THE CHURCH’S MEMBERSHIP
I TIMOTHY 5:1-6:2
Introduction: This chapter teaches us how to be a church that cares. You could call it “special strokes for special folks.” Paul records the responsibilities of the fellowship toward various groups. It really boils down to “relationships.”
All of us have many different kinds of relationships. These connections are formed in the family, at work, play, school, or church. There are social, group, close and casual ties. Relationships are extremely important, and for the church they are absolutely critical. Paul understood their importance and value. No congregation can experience “heavenly health” while ruptured relationships exist. It is impossible to advance the kingdom forward through a fractured fellowship. How then should we relate to one another? Here are five principles that, if followed, will activate, motivate and elevate your church to healthier relationships.
I. Be Tactful (1-2)
“Tact” – “The art of idling your motor when you want to strip your gears.” “The art of making a point without making an enemy.” “The ability to shut your mouth before someone else does it for you.” Be tactful with:
A. The Older Men – Respect your elders. Avoid a severe verbal pounding. Don’t lash out.
B. The Younger Men – Relate to as brothers. Don’t talk down to them.
C. The Older Women – Display mildness, gentleness and loving affection.
D. The Younger Women - Be above reproach. Avoid any snare of temptation that could destroy.
II. Be Mindful (3-16)
Pay particular attention to this group. Of the 25 verses in this chapter, 14 of them address the care of widows. They are.
A. The Widows Indeed (3, 5, 16) How do you identify a widow indeed. See verse 5.
B. The Widows in Need (4, 8) It is tragic when a widow has to turn to the church for help because of deadbeat children. You have no right to claim piety if you neglect your own household.
C. The Widows of Greed (6) She is physically alive but spiritually dead. She has no claim to church support.
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D. The Widows of Deeds (9, 11-15) Those on the list (9). Those full of lust (11-15). One old boy said, “I wouldn’t be the second husband to a widow.” The other replied, “I’d rather be the second than the first.”
III. Be Dutiful (17-20)
Every church has a responsibility to take care of the pastor. Many churches sit by with thousands of dollars in the bank while their pastor lives in virtual poverty.
A. When He is doing well he should be recognized (17-18) Research the words “double honor,” “muzzle” (Deut. 25:4), and “wages” (Luke 10:7).
B. When he is doing wrong he should be rebuked (19-20) The word “sin” here is reference to a continuous action, not an isolated occurrence. A pastor deserves fair protection (19). Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. Other times people may have a personal vendetta.
IV. Be Careful (21-25)
Note three directives.
A. Accountability (21) – Be fair. Be firm. Be faithful (v. 22b)
B. Appointments (22, 24-25) “What’s down in the well will eventually come up in the bucket.
C. Alcohol (23) – Note “a little wine.”
V. Be Respectful (6:1-2)
Here is the master/servant relationship. Paul aimed to destroy slavery without waging a war to do so. Respect your employer. Respect your employee.
Conclusion: Enhance your relationships. Encourage the whole body. Evangelize the unbelievers. In John 13:1 it is said of Jesus and his relationships to the disciples “He loved them to the end.”
