1 Tim. 5:11-16 - Checking it Twice - Dealing with Widows - Part 2

11 But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,
12 and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge.
13 And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.
14 So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us.
15 For some have already wandered away to follow Satan.
16 If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.

Verses 11-15 deal with the problem of younger widows. I have read several commentaries, and don’t really have a clearer understanding than before. For me the problems that arise are not because a young woman would want to get married again. Paul actually recommends that the young widows find a man, marry him, have kids and manage her household. And it is not out of the realm of reality that an idle young woman would become a busybody, collecting and spreading gossip.

The troubling section includes the phrases 'incurring judgement', 'breaking a pledge', and 'wandering to follow Satan'. There appears to be some uncertainty about the 'pledge' the young widows may have made, or whether there was actual 'judgement' or maybe her behavior would bring condemnation and dishonor to the church body. Paul was definitely concerned that their wandering ways would cause them to 'follow Satan', perhaps a reference to marrying a non-believer which had the danger the widow would drift away from the church, and her 'first love' towards Jesus Christ.

Triage

Vs. 11: - “But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry,”

"do not accept younger widows" - The 'list' to which Paul is refering is for widows who are desperate, having no other resources. It might be that older women are beyond child bearing age. It would have been tough for a widow who was beyond child bearing years to snag a husband. It may be that young widows would find a man who wanted children, and marry him. This instruction will help the church keep from being overwhelmed. How many people without jobs, without homes can the local church support?

I think Paul is describing a ‘triage’ process.
The elders and deacons would need to consider each person that asks for aid from the church. Determine which applicant is truly needy.
(1) Are they old, destitute, no family, and homeless? If the answer is “Yes”, their name stays on the list..
(2) Are they young, or middle aged, a home to live in, with other family members? If the answer is “Maybe, or No” - on the list.
(3) Are they young, and can marry again? If the answer is “No” they are on the list.
This is a means of threshing out the non-needy from the truly needy. Note there is no percentage, no ratio of married-to-widowed quotas to meet. Like so many other guidelines or commands in the new covenant there are no 'numbers', no locked-in parameters.

For example: The question was asked, "How many times do I have to forgive my brother?" (See: Matt. 18:21.) Some scholars think the teaching at this time was you only needed to forgive someone has done wrong to you three (3) times. Peter, in asking the question went 'way beyond' that limit in suggesting forgiving all the way up to seven (7) times. Jesus' answer, similar to His teaching in "Sermon on the Mount", placed an impossible standard - 70 x 7. Four hundred ninety! This number is impossible to attain.
On the other hand, think about this: Do you want God to stop forgiving you at 491 sins? Even though you were dead in your sins, Christ died for you that you may live. (See: Rom. 5:7,8; Col. 2:13.) There is no upper limit for the church and its social responsibility. There is no minimum below which the church need not provide assistance. Wc can provide for as many as God provides supplies to meet those needs.

"passions will lead them away" - This is similar to verse 6, above. Although Paul is addressing the problems with younger widows, this is not just a problem for women. Younger men and women may be more prone to following their feelings than the gospel. It is not hard to see how falling love would distract a young person from living out their faith. And considering, at least in the culture at that time, that marriage would mean survival, or a step up from barest subsistence for a woman. Our modern culture is not accustomed to the hardship single women have faced for centuries - there weren't the job and professional opportunities. It wasn't necessarily looking for love, as much as looking for stability. We can guess that 'stability' may not whisk a person away, whereas 'falling in love' may totally distract us from Jesus.

Vs. 12: - “and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge.”

"breaking... former pledge" - This is a puzzle. I think perhaps the word 'pledge' as seen in some translations may not fit what is being said. It doesn't seem to be referring to the 'pledge' of fidelity to her dead husband. A second marriage is not adultery if the former husband is dead. That is not a sin. I am not sure the acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior is called a 'pledge' anywhere in the New Testament.

Some translations (KJV, NKJV, ESV) render this phrase as 'former faith', or 'first faith'. A look in a concordance shows the word is translated 'faith' in regards to a person’s relationship to God - a strong and personal conviction in God or Christ; or, faithfulness, fidelity. The Greek for 'pledge' is entirely different, leaning more toward the promise God makes to us as a guarantee of His faithfulness to us.

This makes more sense - a young woman, having expressed her faith in Christ, becomes distracted from that faith. The reputation of the church will be sullied if she abandons her Christian 'walk', or commitment to Christ while casting about for a husband, or begins living wantonly. If she committed her life to Christ and then turns away, she will have neglected, or broken her first love toward Christ.

