1 Timothy 5 reminds me of weigh-ins. The sport of wrestling has strict weight class divisions. There is a moment before every match when each participant must step onto the scale. You make the weight, or you do not compete. There is no flexibility. The scale reveals the effort and discipline that has preceded. Today’s lesson is about staying in shape. Paul provides the young pastor with guidelines for dealing with various groups. He begins, “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father”. Young men in particular tend to underestimate the advantage of experience. The truth is, old dudes know stuff, and probably have a reason for everything they do. These gents simply need to be asked to get involved. He continues; “Treat younger men as brothers”. That concept includes a level of unity, protection, and a lifelong bond. Brothers quickly rally together. Paul adds, treat “older women as mothers”. A wise young man will recognize the need for older women in his life. They bring a unique blend of unselfish dedication, encouragement and directness. Younger women bring an unmatched enthusiasm and motivation. There can also be a natural attraction. Young men can become reckless around young ladies. Paul cautions Timothy to treat them “as sisters, with absolute purity”. Every group has a vital role in a keeping a church healthy.
Next Paul issues extensive instruction on how to provide “proper recognition to… widows… in need”. The church has been, and always should be a place that provides for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community. That also means there will always be fraudsters willing to take advantage of that compassion. Paul says widows should look to their family first to support their own “parents and grandparents”. That is their duty, and it is “pleasing to God”. He adds bluntly, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”. This does not include providing for the able bodied; the strong and healthy should meet their own needs. Paul provides a list of qualifications for widows deserving of ongoing support; “over sixty… been faithful to her husband… known for her good deeds… showing hospitality… helping those in trouble”. Church benevolence prioritizes those who have served faithfully. Paul also notes that young widows should not be put on the list, warning this could contribute to “being idle… busybodies”. “I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes”, thereby not giving the enemy an opportunity. He repeats, the church must “help those widows who are really in need”. Discipline at times says “no”.
The chapter closes with instructions about “The elders who direct the affairs of the church”. He says they are “worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching”. That is, they deserve to be paid. Quoting from Deuteronomy 25:4, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain”, Paul defends compensation for ministers of the gospel. He also prohibits “accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses”. Paul is not naïve about corruption. Any elder sinning is to be rebuked before the whole church so “others may take warning”. Paul solemnly charges Timothy “in the sight of God and Christ Jesus” to “keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism”. Reminding them, “Do not be hasty” to promote people, or even restore them until after they have shown true repentance. Otherwise you will “share in the sins”. Paul reminds Timothy that “The sins of some are obvious… others trail behind them”. So, don’t rush things. Watch and wait, because both sin and “good deeds… cannot remain hidden forever”. Friend, are you preparing to step up when it is time to lead?