Day 7: 5:1–6:19 — Practical Instructions for Church Relationships
Reading: Guidelines for various groups within the church community
Study Questions:
1. Observation: How does Paul address different ages, social classes, and roles within the church?
The heart of interactions with those in the church is to be treated as family. Older men are father figures, younger men are brother figures, older women are mother figures, and younger women are sister figures. All figures are treated with great respect and in significant purity.
Within that, distinctions are made as to the type of widows worth considering, giving preference to church care for those who are genuinely widows. It’s reinforced that responsibilities start with the immediate family before it’s extended to the church family. The goal is to ensure that widows invest their time effectively.
The role of elders in the church is to be rightly respected and also held to high standards, so that behaviour beneath that, once it is proven, is to be publicly rebuked. Timothy is to exemplify the standard by only laying hands after due consideration and also taking care of himself.
Relations between slaves and masters should reflect the standard of godliness. That means respectful service, where masters receive quality from believing slaves.
2. Interpretation: What principles of honour, respect, and responsibility emerge from these instructions?
These principles and characteristics form the heart of how to engage with others. It provides a valuable insight into the nature of godliness in relationships with others. We care for, love, and treat others as family, looking to help those truly in need and to acknowledge and appreciate those who set the example for us. This is something we should be mindful of at all times. It’s also an opportunity to make those distinctions between those we acknowledge and appreciate, and to see who is not living up to that standard, encouraging them to do so as well. This ensures we’re living up to those standards.
3. Application: How can these principles improve your relationships within your faith community?
As we practice these principles in community, it will express and reinforce the motto of what it is to be seen, to be known, to be loved, to be able to thrive. Our approach to each other will not be selfish or self-absorbed; it will be a lot more other-focused and service-oriented. We will be a reflection of the family of God, one that is all about seeing each other as God sees us and not neglecting, mistreating, or disrespecting others. Instead, focusing on God will steer us to regulate our actions in line with God’s character and see opportunities to promote that among one another, as well as correct diversions from the standard.
4. What specific actions can you take to better care for others in your community?
Maintain regular communication with the community. Visit saints and offer support where I can. Highlight and applaud good practices of caring for those in the community, and look to learn from them. Be open to counsel on how to put these principles into practice. Be vigilant in regular gatherings to practice the principles.
Day 8: 1 Timothy 6:3–19 — Paul’s Closing Words
Reading: Paul’s encouragement and warnings to Timothy
Study Questions:
1. Observation: What commands does Paul give Timothy regarding what to flee from and what to pursue?
2. Interpretation: Why does Paul emphasise contentment as a mark of true godliness rather than material gain? How does he contrast godliness with materialism?
3. Application: What spiritual disciplines or character qualities is Timothy commanded to pursue in this passage? How can believers today practically implement these qualities (e.g., righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness)?
4. Reflection: How might you “fight the good fight” of faith in your present circumstances? What practical steps are needed to hold firmly to your confession and calling?
What you’re releasing has something to do with what lives in you, so let’s get the Word In to get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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