"incur judgement" - I do not think this means the wanton widow loses her salvation. It does mean she will face Jesus Christ and His judgement seat to account for her actions. (See: 2 Cor. 5:10, 1 Cor. 3:11-15)

Vs. 13: - “And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.”

"learn to be lazy" - You can imagine a young widow wandering around town, going from house to house. We might expect her to be lonely and in need of comfort and sympathy. Again, I say, this admonition does not apply to young women only! Anyone who has too little to do will have plenty of opportunity to get themselves into trouble. An old proverb "Idle hands are the Devil's playthings" is not scripture, but has the ring of truth to it. Widow-hood is not the problem. Being nosey, spreading gossip, wandering around, being lazy - those are the problems.

What is the solution? What can the church do to help these single young women (i.e., widows) stay busy and out of trouble? Paul does not say much about this. Finding ways for young people to serve others in need, whether to provide child care help, household help, manual labor to help needy maintain their homes. The church cannot force someone to serve in this way. Encouraging them to do so may mitigate potential problems.

Vs. 14: - “So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us.”

"give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us." - Paul's solution is for them to get married, have a family and household to manage. The impetus is to maintain the reputation of the church body, and therefore to hold high the name of Jesus Christ. Look at Ezek. 36:20-23. God told the Jews the reason they were in exile was because they had 'profaned' his Name. They had cheapened the image of God to the Gentiles around them. Their actions allowed the non-believers to say "God is not that special. They believe in Him and yet they can act in a manner unworthy of the glory and power of God."

It is the same for you and I. God and Jesus are demeaned when we do things that are unbecoming to the price paid for out sins. In this letter, younger widows are behaving in ways that are un-Christian. You know that Satan will use any such opportunity to reduce the impact and the witness of the church to the world. It is bad enough that lies are told about Christians. Some of these lies are believed and spread around the community. Worse is when our behavior is seen and casts evil light on the church. (See 1 Pet. 4:15, 16.) There is no glory in suffering because of the wrong things you may do.

Vs. 15: - “For some have already wandered away to follow Satan.”

"wandered away" - This is not a theoretical exercise. Paul is not writing about what may happen if young people are idle. Some had already left the church community to follow their passions. The statements in this paragraph seems harsh and sexist to our modern culture. Paul is picking on women. Take a step back to consider the bigger picture. The world of unbelievers is always watching us as we live out our faith. Is what I am doing dishonoring God? Are people watching me and thinking, "Why should I burden myself with church and faith? That guy is no different than I am. I don't need the extra load. Life is difficult enough without adding Christianity to it." That sounds heretical. Go back to the Ezekiel verses mentioned above. It is not heresy when a non-believer is turned off because of my life and actions. That is a burden I don't need.

Vs. 16: - “If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.”

"church should not be burdened" - Families shall take care of each other. If the widow has no family, then the church works on her behalf. Also, I think this can be applied to single unmarried women as well as widows.

1 Tim. 5:9-10 - Making a List - Dealing with Widows

9 No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband,
10 and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress - as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works.

Caring for Older Widows

Vs. 9-10: - “No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress - as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works.

"put on the list unless" - The list is of those who qualify for assistance from the church.

a) “at least 60 years old” - The age limit, 60 years, means only senior citizens need apply. (In that time, 60 might likely have been truly senior.)

b) “wife of one husband” - Based on the earlier part of the letter (1 Tim. 3:3, 12) I think this means a woman who has not been divorced and re-married. This does not apply to a woman who might have been widowed and married again. Again, I believe monogamy is a probably a command, but am not absolutely sure about that. We do know that God did not (does not, still?) approve of divorce. (See Mal. 2:16; Matt. 19:7, 8.) I realize that we modern day evangelicals are sure the standard for marriage is one man-one woman. Again I am not sure about that, since so many of the Biblical saints had more than one wife. That is not an endorsement. For example God hated divorce, but the Jews insisted - so God gave them rules for divorce. It seems that it may be the same for polygamy - God does not approve, but people do it anyway. Paul is encouraging one-man-one-wife. However, polyandry would reduce the number of widows that would need help. (Sarcasm alert!)

c) reputation for goods works (exhibited all kinds of good works), including - raising children, practicing hospitality, washed the feet of saints, helped those in distress.

I do not know if the these characteristics are inclusive, or an 'for example' type. I don't know any person who has a reputation for all of these things. What is indicated is that the widow should be a stable and faithful believer. Don't think this list applies only to women. As a minimum, all believers should be stable and faithful.

1 Tim. 5:7-8 - Recognize Your Responsibility

7 Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach.
8 But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Beyond Reproach

Vs. 7: Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach.

"Reinforce these commands" - Paul is issuing a command to Timothy, "Teach and command these things to the church body."

