Good morning,
This week’s lesson is on 1 Timothy 5-6. Paul is giving Timothy instructions concerning different groups in the church.
The older and younger (5:1-2)
Widows (5:3-16)
Elders (Pastors) (5:17- 25)
Slaves (6:1-2)
False teachers (6:3-5)
Love of money (6:6-10)
Charge to Timothy (6:11-16)
The rich (6:17-19)
Concluding appeal and benediction (6:20-21)
Paul knew the problems that Timothy was and would face. His message was practical, filled with empathy, and concerned specific issues. He wrote from the heart of a Pastor or Elder.
Paul’s desire was to make Timothy successful. His teaching centered in on the things he had learned over his three missionary journeys. Since the ultimate goal is to see people trust in Jesus through faith, it is wise to be able to deal with people. So, a great portion of these two chapters deals with how to deal with certain groups of people.
How do we deal with people? Do we see them as a soul that Christ died for or a nuisance for not understanding the clear teaching of the Bible? Do we pray for them to get saved or just ignore them? Do we care about the downtrodden, less fortunate, or poor, or do we live in our abundance, oblivious to all that is going on around us?
Paul wanted Timothy to be people oriented. He wanted him to care about others.
Do we?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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