1 Timothy 5:1-16; Psalm 111

1 Timothy 5:1-16
Remember that this is Paul's letter to the young pastor, Timothy. In this chapter, Paul instructs Timothy on how to deal with various groups in the church. In vv. 1 and 2, he tells Timothy to treat older men and women with respect as he would his own father and mother. In the same way, he was to treat the younger men and women as brothers and sisters. Keeping in mind that we are all members of God's family, will help us to treat one another properly--with love, unity, and respect.

In the next few verses we see that Christian families should take care of themselves as much as possible and this includes widows in their families. Paul sharply criticized those who wouldn't care for their relatives saying they had denied the true faith and were worse than unbelievers. (v. 8) But if a widow had no one else to care for her, then the church was instructed to take on this responsibility if the woman was a "true widow" who prayed and placed her trust in the Lord. Paul gave other qualifications as well:

• at least 60 years old
• had been faithful to her husband
• must be respected by everyone because of her good deeds
• had brought up her children well
• had been kind to strangers
• had humbly served the other believers
• had helped those who were in trouble
• had always been ready to do good

So we see that not everyone who asks for the church's help is qualified to receive it, but as believers we shouldn't shrink from God-given responsibilities.

Psalm 111

Psalm 111-118 are called "Hallelujah psalms." The word hallelujah means "praise the Lord," and that's exactly what they do.

One way to look at Psalm 111 is that it is for people who study God's Word (and that should be all of us!)

• First, we should worship with God's people. v. 1
• Next we should be aware of and amazed at His deeds both in our own lives as well as in nature. v. 2-6
• Then we should see God in His Word and obey Him. vv. 7-10 Learning from God's Word is not merely for academic reasons. God is not impressed if we can win at Bible trivia! If we study, obey, and internalize God's Word, He promises us wisdom. As we grow in grace and in the knowledge of God's Word, we will also grow in wisdom. As we grow in godly wisdom, we will make fewer bad decisions in our own lives, and we will be better prepared to help others. "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!"