"will be beyond reproach" - If the believers in the church follow the commands, they will be living their faith, and there will be no condemnation. This is not referencing loss of salvation, but judgment of the believers in regards to 'working out their salvation.' See: 2 Cor. 5:10. We have a responsibility to live for Christ, and will be held accountable.

Vs. 8: - But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

"does not provide for his own..." - Whether the church members were Jewish or Gentiles, they have been taught how to live their faith. Specifically, "Do not let widows suffer!" If the widows have no family, the church as a body steps in and provides care. If the widow has family - brothers, sisters, sons or daughters - the family steps up. This is a follow-up to verses 4 and 6 above. It pleases God if family takes care of family, not putting a burden on the church (vs 4). Verse 6 was stern, a warning to avoid self-love and pleasure seeking. (The opposite of the modern mantra: "You can't take care of anyone else unless you take care of yourself.")

"denied the faith... worse than an unbeliever." - Why do you suppose the statement "worse than an unbeliever" is there? I think it is because now you know better. The unbeliever has not been taught "Love one another, just as Christ has loved you" John 13:34, 15:12. Again, taking care of the helpless - widows and orphans - is not just a New Testament phenomenon, but part of the Judeo-Christian heritage. This was mentioned in verse 3 above. We have a great responsibility to live for Christ. See: Luke 12:48.
Churches can deny the faith by not caring the needy fellow believers, and “be worse than unbelievers”. Let's take a look at the church in Sardis: Christ warns them to remember what they heard and received, to repent and obey. See: Rev. 3:1-4. In an adjacent passage the church in Philadelphia was under siege, and they obeyed the commands with the little strength they had. Christ approved! See: Rev. 3:8.

1 Tim. 5:3-6 - Dealing with Widows - Part 1

3 Honor widows who are truly in need.
4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God.
5 But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day.
6 But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

Note: This section of the letter, verses 3-16, deals with the how the church handles people who are in need. Most of the instructions are about widows, and the responsibility of the family and the church to care for them.

Vs. 3: - “Honor widows who are truly in need.“

"Honor widows..." - There was no 'safety net' for widows and orphans or the poor and needy such as we have in our culture. The welfare system is a relatively new phenomenon. (Read a Jane Austen novel. England was a First-World nation for that time. Several of her novels deal with the plight of women who have no husband. Or watch 'Call the Midwife', a series about nun midwives working out of an Anglican center in post-World War II London. The penury and depth of need for the women and orphans is stark.)
In the first century A.D., the command for the church is take care of widows in need. This is not a suggestion.

It is not just a New Testament command. God's instructions to the Israelites were to provide for the widow and orphan. See: Exo. 22:22; Deut. 10:18, 24:19-21. God chastised the Jews for not listening to Him. He was not pleased: see Zech. 7:10-12. 'A great wrath' is to fall on them because of their disobedience.

Vs. 4: - “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God.”

"if a widow has children..." - Care for the widow, or the people in need, starts in the family.

"learn to fulfill their duty... and so repay their parents" - The message here: you owe your parents this care. This is your duty as a child. See: Exo. 20:12, Deut: 5:16 (part of the 10 Commandments!) This command is second only to honoring and worshiping the Lord God Almighty - it is before 'Do not murder'; and before 'Do not steal'. If you honor your parents, your life will go well in the land you are living. Powerful stuff! The kind of stuff that pleases God. What could be better than that?

Vs. 5: - “But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day.”

"truly in need and completely on her own" - This describes a woman, whatever her age, who has lost her husband, has no grown children and other family to whom she can appeal. She has no safety net.

"set her hope on God" - He is the one to whom we can turn in times of trial. What could be worse than to be alone in the world. I was going to say, alone and helpless, but figured that would raise some hackles, "Are you saying a woman is helpless?" I am not. If you have lost your 'life partner' and are left alone, I think you will feel adrift and hopeless, helpless. In such a situation, to whom can you turn? Who will come along side you to comfort you, day and night? Who will give you peace? Set your hope on God. Set your hope on the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray to Jesus 'day and night'. See: Phil. 4:6,7 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
But we say to that, "I've lost my spouse! I have no money! I have no family to take care of me! How do you expect me to not be anxious?!" Good question. The Bible is rife with accounts of people who have lost it all, and yet trust God in all things. See Heb. 11 for a good summary. Jesus is asking you to trust Him, in good situations and in bad.

Vs. 6: - “But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.“

"one who lives for pleasure is dead" - News Flash! This is not just about widows or women. Paul is making a stark statement. Anyone who puts his/her personal wants ahead of their relationship with Jesus is lost. The juxtaposition of caring for widows to living for pleasure is jarring. It is hard for me to place widowhood together with wanton living (we see this in the movies or TV drama!). Verses 11-15 also deal with the idea of younger widows getting themselves into problems because they are trolling for husbands.

