Today, in 1 Timothy 5, we see Paul give Timothy some words about how we speak to each other. We live in an age of much harsh language; Paul tells Timothy to speak with kindness towards each other, to those who are older, as well as those who are the same age as you. Our language should reflect our charity. Then, Paul gives words of advice for how the widows in the church should live and be treated. Who are these widows? What is Paul talking about? What can this mean for us today in our age?

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Good morning, everyone. It’s wonderful to be here with you on this beautiful Thursday morning. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Today, we’ll continue our exploration of 1st Timothy, focusing on chapter 5. If you’re watching this on video platforms like YouTube or Facebook, you’ll notice the ashes of the cross on my forehead from our Ash Wednesday service at St. Matthew’s earlier this week. So, there’s no hiding the fact that I’m recording this early in the day.

Let’s delve into chapter 5, which my Bible does not divide into sections, but I find a natural break between verse 16 and verse 17. Thus, today, we’ll read verses 1 through 16, and tomorrow, we’ll cover verses 17 to the end of the chapter.

Beginning with 1st Timothy chapter 5, verse 1: “Do not speak harshly to an older man, but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as brothers, to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”

I appreciate Paul’s emphasis on speaking kindly to one another, which is especially relevant in our culture where harsh language is too often the norm, particularly on social media platforms. While Paul later addresses correction and reproof, it’s crucial not to overstep and act as though we are the Holy Spirit. We must speak with respect and kindness, treating each other as family.

Now, let’s discuss the topic of widows that Paul addresses in this chapter. Widows, as the term suggests, are women who have lost their husbands. However, in the context of the church, widows had a specific role and responsibility. They were expected to be dedicated to acts of service, akin to a life devoted to worship, prayer, and serving others, much like the life of a nun.

Paul distinguishes between widows with family support and those without. He emphasizes the importance of family members fulfilling their duty to care for widows within their own family, in line with the commandment to honor one’s parents. However, for widows without family support, particularly those over the age of 60, Paul outlines specific criteria for their inclusion on a list of widows eligible for support from the church community.

Additionally, Paul warns against younger widows being added to this list, as they may become idle and prone to gossip and indulgence in worldly desires. He encourages them to marry, bear children, and manage their households, thus fulfilling their familial responsibilities and contributing positively to society.

Paul’s teachings highlight the importance of having a purpose and fulfilling one’s obligations, whether to family or the community. By bearing our own burdens and caring for our families, we create a foundation from which we can extend help to others in need.

In conclusion, let’s heed Paul’s call to treat one another kindly, show mercy, and extend grace to all. Tomorrow, we’ll conclude our discussion on chapter 5 of 1st Timothy. Thank you for joining us today, and have a blessed day.