What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 5:6? But - The conjunction draws a sharp contrast with the devoted widow of 1 Timothy 5:5 who “has set her hope on God.” - Paul turns from a life centered on prayer to one centered on self-gratification (cf. James 4:4; Galatians 5:17). - The single word signals that two opposite pathways lie before every believer. She who lives for pleasure - Describes an ongoing pursuit of self-indulgence, not an occasional enjoyment (cf. Titus 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:4). - Scripture warns that flesh-focused living disqualifies a widow from church support (1 Timothy 5:9-10) and endangers her soul (Galatians 6:8). - Pleasure becomes an idol when it replaces devotion to Christ. Is dead - A present spiritual reality: separation from the life of God even now (Ephesians 4:18; Revelation 3:1). - Echoes Romans 8:13—“If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” - What looks like freedom is, in fact, bondage leading to judgment. Even while she is still alive - Physical life can mask spiritual death (Revelation 3:1; Luke 15:24). - Earthly vitality without godliness is hollow and temporary (Hebrews 3:13). - The church must see past outward appearances and call such a person to repentance before eternity is fixed. Summary Paul contrasts a God-dependent widow with one devoted to pleasure. The latter is already dead in God’s sight, despite her pulse, because self-indulgence severs fellowship with Him. True life is found only in steadfast dependence on Christ, not in the fleeting comforts of the flesh. |
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