I Timothy Chapter 5

I Timothy Chapter 5
Distributed by:  KJV Bible Studies
Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net
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Introduction:  In chapter 4, Paul warned of the time of Apostasy which is certainly upon us today. Many are turning from the truth to believe lies and follow doctrines of Satan rather than the true doctrines of God. We spoke of what God considered a good pastor, and discussed how that bodily exercise had little to offer us, whereas spiritual growth and exercise has much to offer.  This week as we begin our study on how to deal with both older and young Christians.

Paul here deals with two matters: (1) The Support of widows in the church and (2) instructions pertaining to leaders in the church.
 
I.  How to Deal with Men and Women

1 Tim 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
1 Tim 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

The chapter begins with the injunction, “Rebuke not an elder.”  The reference here is in respect for those of age.  This chapter uses the word translated as elder (presbuterov prebuteros) in two senses. Later in the chapter, the sense is of leadership in the church in it's pastor. Here, the context clearly is of those who have advanced in years.
 
The word translated as rebuke (epiplhssw epiplesso) has the sense to ‘chastise with words’ or to ‘upbraid.’We are instructed to have respect for those who have the advantage of years.  Timothy was to treat such a one as a father. Likewise, he instructed him to treat “younger men as brethren.” Similarly, he directed Timothy to treat the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.  The greater thought is to have a respectful and appropriate regard for whatever age in the church.
 
Paul gives young Timothy some good advice.  Some misunderstand this verse to refer to just pastors (elders), but I think this is addressing the older men of the church along with the pastors.  With age should come respect, and Paul urges young Timothy to use wisdom in dealing with this age group.   We should look up to our older members, particularly those who have years of service to the Lord and have truly matured in their Christian walk. It takes a wise man or woman to know how to deal with people of all age groups.  With years of service behind them, the older men and women have seen so much, and that wealth of information can help a young pastor in making decisions. 

I am not saying the young pastor should be overseen by these older members, but simply saying that these older ones should be given some special care and not rebuked as Paul states in verse one. (as long as they follow the commands laid down in God’s Word.)  Paul says to treat the older men as ‘fathers’ and the elderly women as ‘mothers.’  Those that are younger are to be dealt with as brothers and sisters in Christ.  And whatever we do, we should do it all in purity.  God desires that all our dealings be done perfectly and purely, the same way that God desires us to serve Him.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

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