260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 195 - 1 Timothy 5: Properness with Widows & Elders

Ok, for the most part, it was my mom (sorry dad) who taught me properness. And I know, some of you are thinking she didn’t get the job done, but hey, that’s MY fault not hers! Anyway, this chapter wreaks of properness. Timothy was a young man and needed to understand properness with those older whom he was going to have to correct. So Paul says “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.” And because Timmy was young & hormonal, Paul told him to “Treat…….younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” Good call Paul. Then he addresses, in length, widows – those whose husband had died and were left without any means of support. Here’s the gist: - If they have family, their family is to support them first. - If no family to support them, the church should. - Have to be at least 60 yrs old, faithful to husband & know for good deeds - Younger widows are encouraged to remarry, have children, manage their homes Paul then says of the elders (overseers, pastors) in the church: - Pay them & honor them well for hard work - Don’t let people bad talk them - If an elder has sinned publically, he should be publically rebuked - Don’t be partial or show favoritism - Don’t be quick to make someone an elder SO WHAT?! *Our culture tends to treat older people as useless, old fashioned and out of touch with reality. While many older people may not understand the latest technology or movie, they have a deep vault of wisdom to pass on to the next generation. God certainly does not view them as invaluable and neither should we. So how do you treat your parents? Your grandparents? It says a lot about us. Find out who the widows are in your church and visit them or visit a nursing home if you can. It will humble you as well as give you a great opportunity to learn some wisdom! *Guys – how do you treat the younger girls? Paul says with purity! Ya’ know how you do that? Think of them as your sister. What kind of a guy is gonna’ make a sensual advance on his sister – yikes!~! *When was the last time you let your elders and pastor(s) know how much you appreciate their hard work? They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. So give ‘em some encouragement today!