God Desires Justice And Mercy

In the past two lessons, we have dealt with the requirements of someone in the body of Christ. It is important to differentiate, that everyone has a different calling. We first dealt with Bishops, Elders, and Pastors in the first lesson. What should be evident , in their daily behavior. Then we were given the requirements, of a leader or teacher in the second. We were given our individual roles in evangelism to non-believers. Now we deal with what we should experience, in the organized church. All the things we have learned and been taught, should come together, forming a strong and solid church.

1 Timothy 5: 1-2
1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Don't go against the authority and position, of the elder man. In this passage, the word elder is not in reference, to the elder in the church. As we discussed in the lesson, week before last. It's about the one labeled as father, or who we call daddy. Instead it addresses the leader, in the home and community. With age should come wisdom and experience. As believers we should honor and revere such a distinction. It is Gods will that these men be everywhere. We should treat older Godly women as mothers. We should treat Godly young men and women, as brothers and sisters. I specify Godly, because as Christians. There are just some people, we must let go. We must adhere to these things, having faith in their profitability.

1 Timothy 5: 3-8
3Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Scripture instructs the church, to provide for widows. Honour those that are rightfully deserving, according to the word. It specifies what the different types, of widows are. In order to be a widow, you must first be married. Married to a man, or married to the church. So just because you're a woman without a husband, doesn't make you a widow. Thank God for his son Jesus, he included everyone. Widows indeed are those women, who are left without husbands, children or relatives. To provide for them financially, in their golden years. In bibical days, women weren't gainfully employed outside the home. Desolate widows are those trusting in God, for all their earthly needs. Not someone that engages in worldly lusts, and pleasures. In other words "having a boyfriend, that helps them pay their bills". Like what the world has come to expect and accept, from unmarried women. Teach and preach this, so that it may become the standard. By which believers live. If a Christian doesn't accept and follow this, he is worse than the unbeliever. He knows better, and still continues in his ways.


1 Timothy 5: 17-24
17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
24Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Let the men that do a good job, be recognized and rewarded. Support any program that acknowledges, the Godly efforts of men. Double honour can be debated, as to it's exact meaning here. For the leader, of the household it means one thing. To have a house in order, is pay in itself. A loving an obedient wife and kids, is a joy. The leader of the church is a different matter. Those who labour in the faith, should be paid accordingly. To practice what you should be preaching. Requires you trust God, to provide all your needs. If he provides you with lots of money, he meant for you to have it. If he doesn't, that's his will too. If it was obtained, through adhering to the word. All power in place, God allows. Don't take part, in spreading and accepting rumors. If someone is living foul, more than one person will see. Have at least two witnesses if not three, before you approach someone. Your interpretation of verse #21. Will largely depend, on what side of the fence you're sitting. Everyone is entitled to a second chance but :
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
The method I think to serve as reproof, for the members of the congregation. Should be preached in the sermons. I don't think an individual member, should be singled out. The scenario for leaders is different. They should serve as an example. It should be show that no one is above reproach. Open unrepentive violators should not be allowed to serve, in the capacity of leaders. They should be publicly punished, if conditions of proof are met. Call this thing down the middle, not being prejudice. Don't fall victim to the ways of the world. Reserve honour and glory for God. He is the only one worthy.

I want to address the verse #23, dealing with wine separately. In bibical days wine served as a medicine, as opposed to an intoxicant. Like some people do today. Water was often unclean and tainted. Drinking it sometimes, did more harm than good. The scripture doesn't give you license, to go out and drink wine at will. It just allows, for it's medicinal purposes. The drinking of wine to help you with your health, was Paul's instruction to Timothy. People liked to get high even then. A little wine is good for everyone, it builds blood.

The last verse required that I look, at what I've learned. The fruits of the spirit, developed through lifes applications. Simply won't allow you to do, or be a part of certain things. We can't depend on others to save us. We have to know and accept for ourselves. To avoid wrongdoing, just follow your spirit. It will guide you, in what you should and shouldn't do. Some sins will be obvious, we will be aware of peoples participation. Others will be hidden from man, we won't see. You may have the ability, to fool those around you. Nothing will be hidden from God.