Lesson 4930

 (Lesson 4930) (07-31-25) 1st Timothy 5:17-25 

   “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.” 

 

   In today’s lesson, Paul instructed the church to give double honor to elders who ruled well, especially those laboring in preaching and teaching. He affirmed that a laborer in the church was worthy of his reward and cautioned not to hear accusations against an elder without two or three witnesses. Elders who sinned were to be scorned openly to warn others not to be guily of the same. Paul charged Timothy to act without prejudice or partiality, to lay hands on no one hastily, and to keep himself pure. He also advised him to use a little wine for his health. Hidden sins and good works wll both eventually be revealed. ~ 

Lesson 4929

 (Lesson 4929) (07-30-25) 1st Timothy 5:1-16 

   “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” 

 

  In today’s lesson, Paul gave instructions on how to treat various members within the church. He told Timothy to treat older men as fathers, younger men as his brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters. He gave detailed guidance on caring for widows, distinguishing between those truly in need and those with family support. Widows who were truly alone and faithful were to be supported by the church, while younger widows were encouraged to marry and manage their homes. Families were to care for their own, so the church would not be burdened unnecessarily. ~ 

Lesson 4928

 (Lesson 4928) (07-29-25) 1st Timothy 4:6-16 

   “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul instructed Timothy to remain faithful to sound doctrine and to reject all attempts to veer away from the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy to be a Godly man, a man who holds value for both the present life and the life to come. He reminded Timothy that his youth should not be a reason for others to despise him, but rather he should be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. Timothy was urged to give attention to reading the gospel, exhortation of others, and not to neglect the spiritual gift that God had given to him. If only we would all commit to such diligence today. ~ 

Lesson 4927

 (Lesson 4927) (07-28-25) 1st Timothy 4:1-5 

   “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul warned that in later times some would distort the faith, following false teachings. That time has come, and now is. Paul noted that these false doctrines would include forbidding marriage and commanding abstinence from certain foods. He affirmed that every creature of God is good to eat, and nothing is to be refused if received with thanksgiving, for all meats are sanctified by the word of God and prayer. This passage made clear that no food, including all types of meat, is to be rejected, this instruction stands contrary to certain Roman Catholic and Jewish beliefs that restrict the consumption of certain meats. ~