1 Timothy 5:1-16
In our relationships with other Christians, we can use family ties as our example: as a father . . . as brethren. . . as mothers . . . as sisters" (vv. 1, 2). Let us never lose sight of the fact that we form one and the same family, the family of God.
Each is called upon to show godliness but firstly toward his own household (v. 4). The Pharisees practised the opposite. While making a show of devotion they nullified the commandment of God by diverting the children from their lawful duties to parents (Mark 7:12-13).
A single verse, v. 10, sums up a life of complete service for the Lord. May each Christian woman desire nothing else.
These fourteen verses (vv. 3-16) which are devoted to widows remind us that God watches over them in a very special way (Psalms 68:5). The gospel of Luke mentions four of them: Anna, whose prayer life day and night illustrates v. 5 (Luke 2:36-38); the widow of Nain to whom the Lord Jesus gave back her son (Luke 7:12 . . .); the one who claimed justice in the parable in Luke 18:1-43; finally the poor widow who in the eyes of the Lord – and for His joy – gave to the temple treasury all that she had to live on (Luke 21:1-38). What pleases God above all else is complete faith in Him (Hebrews 11:6).