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1 Timothy / Honor and Care: Elders, Widows, and Community Conduct
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Honor and Care: Elders, Widows, and Community Conduct

1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

5
Chapter 5
1 Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety to their own household and to give back recompense to their ancestors, for this is acceptable before God. 5 But the widow who is truly alone has put her hope in God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 6 But she who indulges in luxury, though living, has died. 7 And command these things, so that they may be unassailable. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 A widow is not to be enrolled unless she is not less than sixty years old, having become the wife of one husband. 10 attested in good works, if she has raised children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the feet of saints, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has followed every good work. 11 But refuse younger widows, for when they live luxuriously on the Christ, they want to marry. 12 having judgment because they set aside their first faith 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, going around from house to house; not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things they should not. 14 I want therefore the younger women to marry, to bear children, to rule the house, to give no opportunity to the opponent for the sake of reviling. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any faithful woman has widows, let her suffice for them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may suffice for the widows who are truly such. 17 The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20 Rebuke those who sin in the presence of all, so that the others may fear as well. 21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you guard these things without prejudging, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Do not quickly lay hands on anyone, nor share in others' sins; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent illnesses. 24 Of some men the sins are evident, going before them into judgment; but of some others they even follow after. 25 Likewise, good works are also evident, and those that are not cannot be hidden.
6
Chapter 6
1 All who are slaves under the yoke should consider their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed. 2 But those who have faithful masters should not despise them because they are brothers; but rather let them serve them, because those who take hold of the benefaction are faithful and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.