Jesus made it clear when He taught, there would be no half-measures when following Him. One person wanted to follow, but first wanted to take care of personal matters. Matt 8:19-22. Jesus also warned trying to preserve your way of life was not going to save you. Mark 8:35-38. If you don't "take up your cross" you are not worthy. Matt 10:38, Luke 9:23. No one can serve two masters. Matt 6:24.

The admonition to keep your focus on Christ does not take away the responsibility of the church to care for the family of believers. A widow should never go hungry for lack of food, or catch cold for lack of clothes, or sleep on the street because she has no place to sleep and live.

***

1 Tim. 5:1-2 - Old people, and Young

1 Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers,
2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters - with complete purity.

1 Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers,

Vs. 1: - "Do not address an older man harshly" - Timothy is in a position of authority in the local church, having been commissioned and sent to do the job. In the process of leading the church there will be people who need correction. We can imagine all kinds of behavior that need correction, or people that will make mistakes, or misunderstand the teachings. These two verses provide advice on how to correct them.
If you are lucky enough as an adult to still have your father alive, do you shout angrily at him when he misunderstands or makes a mistake? I would hope not. My Dad was still driving his little GMC S-10 pickup when in his late 70s or early 80s. Unfortunately, his vision and hearing were less than top notch. But, oh, he loved that pickup. I pleaded with him to stop driving, but he insisted that he was a good driver (in spite of the dings and dents that showed up occasionally). He promised he would not drive out of town, only to the city swimming pool or Dairy Queen). One Sunday afternoon I got a phone call that he and Mom needed to be picked up in a little town about 10 miles away. He and Mom had decided that they wanted to have a nice Sunday drive. Unfortunately, he rear-ended a pickup at a stop sign, and his pickup had to be towed to a repair shop. As a result I took the keys. After it was repaired, I sold the pickup. He was devastated, and angry and sad - he went through the five or seven stages of grief every 15 minutes for several days. I realized that losing that pickup was a loss of freedom, and it was a major loss. I could not shout at him. But I had to remain firm and gentle, to protect others. Eventually he came to accept the decision.

"younger men as brothers" - It not only older men that need to be treated with respect. Assuming you love your brother, do you shout angrily at him when you think he is screwing up? No, you try to reason, cajole, discuss and convince him to change.

2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters - with complete purity.

Vs. 2: - "older women as mothers" - The same question arises when trying to correct older women. Do you upbraid your mother, 'get in her face', shout and stomp around? No, because it is your Mom, you treat her with respect. You figure out ways to help her understand how to change her actions.

"younger women as sisters" - Same rational applies. We normally do not shout (rebuke) family members. We reason with them.

“With all purity” - Paul also urged Timothy to teach ‘with purity’ in chapter 4:12. In that instance, Paul was telling Timothy to lead them in the power of the Holy Spirit. Teaching as he had been taught, and to not be over-bearing or putting on airs. He was not to act superior. The idea of ‘purity’ is a sinless life. ”With all purity” applies to all the people Timothy is teaching and leading. The message applies to us as well. Correcting people requires tact and compassion. No one enjoys being told they have messed up.

Paul is talking about the church in family terms. He is not prohibiting the correction of church members, but doing it with respect. This is a message that has come from ages past. See: Lev. 19:32 (a command to show honor to the ‘grey-hairs’.) Jesus commanded that we deal with people who fall away with gentleness and patience. He is not suggesting we are to let it slide. We meet backsliding head on, with persistence, but with compassion and gentleness. Gentleness does not mean weakness. See: Matt. 18:15-20 The writers of the epistles agree (surprised?) See: Jam. 5:19, 20; Gal. 6:1; 2 Cor. 2:7; 2 Thess. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:13,14. Likewise, older people are to be respectful. See: Tit. 2:2,3.
The culture of that time venerated older people. Our culture does not so much. The concept in these verses is to treat fellow believers as you would a family member you love and cherish. In all circumstances treat older men and women as ‘Dads and Moms’ - with gentleness and respect. In all circumstances treat younger men and women as younger brothers or sisters.
I also realize that some have had rough family lives - poor relationships with your fathers or mothers, etc. That does not change the exhortation. Treat people with respect, like you want to be treated by others. Treat them with respect, especially when reproof or correction is needed. It is too easy to become harsh and judgmental when dealing with problems. Bring them back into the love of Jesus. Show love and compassion, just as Christ has shown love and compassion to you. Your sin had separated you from The Lord. By His love you are saved. Pass it on.

1 Tim. 4:12-16 - Stay faithful to your calling

12 Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you.
15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.
16 Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Vs. 12: - Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.

