Dwell Together In Unity

1 Timothy 5

We see division at every turn in our world, nation and in our communities. Division exists in our newscasts, on social media, and face to face. We see division in the streets, in local restaurants, in church denominations and even in the local church.

What causes problems in churches? Often, it is people not getting their way and not getting along with each other, specifically reflecting the world and its leader. Brothers and sisters do not always dwell together in unity. Some pride themselves in “sowing discord among the brethren,” rather than living the call to humility, selflessness, unification, and bringing our Father joy in living like Jesus.

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:2–8 (ESV)

In 1 Timothy 5, Paul suggests that we treat other people the way we would treat members of our own family, with love and respect. Fellow believers should be regarded as a close-knit spiritual family and should be treated again, with love and respect.

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 1 Timothy 5:1–2 (ESV)
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If the older people complain about things, deal with them as you would your father or mother, and accept the younger believers as brothers and sisters. This is simply a call to love others as God loves you.

Paul advises young Timothy and us that we should look out for the emotional and financial welfare of older widows, if they truly have no family to care for them. As for younger widows, it is good for them to remarry and bear children, to avoid sexual sin.

“Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.” 1 Timothy 5:3–16 (ESV)
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Not everybody who asks for help should receive it. Charity should begin at home, and church leaders must exercise discernment lest they create more problems than they solve.

Dr. Tony Evans shares in his Study Bible, “Children have an obligation to practice godliness toward their parents for the investment they made in their lives. No widow should be in want who has believing children... God calls parents, and especially husbands, to provide for their families. Men are to reflect the fatherhood of God. A man who will not take care of his wife and children lies about what God is like. Believing men (and women) should also care for widows in their extended families because God is “a champion of widows” (Ps 68:5)... An elderly widow who has demonstrated faithful service to the church deserves the faithful support of the church.”

Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “Elders who work full-time in ministry should be highly respected and should be financially supported by their congregations. An accusation against such a leader should not be entertained lightly.”

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 1 Timothy 5:17–21 (ESV)

Dr. Evans continues with a discussion on Eldership, “It should not be easy for a disgruntled church member to falsely accuse an elder. Therefore, all accusations must be confirmed by two or three witnesses (5:19). If an elder is found guilty of unrepentantly continuing in sin, he must be rebuked publicly, so that the rest of the elders (and the congregation) will fear the consequences of sin (5:20). God’s people see that their leaders are held to the same standards as they are—and to an even higher level.”

“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” 1 Timothy 5:22–25 (ESV)

Sometimes trouble comes because we believe reports that cannot be verified, or we show partiality, or we make decisions before getting the facts. Not every church member has a character as good as his or her reputation, so take care!

How about you? Are you seeking the unity of the faith and the body? Are you living a life of humility, love, and respect? Where do you most need the Holy Spirit to help you to love others in the same way Jesus loves you? Is there someone you need to forgive and apologize? Is there a leader you need to meet with and reconcile a disagreement of division?
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Today, seek unity! “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

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