What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 5:4? But if a widow has children or grandchildren Paul is dealing with the practical care of widows in the local church (1 Timothy 5:3). • He assumes the widow’s family still exists; therefore, responsibility begins at home. • This keeps the church from being burdened unnecessarily, so it can assist those “truly widows” (1 Timothy 5:16). • James 1:27 reminds us that “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress”. Family is step one in that care. they must first learn to show godliness to their own family Children and grandchildren are called to demonstrate practical, lived-out faith. • Godliness is not abstract; it starts in the living room and kitchen. • 1 Timothy 3:5 asks, “If someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?”. • Proverbs 1:8 encourages listening to parental instruction; honoring the older generation is a mark of reverence for God. • 1 John 3:18 urges, “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth”. and repay their parents “Repay” points to a moral debt. Parents once sacrificed for their children; the roles now reverse. • Exodus 20:12 commands, “Honor your father and your mother”. Caring for aging parents is one way that honor is tangibly expressed. • Jesus rebuked those who used religious excuses to dodge this duty (Mark 7:10-13). • Proverbs 23:22 adds, “Do not despise your mother when she is old”. • This repayment is not optional philanthropy; it is a just response to years of parental love, labor, and provision. for this is pleasing in the sight of God The ultimate audience is God Himself. • Colossians 3:20: “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord”. • Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased”. • When families care for their own, they mirror the Father’s heart and reflect His order for society. • What delights God should delight us; His approval outweighs convenience or cultural trends. summary 1 Timothy 5:4 teaches that caring for widowed mothers or grandmothers is first a family duty, not merely a church program. Children and grandchildren display genuine godliness by honoring, supporting, and “repaying” their parents, a practice that brings pleasure to God and protects the witness and resources of the church. |
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