"look down on you" - The culture in which Paul and Timothy lived had a tradition of respect for older people. Several instances of longevity are seen in the early history of the Old Testament. Scientists estimate NT life expectancy was probably less than 40 years, due to lack of adequate medical knowledge and practice. Reaching the age of 70 or 80 was a real achievement. It was assumed that having lived that long you must know something. In our culture, ‘old’ means ‘useless’. Remember the saying in the 70's, "You can't trust anyone over 30." Today, if you can't slice and dice with a smart phone, or can't send pictures with an App, or master the social media you have no credibility. (One time in a homeowners association board meeting, one young lady (a homeowner) was upset with the board's decisions. She told us the reason we having trouble with her and her husband’s response was that we were not used to young highly educated people. We looked around the board which included a college professor, two electrical engineers, a banker, and a lawyer. That was the problem, we were old and dumb.) At a high tech conference, one speaker said his teenage daughters only talked on the phone if he and his wife called, otherwise they used text.
However, advances in technology does not necessarily amount to wisdom. In Timothy’s case, youth does not mean ignorant nor incompetent, especially if you have been called to serve the Lord by the Lord.

Timothy's potential problem was that he was relatively young, was a church leader, and would be instructing older men and women. Timothy had the authority to teach. He had been taught by his mother and grandmother. He had been trained by Paul and Barnabas, and by the laying-on of hands he had been commissioned to do this job. Timothy needed the respect of the people in the church. Paul is encouraging Timothy to not let others beat him down, just because he was young. See also: 1 Cor. 16:10,11; Tit. 2:15.

"set an example" - Sage advice in dealing with the lack of respect. Don't try to talk them out of their position. Don't beat them down with preaching and exhortation. Live out your salvation; demonstrate the things you want them to practice. Practice love, and purity, and faith in your speech and conduct. (Pro. 6:12; 2 Pet. 3:11; 1 Tim. 1:14; Tit. 2:7; 1 Pet. 5:3). Non-believers may not accept what you say, no matter how you live. Some will see that you live what you teach, and will want to know why. Your love, your purity, and your faith will be an example they will want to follow.

Vs. 13: - Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

"public reading of scripture" - Remember, the 'scripture' at that time was the Law and the Prophets. The title Old Testament was applied later. The covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and through Moses promising the Messiah is the 'Old'. The covenant promising eternal life, peace with God, freedom from the power of sin is the 'New'. The parts of the NT written at that time were the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and maybe a couple of letters. Most of the NT was written 55-69 A.D. The gospel of John and the Revelation were written much later, 80-90 A.D. Since most people could not read, having the Scripture read aloud was important. In a recent podcast, the speaker said that most of the letters in the NT were not ‘written’ but dictated to a person who transcribed it.

Note: God's grace, mercy, and salvation can be seen in the OT, and we should not avoid it.

My wife shared some goods insights about spending time in the Bible (from a Bible study: "Entrusted", by Beth Moore.):

"No matter who you are, where you've been, or what list of demands vies for your time, do whatever you have to do to get with Jesus and study the Scriptures.

• Because the words of Christ are Spirit and life.
• Because God sends forth His Word with accomplishing power.
• Because the Holy Spirit can bring the Scriptures to life in any life.
• Because those who let the Scripture sink into their bones are transformed.
• Because nothing renews our minds like the Spirit of Christ working through the Word of God.
• Because God could say your name before He said, "Let there be light.
• Because He's got a plan for you that you don't want to miss.
• Because you matter on this planet.

"to exhortation, to teaching" - These terms are the similar. 'Exhortation' is more impassioned, more persuasive, more admonitory than 'teaching'. “Exhortation” reminds me of a coach at halftime - explaining, urging, teaching, correcting, and above all being passionate about it.
When we teach we say, "This is what we do. See these Bible verses.“ Or, “This is how we do it. See the Bible verses and how others have succeeded.” Also, “This is why we do it. See these Bible verses." I see teaching as helping people understand what, why, and how to live the Christian life. Helping catch the vision of living for Christ. Teaching goes on in Sunday school, church sermons, and growth groups. Exhortation happens at retreats, and evangelism crusades. Paul wants both to happen in church - teach them to live the Christian life, fire them up to commit to actually doing it. We all may be guilty of listening to a sermon or speaker and thinking of how nice and interesting those points were, but never acting on those nice and interesting thoughts.

Vs. 14: - Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you.

"Do not neglect the spiritual gift" - As far as I can tell, it wasn't recorded when Timothy was blessed by the laying-on-of-hands by the elders of the church. Paul became aware of Timothy during his second visit to Lystra. Timothy had a good reputation already. See Acts 16:1,2.

