1 Timothy 5
1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a dad; and the younger men as brethren;
Don't be too harsh with an elder, or the younger ones. Treat them as you would in respecting your own family.
2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Paul speaking to Timothy, "treat the elder women and young ones as you would members of your family." This doesn't in no way mean not to be firm when needed. All should be given the benefit of the doubt in the beginning. As a pastor, they should be very firm and show discipline when administering the Word of God.
3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
A "widow indeed" = senior person that has had her mate die and has no family. She is relying on us fellow Christians, as we are her family.
4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
If this widow has family members, they should show pity or respect for her at home. As a parent you should teach your children to be respectful. I see too many adults treat their children as a friend. These children I have witnessed treat others with no respect and are very disobedient.
5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
When there is no one in your life as far as your flesh can see, that's the time to open your eyes to Who has been there all along.
6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
This word "pleasure" = Greek "spatalao" = "self-indulgence". For this "widow indeed" can go off the deep end because of her loss. This is why, as Christians, we should make sure to be there as much as possible, making sure she is ok. Take your Bible!
7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
Paul's telling us to add these things to the rest, so that they're comforted in their time of loss.
8 But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.
The church shouldn't take a widow under the age of sixty for her dedicating her life to its duties. The church shouldn't tie them down to a contract, verbal or otherwise. The reasoning is of course, she still has many thing she may want to do and a church shouldn't take advantage of her lost for their so-called gain. Many churches take advantage with many things today. Make sure they are lining up with The Word or you will be deceived when the biggest deception arrives.
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Here is a great woman. Most I have met are just like this one. "If" you have one like this one, you are blessed. "If" more men had hearts like women, the world would be a better place. When I go out, I see many "men" trying to play the role of a woman, but not in a good way. These are makeup wearing perverts. It's a sick world and ONLY God will heal it soon. VERY SOON!
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
Don't ask more of a person than they are able to give. It's not talking about money here, but self, and a full time service to the work of our Lord.
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
These young people giving a contract of themselves to the church will not be able to fulfill it because of their youthful flesh will get in the way.
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
When you can't give your all to The LORD, the flesh will take it all from you. We are talking about your age and dedication of work for the church. God wants this person to remarry in their time, they are still at an age of their life that these natural feelings and emotions are alive in a degree of wanting a mate. It is written in I Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. This is talking about burning with passion.
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
That evil one knows how to pull your strings when you're young. This is why we must stay in study EVERYDAY to have the armor we need in this world. We need to grow before we can lead or do the things required in the offices of the church.
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Many can't work for the church because their flesh is always in the way. Desire overcomes their love for The Lord. Although the context is speaking of the widow or widower, this goes for everyone in the flesh. So many today won't let go of traditions and/or wants, to focus on Truth and their needs.
16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
ANYONE that has no other family, has only the body of believers to talk to. Make sure you're there for them. The "family" are those within their bloodline or married into their bloodline. This would be looking at it as milk. Those that come to them from the "body of believers" are indeed family because they should see the spiritual. We are ALL brothers and sisters by The Creator. All souls come from Him.
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
These widows indeed or widowers indeed, without any family members, if they have labored well in the congregation, they should receive a double honor for doing so. Anyone that follows The Word should!
18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
You should always feed the ox. Without him, you would find it harder to feed yourselves. He pulls the plow that grinds the corn, that makes the meal, that you make your bread with. Paul is telling us, just as you would do for your animals, you should also do for those that serve in the Lord's house.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
One may be upset and looking for revenge or who knows what, so there must be more than one person to accuse others. I worked for a "church" and they came against me with an accusation of using The LORDS name in vain. I asked to meet with my accuser and they dropped it. That told me a lot.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Point out the evil people do and be bold in doing so. Don't do this to embarrass someone in front of others. You don't need to say their name to make the point. This is directed to the more serious acts that are committed against the church body, that affects the entire body. It is not directed to all the little sins that may be committed daily in innocence, or that affects one individual. Those matters are individual and must be dealt with on an individual basis. This is for the matters that concern the entire body and reputation of the church. You should also do this to help your blood family. You wouldn't want your child to run with evil now would you?
21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
God picks who He wants to lead and they had better do it to the best of their ability. God gives the gifts, everyone different ones. Embrace them and follow God.
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Humans can't lay hands on someone to ordain them. Contrary to what "churches" say, it's God and only God that has that power. It won't stop them from putting on the show though.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
Wine has its purpose. It isn't to sit around getting drunk! God isn't against drinking it, He is against getting drunk. Moderation is good!
24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Take it slow and use common sense when sizing someone up. Some will show who they are and some will try to hide it. Take your time in judging as to do it correctly.
25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Some do things right in front of your eyes and others do them behind your back. God sees all those works. That's good or bad!