Sunday, April 8

Class Plan - Content 1. Introduction 2-3 Of much we have been FORGIVEN, therefore we pray that all men be saved 4 Personal Relationships – how we should treat others False Teachers; Why, How, What 8 All SCRIPTURE is inspired by GOD and PROFITABLE 9-10 The role of WOMEN in the Church Widows; Then & Now Slavery; Then & Now Respect for Authority Elders & Deacons How does what Paul told Timothy and Titus to do relate to responsibilities and authority in the Church today. Preachers, Apostles, Clergy, Overseers of Overseers Vessels of Honor 26 Wrap-up

Honor (support) widows 1 Timothy 5:3-5 (NASB) 3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.

But … 1 Timothy 5:6-8 (NASB) 6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Who is a “widow indeed” 1 Timothy 5:9-10 (NASB) 9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

Young widows 1 Timothy 5:11-15 (NASB) 11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan.

Priorities 1 Timothy 5:16 (NASB) 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

Instructions concerning Widows 1 Corinthians 7:8 (NASB) 8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. 1 Corinthians 7:39 (NASB) 39 A wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.

Deacons, serving Widows Acts 6:1-3 (NASB) 1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

Old Testament Stories of Widows Genesis 38:6-30 (Tamar & Judah) Ruth 1:3-5; Ruth 1:15-17; Ruth 4:5-10; (Ruth, Naomi, Boaz) 1 Samuel 27:3; 1 Samuel 30:5; 2 Samuel 2:2; 2 Samuel 3:3; (Abigail) 2 Samuel 12:1-25; (Bathsheba) 2 Samuel 6:16-23; 2 Samuel 20:3; (Michal & Concubines live as Widows) 1 Kings 7:13-14; 1 Kings 11:26; (the Widow’s Son) 1 Kings 17:9-20; (Elijah and the Widow of Zarepath) 2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; (Athaliah)

Old Testament Provision for Widows in the Law Exodus 22:22-24, 21:10-15, 22:13; Numbers 30:9; Deuteronomy 14:29, 16:10-14, 24:17-21, 27:19, 26:12-13; Ezekiel 44:15, 22 Exodus 22:22-24 (NASB) 22 “You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 “If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; 24 and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

Widows in Scripture Examples of living in constant want … driven by want to devote themselves to what is truly important

Old Testament – Misc, Allegory Job 27:15; Job 29:13; Job 31:16; Psalm 78:64; Psalm 109:9; Isaiah 9:17; Isaiah 47:8-9; Isaiah 54:4; Jeremiah 15:8; Jeremiah 18:21; Jeremiah 49:11; Lamentations 1:1; Lamentations 5:3 Isaiah 47:8-9 (NASB) 8 “Now, then, hear this, you sensual one, Who dwells securely, Who says in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me. I will not sit as a widow, Nor know loss of children.’ 9 “But these two things will come on you suddenly in one day: Loss of children and widowhood. They will come on you in full measure In spite of your many sorceries, In spite of the great power of your spells.

Old Testament - Justice for Widows Deuteronomy 10:18; Job 22:9; Job 24:3; Job 24:21; Psalm 68:5; Psalm 94:6; Psalm 146:9; Proverbs 15:25; Isaiah 1:17-23; Isaiah 10:2; Jeremiah 7:6; Jeremiah 22:3; Ezekiel 22:7-25; Zechariah 7:9-10; Malachi 3:5 Isaiah 1:17-23 (NASB) 17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow. 18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.”

Judgment of Judaism Malachi 3:5 (NASB) 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts.

New Testament re: Widows Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:40-43; Luke 2:36-38; Luke 4:25- 26; Luke 7:11-15; Luke 18:3-5; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:2- 3; Acts 6:1-3; Acts 9:36-42; 1 Corinthians 7:8; 1 Corinthians 7:39; James 1:27; Revelation 18:7

Scribes & Widows Mark 12:38-43 (NASB) 38 In His teaching He was saying: “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39 and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 40 who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.” 41 And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

Widows NT teaching focuses on: Spiritual need – for young widows to prevent them from falling into lives of idleness. Material need – for elderly widows with no means of support Avoiding dragging the Church into providing long term support for those who should be able to provide for themselves Preserving the ability to provide for those truly in need “Charity begins at home.” - “Get Married & keep house”

Modern day application Less concern with NT issue of elderly Widows having no source of material support More concern with “modern” needs: 1. Denial - Anger 2. Grief - Depression 3. Guilt Did not Love Each Other “Fell out” of love Loved Each OtherGot along well Fought and Made up often Lived a truce Hated Each OtherFought often – constantly

Modern day application Less concern with NT issue of elderly Widows having no source of material support More concern with “modern” needs: 1. Denial - Anger 2. Grief - Depression 3. Guilt 4. Loneliness or “profound solitude” 5. Loss of Spousal benefits 6. Daily Physical & Social Isolation 7. Making tragic choices 8. Friends wanting to help – but with no idea how

Widows in Modern Day We still to consider the NT pattern: Spiritual need – Lives devoted to God Physical & Material need – Things widows can’t do for themselves Understanding a condition that awaits 80% of all women Avoiding dragging the Church into providing long term support for those who need to learn to cope for themselves Preserving the ability to provide for those truly in need

Widows indeed Those in greatest need … Don’t live here !

Issues for Wednesday Discussion Needs of Widows -What can the church and it’s members do to help -What should we do Tragic Choices – what and how to avoid Widows to be – 80% of women/50% of those married today will face being widowed“this is likely to be me someday”: - Conversations with my Spouse - How am I prepared, What will I do - How will I treat Widows now, knowing I am likely

James 1:27 (NASB) 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.