(Interesting side note: Paul and Barnabas has just returned from Jerusalem where the huge debate about Gentiles was decided in favor of the Gentiles. The Gentiles did not have to become Jews first in order to be a Christian. So why did Paul circumcise Timothy (Acts 16:3) if being Jewish was not a requirement? My study Bible indicates Paul was not caving to pressure from the Jews, but was indicating his respect for the Jewish faith, and to make it easier to start the conversation with Jews. Almost all of Paul's evangelistic efforts started in synagogues. If these Jews knew that Timothy was half-Jew and uncircumcised, a roadblock would be thrown up immediately. Christianity is not a breakaway from Judaism, but a completion of it. If the Jews perceived that Paul was belittling his own foundations they would not listen or allow him to speak.)

The elders of the church in Lystra spoke up for Timothy indicating that he had been called by God to be an evangelist. Although a young man, he had demonstrated spiritual power and wisdom. By prayer and supplication, these leaders commissioned Timothy to go out preaching and teaching the gospel. See 1 Tim. 1:15. Paul is warning Timothy to be aware that shepherding a church may draw him away from his calling. There was a small pamphlet 'Tyranny of the Urgent', by Hummell. This is the message here, don't let the problem solving pull you away.

"laying on of hands..." - I have never questioned this practice, having grown up in the church. It is a churchy thing we do, not quite understandable at first blush but we always do it, so it must be okay. (See also: notes for 1 Tim. 5:22.) The Levites, in the book of Numbers, are being commissioned to do the Lord's instructions in the Jewish community. The idea of commissioning is that authority has been granted to that person, and it is done before the congregation so they will know. See Num. 8:10, 12; 27:18-20. In Deuteronomy, Joshua is commissioned as the next leader of the Jews as they go into Canaan. See Deut. 34:9.

From this we can see that Timothy has been granted the authority by the church, and Paul is urging him to fulfill that commission.

Vs. 15: - Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.

"be absorbed in them" - This phrase, coupled with 'take pains with these things' is an exhortation and a warning to Timothy. His job is not 'a walk in the park'. This is not for the flippant, the lazy. Devote yourself to study of scripture so you are ready to answer questions about the faith.
this message also applies to us: Devote yourself to prayer so you are renewed and strengthened with the power of the Holy Spirit. Work at teaching and encouragement of the church body. As you do these things all people we see you are serving as you were called.
Paul often used himself as an example. See: Phil. 4:9 “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” See also: 2 Tim. 2:2, 15.

Vs. 16: - Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

"Be conscientious" - More encouragement to be careful how you deal with your fellow believers. People will always be watching you, and some people will not be pleased with what you do. You must be as “Caesar’s wife” - i.e., without a hint of scandal or corruption. So be careful to always act in a manner that will please Jesus. He is the ultimate judge.

"Persevere in this" - Again, you can't do this once and forget it. You must keep on keeping on. If you are faithful to the faith in Christ Jesus, many will come to Him as Lord and Savior.

End of chapter (2/7/17)

1 Tim. 4:6-11 - Teaching the truth is good

6 By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
7 But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness.
8 For physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.
9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.
10 In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.
11 Command and teach these things.

Being a Good Servant

Vs. 6: - By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

"you will be a good servant" - Does this sound like the beginning of 'Mission Impossible', "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..."? Too often in our culture, we are told (or we tell ourselves) it is not our job to point out errors or sins. We are told not to judge the actions of others. There are a couple of ways to respond to these warnings. We can shut up, and let the people go. Or, we can acknowledge that we will all be judged, by God Himself. (See: Eze. 3:18-19 "When I say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself.”)
God does not force us to behave in any certain way. He is not “telling us what to do". So many of us do not want to be told what to do by anyone - neighbors, fellow Christians, or Jesus. God always give us a choice. "If you want to live, come with me" ('Terminator 2'). If you follow Jesus, you live. If you reject Jesus, you die. It's your choice.
Paul is telling Timothy that it is his job to point out behavior and belief systems that will cause the fellow church members to fall away from Jesus. Those heresies prevent believers from living abundantly, and can also lead others to not accept and follow Jesus to life. Pointing out such things" is not judging, it throwing a life saver to someone who may not know they are drowning. Do your job. Christ approves.

"nourished yourself" - This may be taken as praise and as a warning. As praise,Timothy is being commended for using the teachings of the apostles as his guidelines for his ministry. As a warning, he is counseled to not take off on his own, but adhere closely to faith in Christ, and the teachings provided by Paul, Barnabas, Peter, James, Luke, Matthew, John and Mark. We also are given the same praise and warning. Hold on to Jesus and faith in Him. Trust in the Bible, and use it as your guide. Compare the instructions of other teachers to the Scripture. See: "Test the spirits..." (1 John 4:1)

Vs. 7: - But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness.

