1 Timothy 5:1 - 6:2

Monday 18^th to Sunday 24^th July, 2011

Introduction

“Respect has to be earnt.” Discuss whether you agree with this statement.

Recap

Why was Paul writing this letter?

Studying the passage - Read 1 Timothy 5:1 - 6:2.

1) What principles lie behind the instructions in verses 1 and 2?

2) Describe the character of widows who are put on the church’s welfare list.

3) Explain why not all widows are put on the list.

4) How is an elder like an ox?

5) Why is there a need to have 2-3 witnesses in verse 19? (Hint: see also Deuteronomy 19:15-21 and Matthew 18:15-17).

6) What is the danger of not publicly rebuking a sinning elder? How are we tempted to not rebuke them?

7) Explain why slaves should “consider their masters worthy of full respect”? What does this mean in practice? (See also Ephesians 6:5-8 and Colossians 3:22-25)

Response

The passage contains two instructions that apply directly to Timothy’s congregation, namely: a) to rebuke a sinning elder; b) to respect masters. Discuss how these instructions might apply to our congregation in regards to

a) Sinning Sunday School teachers or those who lead our church services;

b) Our bosses at work.

(Optional) Discuss whether Christians should work harder for other believers than they do for non-Christians (1 Timothy 6:2)?

In Australia today we have social security payments. Does this change the way we care for widows? Discuss.

Spend some time praying for the widows in our congregation and for one another.