Happy Friday and greetings from Bible Study Snacks! Whether it's your first time with us, or you're a regular follower of this blog, it's great to have you!
I'm delighted that you will be joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. As always, I hope you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, positive in energy, and strong in faith! Before we start, a little background information is in order.
This week, we continue on with our study of The First Epistle to Timothy, or 1 Timothy. It was written about 58-59 A.D. Some believe that Paul may have written 1 Timothy after his extended stay at Ephesus and departure to Macedonia on his third missionary journey. Generally, it is the consensus that Paul wrote this epistle from Macedonia, following his first imprisonment in Rome.
Paul's letter is directed to a young evangelist who was given the responsibility of working with a congregation and leading them in the right way. All that is written is designed to assist, both, him and the congregation in doctrine and conduct.
Although brief, the studies presented here are packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. It is my ultimate hope that they might inspire you to an even deeper study of Scripture!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us pray together...
"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are some things to think about for this week's lesson...
This Weeks Objectives: Participants should be able to...
* appreciate the responsibility we have toward our families, especially widows.
* consider under what circumstances widows may be "taken into the number."
* note the distinction between the work of the church, and the responsibility of individual Christians.
* review our responsibilities toward those who serve as elders.
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Timothy, Chapter 5...
This chapter contains Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding various members of the congregation. He starts with the members in general, counseling Timothy to consider them as family, and exhorting them accordingly (1 Timothy 5:1-2). A major section is then devoted to the care of widows, in which some may be "taken into the number."
What this phrase refers to is unclear, but it may involve congregational support on a long-term basis. Only those who are truly widows (as defined in verse 5) and who meet certain qualifications (listed in verse 9-10) are to be so honored. Younger widows are expected to remarry and have children, while widows with children and grandchildren are to be supported by their own family rather than burden the church (1 Timothy 5:3-16).
Several remarks are then made regarding elders (not just older Christians, but those serving as overseers). Elders who rule well are to be worthy of financial support, especially if they are laboring in the word and doctrine. Accusations against an elder are not to betaken seriously unless there be two or three witnesses. Those elders who are sinning need to be publicly rebuked so that the rest may fear (1 Timothy 5:17-20).
Paul then gives Timothy a solemn charge to be free from prejudice and partiality as he goes about his duties. He is also to be cautious about those he may commend, being careful to keep himself pure from others' sins. The chapter concludes with advice for treating Timothy's stomach ailment, and a reminder that both sins and good works will eventually become evident (1 Timothy 5:21-25).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) How was Timothy to exhort the members of the congregation? (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
2) Why are widows with children or grandchildren to be taken care of by them? (1 Timothy 5:4)
3) Who is truly a widow? (1 Timothy 5:5)
4) What is said of one who will not provide for his own family? (1 Timothy 5:8)
5) List the qualifications for a widow to be "taken into the number." (1 Timothy 5:9-10)
6) What are the younger widows to do? Why? (1 Timothy 5:14)
7) What two groups of widows are NOT to be "taken into the number?" (1 Timothy 5:14,16)
8) How should elders who rule well be considered, especially if they labor in word and doctrine? (1 Timothy 5:17)
9) What basis does Paul give for compensating elders? (1 Timothy 5:18)
10) What is necessary to receive an accusation against an elder? (1 Timothy 5:19)
11) What should be done with elders who are sinning? (1 Timothy 5:20)
12) What serious charge was given to Timothy before God, the Lord, and the elect angels? (1 Timothy 5:21)
13) What words of caution does Paul give Timothy? (1 Timothy 5:22)
14) What advice does Paul give Timothy for his stomach ailments? (1 Timothy 5:23)
15) What is true in regards to both sin and good works? (1 Timothy 5:24-25)
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As always, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until our next time...
God bless you!
Sheri
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