"reject those myths" - The NASB translates the word 'myths' as 'worldly fables'. Paul has slapped the Jews silly - the Jews who were adding the Law and Hebrew ritual to the faith - and now takes on the Greeks and the Romans. The Jews were the only monotheistic peoples at that time, people who worshipped one God. Paul is not picking on the Greeks, but he knows these religions will lead to death. Look at the pantheon of gods in the Greek and Roman religions - Zeus, Aphrodite, Mars, Vulcan, Pluto, Mercury, Venus, etc. Pay attention to the relationship of mankind and these gods. They toy with men, doing things just to watch them suffer. The multitudes of gods is replicated in the Hindu religion, in the North American Indian, as well as the tribes and peoples of Central and South America.

The idea is worldly fables are not righteous and holy stories, but are profane.

"godless and gullible" - Again, other translations are closer to the original words - "worldly fables fit only for old women". Note the NET (New English Translation) is more politically correct using 'godless and gullible'. In the phrase 'old wives tales' (OWTs), the emphasis is not on 'old wives', but 'old... tales'. These stories are not true, but have the ring of truth, told to children to scare them into behaving. Ghost stories, or boogie men, or monsters under the bed are all samples. Our modern OWTs are 'cops are pigs, out to kill blacks', or 'black people are lazy, and only want to rob you', or 'all Mexicans are criminals, coming to steal our jobs', or 'white people have privilege and are racists.'
Some theological OWTs include: 'God is dead', or 'God is too busy to care about your little problems', or 'religion is a crutch, only the weak believe', or 'You believe in God? How can you reject science?', or 'Through the advances in science, we can perfect our society so we do not need God." All of these types of statements are attempts to divert your focus from the only One who can save you - Jesus Christ the Lord. When Paul wrote this, he was dealing with predominant world religions - those of the Greeks, Romans, and the Jews. 'Worldly fables' did not apply to the Jewish faith (Judaism and Christianity were the only monotheistic religions in the world at that time). The reason that 'godless' and 'gullible' go together is when a person rejects God and His guidance in life, that person has no reliable standard on which to base his life decisions. Anything is possible, nothing is forbidden. That person has no basis to discern good and evil.

"train yourself for godliness" - The Christian faith is simple, but not easy. Do not expect to drift along the stream of life, like a 'Pooh-stick' dropped off the bridge (See the Winnie the Pooh stories). We are to be fully involved in living and growing in the faith. He has designed 'work' for us to do. (Eph. 2:10) We to 'work out' our salvation - not work for salvation, but to do the deeds for which we have been designed. (Phi. 2:12) We are grow and mature in our faith. In Hebrews, the writer is chiding us for stagnating in our growth. (Heb 5:12-14) The exhortation in those verses is to not maintain the status quo, go along to get along, go with the flow, but work at it, grow in it, use your faith to be a better Christian, a better witness, to be able to tell the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. Discipline yourself for His sake, to demonstrate His work in you. It was said that a person had been a Christian for 30 years. A sage asked if that was 30 years of experience, or just one year of experience 30 times?

Vs. 8: - For physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.

"physical exercise has some value" - Paul is not dismissing physical discipline - exercise or dieting. Remember, Paul also told us that our bodies are 'temples' for the Holy Spirit. (See: 1 Cor. 3:16,17; 6:19) Picture in your mind the National Cathederal in Washington, D.C., or St. Paul's Cathedral in London, St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Norte Dame in Paris. These magnificent 'temples' are garbage compared to you. The most Holy God, the Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit does not live in any of those buildings. God may be in those buildings, but only when a believer is there. If you are horrified if a terrorist or a vandal defaces one those temples, good. Do not deface your body by neglect or abuse. Physical exercise and discipline is important in order to present a credible witness for Jesus. On the other hand, these temporary temples (tabernacles, or so to speak) will be replaced by a new and perfect body, suitable for heaven.

"godliness is valuable in every way" - So, while it is important to stay healthy, it is more important that your spiritual condition is growing and maturing in Christ. Jesus said, "Follow me", and "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength", and "Love your neighbor as you love yourself", and "Do unto others as you would have them do to you", and "Love one another", and "Go into all the world." Pretty simple, don't you think? Almost the whole rest of the New Testament is dedicated to helping us know how to pull off those simple commands. We are to do these things while being controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He has been given to as a guarantee to the promises made by Jesus. He has been given to us to teach us how to "work out our salvation in fear and trembling."

