Supporting Widows.1 Timothy 5:3-6.
Honour widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.
Dear Aliens and Strangers in this World,
We turn to an extensive discussion on widows. The reason for this attention to widows and not widowers is because most widows are disadvantaged by culture and are often left destitute.
Discernment (v. 3). The reference to “widows who are truly widows” is not to suggest that some pretend that they are widows when they are not. Rather, a needy widow is a focus here. Some widows are better to do than many women who still have husbands. In addition, some widows have a reliable
Dependency (v. 4). Widows who have children or grandchildren of means are owed by their posterity. It is therefore a demonstration of godliness for children to help their needy parents. This sets a good example for their own children and pleases God. Do you want a blessing? Take care of your mother.
Devotion (v. 5). A “true” widow has no means, no close relatives of means, and no other hope, only God. But her dependence on God goes beyond her own needs. She devotes herself to prayer, as they say, 24/7. The church has the need for prayer. Pastors, elders, the youth who are threatened by all manner of destructive attractions, everyone needs intercession. Paul designates widows as “prayer warriors.”
Death (v. 6). The opposite of the widow devoted to prayer is one “who is self-indulgent.” This implies that she indulges her sinful nature. Whatever her excuse – she could claim, as one widow did, that the man she was sinning with was providing for her, Paul says she is “dead even while she lives.” It is important that the church provides for needy widows so that they are not tempted. But the widow also must resist temptation because it will destroy her.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.