1 Timothy 5:1–2 “In the Extended Family”

1 Timothy 5:1-2 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• They’ll know we are Christians by our love
• Matt Maher – Lord, I Need You
• MATT REDMAN – The Heart Of Worship

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Loving Your Family | A Sunday School lesson for kids! – Lesson for Kids
• We Are Family | Elementary Worship Song – Song for Kids
• No Matter What I’m Facing | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Turn Your Eyes | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After giving instructions about spiritual life in chapter 4, the apostle now teaches about conduct within the community of faith. Even if one has been given spiritual authority, when an “older man” (v.1) behaves wrongly, he must not be rebuked harshly. Instead, the instruction is to “exhort him as if he were your father.” The Greek word translated as “exhort” is parakaleō, which can also be translated as “encourage,” “comfort,” or “advise.” The idea is that, just as a son speaks with love and concern when his father is walking the wrong path, so should Timothy address such situations.

When a “younger man” goes astray, he too must not be rebuked. The Greek word translated as “rebuke” is epiplēssō, which refers to striking with a rod. Such treatment is not appropriate for older people, but it is equally wrong to do so with younger ones. Instead, Timothy is told to exhort them “as brothers.”

When an “older woman” (v.2) strays, she is not to be scolded, but rather exhorted “as a mother.” For “younger women,” the instruction is to exhort them “as sisters,” and Paul adds the phrase “with absolute purity.” The apostle is concerned that the young Timothy might be vulnerable to sexual temptation. Paul knew from personal experience how real such dangers could be, which is why he gave this added warning.

Meditation:

Earlier, the apostle described the qualifications of overseers and deacons, portraying the church as an extended family. In chapter 5, he expands this image even further. A pastor must regard the church as a family and treat every member as family. However, this does not mean the pastor should exercise authority like the fathers of that time did.

As revealed in his words to the Thessalonians— “we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children” (1 Thess. 2:7)—the apostle rarely used his apostolic authority. Instead, he served with gentleness like a mother and with humility like a servant. He only exercised apostolic authority in exceptional circumstances. Likewise, Paul instructs Timothy to treat the believers as he himself did. Being spiritually advanced or more knowledgeable in doctrine does not give one the right to command others recklessly. The Word must first be taught to oneself, and by living in obedience to it, a leader becomes an example to the church.

The apostle also instructs Timothy to be especially cautious when dealing with “younger women.” On the one hand, he should exhort them as sisters, but he must also guard against any relationship turning into sexual temptation by keeping “a pure heart.” In any religion, a charismatic spiritual leader can easily appear attractive. This is dangerous both for the leader and for the congregation. This is one of the reasons sexual scandals often occur not only in cults but even in orthodox churches. Since we are weak human beings, we must always remember that we can stumble at any time and must therefore remain vigilant.

Prayer:

We thank You for showing us the path of life and for letting us walk and run with joy on it. Today, let us also take each step on the Lord’s way under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: The church is God’s family. Just as we treat our parents, brothers, and sisters with respect, love, and purity, we are called to treat each person in the church with the same care. Spiritual authority or knowledge should never lead to pride or harshness; instead, leaders and believers alike must serve one another with gentleness, humility, and purity.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why does the Bible say we should treat older men like fathers and older women like mothers in the church?
  • How can we show love and kindness to our church family this week?
  • What do you think it means to keep a “pure heart” when we are with our friends at church?
    
• Youth
  • Paul tells Timothy to treat younger women as sisters “with purity.” Why do you think purity is important in our friendships and church relationships?
  • Have you ever seen someone use authority or knowledge in a harsh way? How does that compare with the gentleness Paul teaches here?
  • What does it mean to you personally to think of the church as a family? How might that change the way you treat people in the congregation?