"It holds promise" - Do not misunderstand what I am about to say. There is the promise of heaven - "the life that is to come." It would be kind of discouraging if our only hope is heaven. Some one once described that as 'Pie in the sky, bye and bye." The opportunity to go to heaven is wonderful. But, if that is all there is, you could almost feel cheated. Why do I say that? Life here on earth is messy, hard, dirty. We face frustrations, limitations, pain and suffering, as well as joy. If we must endure life on earth just to get to heaven (because heaven is all there is), why wait? Let's get there, right now! However, for our benefit and because of God's mercy, heaven is not all there is. There also is the promise for the "present life." Just as the Jews were to be ambassadors for God to the unsaved world, we too are here to help others come to know Him. More than that, without that "something else" life here would be a slog through the messy, hard, dirty world with a job we have to do. We would be in a world that is antithetical to Jesus and His message of salvation. Godliness, becoming more and more like Jesus, is not all on us. We need to be available, ready to go, and willing. WE ARE NOT ALONE. (This is not a science fiction or horror movie.) Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Teacher. (See: John 14:13-17, 26-27; John 10:11) Living 'abundantly' is not a slog through misery. Working out your salvation is not stumbling along as though in darkness (See: Isa. 59:9-10 - Yes, I know this verse is about the Jews stumbling along because of their rebellion against the commands of God, and were beset all round). Yet, if you and I do not rely on the Helper and His teaching, we are stumbling along a dark path at dusk without a flashlight, groping our way along. That is the promise for this life - joy and guidance for you and I. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Cor. 15:19, Jesus has given us hope for living here and now, in this dark and sinful world, but there is more! Praise the Lord!

Vs. 9: - This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.

"trustworthy" - Paul uses this phrase three times in this letter - see 1 Tim. 1:15, 3:1 (twice in two other letters). You can stake your life on this. The 'this' is that godliness is profitable in all things, and that godliness is believing in Christ, crucified for our sins and resurrected to His and our glory. Our glory is based on His work, not on what we have done. Godliness is also avoiding myths and fables, holding to the truth and basing your life and behavior on that faith. I know I have said this several times, but it is worth repeating. You are not the same person you were before Jesus became your savior. You should not live as if Christ is not in your life. You are a new creature, the old has passed away, behold the new has come. 2 Cor. 5:17

Vs.10: - In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.

"this is why we work hard" - Paul's life had changed - from a persecutor and a prosecutor of believers to the most effective evangelist and prolific defender of the faith. He had hated Christians, hunting them, running them to ground. Arresting them. Delivering them to the authorities. Now, in Christ he preaches the gospel, builds churches, and is delivered to the authorities. I doubt that many of us has had such a dramatic change in our lives. I fully understand that we should not compare ourselves to others - we each are responsible for ourselves.
There are two (2) possible places to which "this is why" refers:

1. the trustworthiness of godliness being applicable to this life and the life to come
2. the hope fixed on the living God, the Savior.

Both possibilities work: you work hard because of your focus on godliness; you work hard because God has saved you and you want to please Him. From your personal experience - don't you like to work hard because you believe in the company that employs you? If your boss tells you a raise is coming your way because of your work, doesn't that put a spring in your step, a little more effort gladly given? Look at the 'boss' we serve - the Living God! Look at the 'raise' we receive - eternal life in heaven with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

"set our hope" - Our hope is set on the promises the God who spoke the universe into existence, who knows us and loves us anyway, who wants a personal loving relationship with each of us. God is eternal, and is in your life, here and now.

"Savior of all people, especially of believers" - Jesus came to save the world, the whole world. (I think a case could be made that He came not just to save humans, but the world. It was not just humans that suffered from the Fall, but all creation groans. (Rom. 8:22) However, Jesus indicated that not all people will be saved. (Matt. 22:14) Those of us who know and accept the gift of salvation are now different than non-believers. (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 17:14) Salvation is offered to all. God does not force you to accept His gift. There are consequences to rejecting his offer. Until you die, the choice will always be offered. After that, there are no 'do-overs' - (see: Heb. 9:27, 28). Jesus came the first time to save you. The next time He comes, it will be for judgement. The big question, perhaps the only question is, "Is your name in the Lamb's Book of Life?" (See - Rev. 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19).

Vs. 11: - Command and teach these things.

"Command and teach" - Timothy, as well as other teachers and preachers in the following centuries to declare, announce, or charge fellow believers with the message to seek godliness through Jesus Christ our Lord. We also are to discuss with others in order to instruct them, and to deliver didactic discourses, that is teach others that they met teach others also. (See: 2 Tim. 2:2). We are not be left alone, to fumble our way along. We have other Christians who have lived and learned, and they can share their successes and failures. We have the Holy Spirit to teach us.