1 Timothy – Week 8 – Day 2

READ 

1 Timothy 5:5-7 

5 Now a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. She prays night and day, asking God for his help. 6 But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. 7 Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism. 

Paul described who is a “true widow.” She is someone with no relatives to support her and has been one who places her hope in God and prays constantly for God’s help. On the other hand, a widow who lives “only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives.” Such a widow should not be supported by the church. Paul wanted Timothy to give these instructions to his congregation so it would do things properly and not be open to criticism. 

REFLECT 

Do you know of some godly widow who is praying to God for help and has no relatives to support her? Is your church aware of her needs? 

RESPOND 

Whether referring to the exercise of spiritual gifts or anything else, see 1 Corinthians 14:40 to see what Paul’s instructions were for the local church. Is your group following these instructions?