Christians are to be those who leave the aroma of Christ in every encounter – small opportunities to die to self – going the extra mile to leave things better than before we came – this pleases our Lord Who, was always about His Father’s work. We are to never tire of doing what is right.
Verses 1-2 speaks on Christian courtesy referring back to 1
Timothy 3:14-15:
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV)
Paul states in Titus:
2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Titus 2:2 (NIV)
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:6-8 (NIV)
We are to learn to be mature – to grow up in Christ.
32 “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:32 (NIV)
Paul commends the Philippian Church in their sacrificial giving:
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:10-20 (NIV)
Next, Paul speaks regarding widows and are treatment towards them.
Tee and Jane to speak on widowhood.
Regarding this subject, Paul speaks on the treatment of Widows:
Who were really in need.
Those widows who had Family which was to be the first responsible to help.
Paul tells is in Romans chapter 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”--which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV)
10 and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:10 (NIV)
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:3 (NIV)
We are to treat others as we would like to be treated – Auntie C. – as we will more than likely one day walk in their shoes. Also, we are to do all as unto the Lord as Paul tells us in a familial passage in Colossians:
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:23-25 (NIV)
Paul continues his discussion regarding widows writing:
A widow with no family who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God.
Continues night and day in prayer asking God for help:
Luke 2:36-38:
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)
God blessed the prophetess Anna as her actions were pleasing in His sight.
17 pray continually; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
The widow who lives for pleasure, Scripture states, is dead even while she lives. This is one who is self-indulgent, who lives luxuriously and sensuously – self-indulgent in eating and excessive in drinking. James 5:5 warns the rich of this:
5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. James 5:5 (NIV)
They are indeed the walking dead or the living dead.
“All who live in pleasure are dead while they live; their lives in the world serve no substantial purpose. They are, as it were, buried alive as to the great purpose of living.” Matthew Henry
Paul was telling Timothy to give these instructions so that no one would be guilty of anything that could bring an accusation – particularly in caring for one’s own family. We are to teach and urge others the Truth of God’s Word to keep them from blame. Jude 22-23 comes to mind:
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23 (NIV)
Paul states in verse 8:
8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV)
Because he or she knows better - they are not sinning in ignorance. No matter what kind of religious profession one makes, they have denied the faith and are worse than an utter unbeliever if they neglect their family and leave them in want when by proper care they could meet their needs.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13 (NIV)
If the families can help maintain their poor relatives and do not burden the church with them, the church may be better able to relieve those who are truly without any help. Wisdom should always be exercised in choosing the objects of our charity, so that it may not be thrown away on those who are not its proper objects, but may be reserved for those who are truly in need.
Next, Paul gives the qualifications of the widows to be placed on the list:
Over 60.
Faithful to her husband.
Well known for her good deeds. Bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints (humility/service):
There was a woman named Dorcas mentioned in Acts which emulates the life of a woman of faith that would qualify for assistance if she were widowed:
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. Acts 9:36-43 (NIV)
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)
13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 (NIV)
Helping those in trouble.
Devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
Paul advises that the younger widows are not to be put on the list. Their sensual desires will overcome their dedication to Christ and they want to marry. They get idle and go from house to house stirring up trouble by being gossips, idlers and busy bodies - saying things that they ought not to say.
11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 (NIV)
Regarding our foolish words, James warns about the tongue:
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:3-6 (NIV)
Paul counsels younger women to marry, have children, manage their homes and give the enemy no opportunities for slander. Some indeed have already turned to follow Satan.
It is a full time job to run a home and raise a family – leaving little time for getting into trouble if you seek to do a God pleasing job.
Again, Paul turns back to the widows stating that women who have widows in their families should help them and relieve the burden from the church. This frees the church to help those who have no one. Pappy calling Mrs. Barth, etc. It does not always have to be financial.
Paul switches the remainder of the chapter to focusing on the elders of the church. He states that elders were worthy of double honor (value, money, cost, respect, honor, ability) – especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Some examples from Scripture of honoring those who lead through service:
Paul tells us in Philippians:
25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me. Philippians 2:25-30 (NIV)
In Colossians Paul also tells us about Epaphras exemplary conduct:
12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Colossians 4:12-13 (NIV)
And lastly, in 1 Thessalonians Paul tells us:
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV)
Paul adds workers deserve their wages citing examples from Scripture:
4 Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. Deuteronomy 25:4 (NIV)
The ox deserves to eat and not to be muzzled when he is working.
7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk?
8 Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 1 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NIV)
Jesus tells in n Matthew:
7 “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.
14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Matthew 10:7-15 (NIV)
Lastly, in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Paul tells us:
13 Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?
14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (NIV)
Paul states we are not to entertain (meaning to embrace with assent) any accusations against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
Jesus tells us in Matthew:
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)
Those elders in sin were to be rebuked publicly so that others would take warning. Encourage and rebuke with authority as we walk in obedience to God’s commands in His Word. Paul states his instructions were to be kept without partiality – nothing done out of favoritism adhering to His commands without spot or blemish or blame. Being prepared in and out of season – correcting, rebuking and encouraging with great patience and careful instruction from God’s Word. We are not to share in the sins of others rather keep ourselves pure and above reproach.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:8-17 (NIV)
Lastly, Paul states that some sins are obvious – reaching the place of judgment ahead of them (think Sodom and Gomorrah) while the sins of others trail behind them.
In much the same way good deeds are obvious and even those that are not cannot be hidden. God sees everything. Nothing is hidden from His sight and we never fool Him. He not only sees our actions but He knows the thoughts and motivation behind them. We are told:
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)
9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Lastly, Jesus tells us:
20 “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” John 3:20-21 (NIV)
It matters greatly how we live our lives.
These are Beth’s personal notes, due to this fact sources are not often stated.
