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"Now she who is really a widow..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:5

CHECKING THINGS OUT

It takes experience and wisdom to be able to serve effectively and well in any ministry. Caring for widows was a good and valid ministry. But it still pays to check things out.

“Now she who is really a widow, and left alone,
trusts in God and continues in supplications
and prayers night and day.”
1 Timothy 5:5

1. “Now she who is really a widow”

a) The first level to check is whether she is a widow.

b) The next level to check is whether she has been “left alone”.

i) There are no children.

ii) There are no grandchildren.

2. More things to check out

a) “Trusts in God”

i) Her life is to be carefully checked.

ii) Does she speak of having faith in God?

iii) Does she seek to live out her faith in God?

iv) Does she show that she trusts in God?

b) “Continues in supplications and prayers night and day”

i) Is she a godly person?

ii) Does she engage in prayer?

iii) Does she pray for others?

THOSE WHO ARE DESERVING OF HELP

What was the apostle Paul seeking to teach Timothy? The church may desire to care for widows but church funds may be limited. Hence funds must be wisely applied.

1. Consider those who are truly destitute

a) These may receive assistance from the church.

b) But not every widow is destitute.

2. Consider those who are godly

a) There are some who may not be godly at all.

b) The godly are the ones who are truly deserving of help.