Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM
Updated: Wednesday, 3 December 2008, 8:36 (GMT)
21 September 2008 | 1 Timothy 5:11-16
But do not put younger widows on that list. After they give themselves to Christ, they are pulled away from him by their physical desires, and then they want to marry again. They will be judged for not doing what they first promised to do. Besides that, they learn to waste their time, going from house to house. And they not only waste their time but also begin to gossip and busy themselves with other people's lives, saying things they should not say. So I want the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their homes. Then no enemy will have any reason to criticize them. But some have already turned away to follow Satan.If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should care for them herself. The church should not have to care for them. Then it will be able to take care of those who are truly widows.
Notes
Some people have a view of Christians as being like 'doormats' - they will give to anything, look after anyone. Whilst we should be open to how God wants us to act towards others, we also need to be discerning in how we use our resources.The example shown here is that of widows. Whilst older widows should be taken care of, younger ones should be encouraged to marry and be provided for in that manner. This has the additional benefit of allowing them to serve.
Paul also mentions those who have widows in their family. These should be taken care of by the family itself, not by the church. While this may initially sound harsh, it makes sense. These practical guidelines for social welfare within the community allow for it to put its resources into the places where they are most needed.
Likewise, we need to be discerning about how we give. As Christians, we are called to give freely, but it is important for us to think carefully about where the need is greatest and to be wise about how we spend our time and money in order for it to have the greatest impact for God's kingdom.
Prayer
Lord, everything I have comes from you. Help me to be discerning in how you want me to use the gifts you've given me. Help me to use them where they will have the greatest impact for your kingdom.Today's Writer
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Bible Study Archive
- 3 December 2008 | The God who answers prayer
- 2 December 2008 | Wonderfully made
- 1 December 2008 | More precious than gold
- 30 November 2008 | Total Security
- 29 November 2008 | Barriers to Worship
- 28 November 2008 | His Way is in the Whirlwind
- 27 November 2008 | Reality Check
- 26 November 2008 | Wife of Noble character
- 25 November 2008 | When everything goes wrong
- 24 November 2008 | Walking in the light
- 23 November 2008 | The Eternal Riddle!
- 22 November 2008 | Overcoming evil with good
- 21 November 2008 | Under His Shadow
- 20 November 2008 | A plumb line not a pendulum
- 19 November 2008 | Keys to discovering and fulfilling your purpose and destiny (3)
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