Engage 7 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm

1Timothy 5:1-16

We started with being vigilant towards those who distort the gospel. In the previous chapter we are cautioned to be vigilant to the kind of leader we submit to in the faith.
We are now being reminded to be vigilant in behaviour and character especially in the communities.
We are reminded to treat with respect our elders. We are reminded to teach and even correct one another in loving kindness and gentleness.
Our Lord never condoned sinful behaviour but He corrected and directed in humility and loving kindness.

In the communities we live in we are reminded to care and give to those in need around us. 13 verses are dedicated to the caring for widows. At first I could not understand why but then reading and understanding the time I realise they were the most vulnerable. Then a woman without a man or son to claim and provide for them would live in utter desperation. How do we apply that principle in our times?
We too have the most vulnerable and we are called to give and help in loving kindness.

1Timothy 5:17-25

We are taught how our leaders, and one of the ways we can do that is in the wages. We are taught to give wages worthy of their work.
We are cautioned not to neglect leaders working hard; preaching and teaching the gospel,
We are also cautioned not judge quickly from hear say, but to listen and judge with fairness and integrity; without favouritism.
Those in leadership are not perfect so lastly we are cautioned again to be careful and not let ourselves be lead to believe and practice what our Father did not command.