1 Timothy 5 ~ I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

1 Timothy 5

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

People quote Paul as being anti-marriage. That's unfair.

This is the Holy Spirit
being Pro Body of Christ and Church family.

1. Give Honor - to an elderly man. Men as brothers. Women as sisters.
2. Honor those in need. Like this is a duty.
3. Honor your own family members first.
4. Flee from sexual sin.
5. Some people alone are going to really call on God. Others on sensuality.
6. Unlike Social Security, hope people with get up and go - get married. Let's get this changed. Life is for living. Not ruling they stay alone. If Social Security is earned, why not let the earners keep what is earned, i.e. this passage. Family and happiness should be a governmental goal. Happier people have fewer medical necessities. Good deeds have benefits even on a National level.
7. Church - actually lists to honor widows/widowers listing the people alone who did good deeds.
8. Pray for busy bodies to have husbands. They need them.
9. Do for your family - all that you can.
10. Elders of the Church deserve double honor.
11. Only make accusations when witnesses are able to prove the truth.
12. Scriptures do indeed repeat the same message - we will be rewarded for our good deeds and our ill deeds. And only God is equipped to judge us fully.

Jesus would have found this list completely unnecessary.
Why.
Jesus was completely among His people. Revealing the exact nature of our Father God.

Deuteronomy 6:5
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart."

Luke 10
27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

The widows have two lists. And the Body of Christ is to make actual lists of the needy. So there exists - this as well:

Acts 10:34-43 ~ Not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after He rose from the dead.



So where is our mission - if the Body of Christ is to serve the Body of Christ?

Matthew 7
12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

13 “Enter by the narrow gate.


How are we to balance out the fact the Good Samaritan is our Neighbor, the one showing Mercy?

Joshua 1
7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.


What will we do when we have not done all of this, when we have fallen short?


1 Corinthians 1:29-31
No human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”


Father God help me to honor this list. Help me each day to do what would please You. And when I fall short, please be my righteousness. And with Your mercy and favor - I will go forth and give thanks. Please be with those You have given to me. And help me to be a help. In Jesus the Lord, Amen.

Thank You, Jesus Christ Our LORD.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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