer.

Paul’s next discussion concerning elders within the church involves the "selection and ordaining" of elders. In 1 Timothy 5:22-25 Paul states that the church should "Lay hands suddenly on no man". This means that elders should never be selected and ordained before they have had a chance to be "proven". Every time a man preaches his individual reputation and credibility, as well as that of the church is at stake. For this reason, neither new converts nor novices should be placed into a position of teaching or preaching. All elders, including both pastors and preachers, should be proven men of God. They should be well determined by others concerning their "spirituality". They should be men given to faithfulness, prayer, Bible study, and fidelity. Before the church selects such a leader, they should carefully and prayerfully investigate the qualifications of the person. The position of leadership in the church is never to be taken lightly by those who assumes the positions, nor by those who select those who will lead. Therefore, it is for this reason that Paul emphatically declares, "Lay hands suddenly on no man." In 1 Timothy 5:22 Paul states, "neither be a partaker of other men’s sins; keep thyself pure." This means that "to ordain such unqualified men is to take part in their sins."

In verses 24 Paul teaches that some men’s sins are easy to detect - "open beforehand…and some men they follow after." The thought is that those who are placed into positions of leadership who are not qualified will cause those who are spiritually immature to stumble as they follow after these leaders. In stark contrast Paul states in verse 25, "Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid." The idea here is that those who are "qualified leaders" will produce good works which will have a "positive affect" upon the same immature believers. Leadership is much more than teaching and preaching the Word - it also involves being a good example for others to imitate. No wonder Paul instructed Timothy in verse 23, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities." Obviously, Timothy was suffering from "stomach problems" which are often the result of anxiety and stress involved with leadership positions. While God does not want us to worry, it is painfully obvious that "the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Church members - "Pray for your pastors and other leaders within your church!"

1Timothy Chapter 6