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This is Pleasing to God

This is Pleasing to God. 1 Timothy 5 p. 1099 . This Pleases God. What is the passage about? Identifying practical things that are “pleasing to God” Based on right teaching. G.K.Chesterton – Do not “deny the indisputable dirt” – we are sinners. This Pleases God . . .

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This is Pleasing to God

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  1. This is Pleasing to God 1 Timothy 5 p. 1099

  2. This Pleases God • What is the passage about? • Identifying practical things that are “pleasing to God” • Based on right teaching. • G.K.Chesterton – • Do not “deny the indisputable dirt” – we are sinners.

  3. This Pleases God . . . • There is a RIGHT way to live. • The household of God: We are a family. • In the ancient world a strong social value. • Paul’s radical instruction: Even correct older people. • Righteousness & obedience are placed above respect. • Goal: encourage righteousness, exhort repentance.

  4. 1. Widows & Welfare • Relevant to issues of social justice, welfare, etc. • Setting the scene: • No pension schemes, people worked till they died. • Women WORKED at home. • A respected and important role. • Men worked to earn money • Usually hard manual labour. • Hours were long, wages were low.

  5. 1. Widows & Welfare . . . • Widows were in real trouble. • Usually their families took care of them. • Those without had it really tough. • Christian widows cared for by the church. • Not a free handout (v 9-10) • Exclusions: • If she was helped elsewhere (family) • She could not live a selfish, indulgent life (v 6)

  6. 1. Widows & Welfare . . . • Young widows (v 11-14) • Seem misogynistic … • Paul speaking into the realities of the day • Spiritual wellbeing of the widows • How their conduct reflects on the church/Gospel.

  7. 1. Widows & Welfare . . . • General principles for Welfare systems: • It is good and necessary • It incurs an obligation • Not to empower laziness or bad conduct • Person must contribute or get their life on track • We should all care for our families first.

  8. 2. More on Presbyters (Elders) • It is an official title/office • Town councils in Jewish cities (Ruth 4:1-12) • Moses appointed Elders (Exod 18:24-25, 19:7, 24:1) • Also in Greek cities and Provinces (e.g. Sparta) • An elder was a city counsellor, director in government, etc. • Paul defined Episkopos & Deacon in ch 3 – not Elder.

  9. 2. More on Presbyters (Elders) . . . • Lots of baggage • Church structures were evolving • Early church expected Jesus to come soon. • Need for basic structure because of false teachers. • Churches were small and isolated – not have full structure • People needed to be taught – no Bibles, literacy.

  10. 2. More on Presbyters (Elders) . . . • Paul’s writing: • Apostolic authority was the norm. (e.g. 2 Peter 3:15-16) • Timothy and Titus were appointed by the Apostle • They approved, appointed and removed Presbyters • The Post was a demanding one – starting to be paid.

  11. 2. More on Presbyters (Elders) . . . • Paul’s specific instructions: • Good Presbyters worthy of “double honour” (v 17) • Bad ones to be corrected publicly (v 20) • Pay them (v 18) • Don’t entertain spurious allegations against them (v 19) • Don’t appoint them hastily (v 22)

  12. 2. More on Presbyters (Elders) . . . • Duties of Presbyters: • Pray and care for the ill (Jas 5:14) • Help the weak (in life and faith) (Acts 20:35) • Refute error (Titus 1:9) • Commission leaders (1 Tim 4:14) • Preach and teach (v 17) • Be shepherds and guides (1 Pet 5:1-2) • Care for the congregation.

  13. 2. More on Presbyters (Elders) . . . • Within 50 years the three “offices” were established • St Ignatius (AD 115) letter to the Trallians. (Disciple of John). • For more than 200 years of persecution Bishops bore the brunt. • The basic structure was forged by fire and necessity. • Scripture does not rigidly prescribe a structure for leadership.

  14. Living it . . . • Social justice matters. • It incurs obligation on both parties. • “Godly” widows – ministry is for everyone. • Godly leadership is an honourable and high calling.

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