The Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy 5 (7)

Pray Psalm 146.3-5.
Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;
In that very day his plans perish.
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the LORD his God…

Review 1 Timothy 5.

Reflect.
1. Which aspects of church life and order are addressed in this chapter? Why are these so important?

2. What is the pastor’s (Timothy’s) role in helping a church to live within God’s order?

Meditate.
In the pastoral epistles and elsewhere, Paul provides guidelines for how churches should be ordered – how believers should conduct themselves in the household of the Lord (1 Tim. 3.14, 15). These are not merely suggestions. Paul insisted that God had revealed to him the pattern for church life and health within the new economy of the Kingdom God is unfolding on earth (cf. Eph. 2.19-22; 3.1-13; 4.11-16). 

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul addressed the matter of Timothy’s example as shepherd of the Lords’ flock. In chapter 5, he explained how widows should be cared for, the honor due to elders, and the importance of encouraging good works. Once again, the role of the pastor is critical in making sure these and all the other details of church life are properly ordered and carried out.

Churches can expect to grow in unity and maturity in the love of Jesus Christ to the extent that they understand and follow the pattern for healthy, growing churches Paul sets forth in his writings. We cannot run our churches like businesses or schools or social clubs and expect to realize increasing fullness and fruitfulness as the Body of Christ. Only careful study of Paul’s writings, and faithful adherence to the details of how to order and lead our churches, will result in congregations that fulfill their callings as signs and outposts of the Kingdom of God.

Reflect.
1. How confident are you that your church is ordered according to the teaching of the apostle Paul? Explain.

2. As a church member, what is your responsibility – that is, what should you be doing – to help make sure your church is growing in the love of Christ?

3. What are some effective ways to honor the elders of your church, and to encourage your pastor(s)?

Let us remember that, in the person of Timothy, all pastors are admonished, and that Timothy is armed, as with a shield, against wicked desires, which not infrequently occasion much trouble even to some excellent persons. He therefore places God before the eyes of Timothy, that he may know that he ought to execute his office not less conscientiously than if he were in the presence of God and of his angels. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on 1 Timothy 4.13

Thank You for my church, Lord, and for all those who lead. I pray for our leaders today, that they may…

Pray Psalm 146.
Blessing and fruitfulness come to those who trust the Lord and follow His ways. Use this psalm to pray for the people in your Personal Mission Field, and for your church.

Sing Psalm 146.
Psalm 146 (Hallelujah! What a Savior!: Man of Sorrows)
Praise the Lord, my soul, give praise! While I live, His Name I’ll raise! 
And exalt Him all my days – God forever reigns in Zion!

Trust we not in prince or man – no salvation’s in their hand; 
death shall take them, breath and plans – God forever reigns in Zion!

Blessed are they whose hope resides in the Lord, Christ at His side. 
By Him heav’n and earth abide – God forever reigns in Zion!

He is faithful evermore; He gives justice to the poor, 
feeds the hungry from His store – God forever reigns in Zion!

Jesus sets the pris’ner free, heals blind eyes that they may see, 
lifts those burdened painfully – God forever reigns in Zion!

He the righteous loves the best; wand’rers in His grace are blessed;
needy ones in Him find rest – God forever reigns in Zion!

But the wicked who defame His eternal blessèd Name, 
them He brings to ruin and shame – God forever reigns in Zion!

T. M. Moore

The lessons in this week’s study of the Pastoral Epistles, and all the studies in this series, are available as a free download by clicking here.

Whatever our calling in life, we are sent to bring the joy of Christ to the people around us. Our book, Joy to Your World!, can show you how to fill your Personal Mission Field with more of the Presence, promise, and power of Christ and His Kingdom. Order your copy, as a supplement to our study of 1 Timothy, by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).