Tonight we are gathering to discuss 1 Timothy 5 where Paul writes about a congregation’s duty to other specific members within that congregation. Members must respect their elders and take care of widows who have no other means of support. The congregation should pay its elders (presbuteros) and give them respect. Timothy (as the bishop) should also be cautious in the elevation of members to the office of elders. Paul’s advice here is very practical.
The question we face when we read these verses as Scripture is how to separate out the practical teachings which are given to a specific people at a specific time in a specific place from the underlying universals which are applicable to all people, at all times, in all places. Tonight, as we read through this chapter, we will look at how to discover the universal rules underlying these specific instructions so as to make these teachings directly applicable to our current situations.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is sloppy joes. Discussion about 6:45. Prayers at 8. Hope to see you here.
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
1 Timothy 5:23