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"But if anyone does not provide for his own..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:8

PROVIDING FOR THE FAMILY

The apostle Paul addressed a fundamental issue in the following text. Whose responsibility it is when it comes to provision for the family.

“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.”
1 Timothy 5:8

1. “But if anyone does not provide for his own”

a) This was stated as a possibility.

b) It is possible for some not to provide for his own.

2. “And especially for those of his (own) household”

a) The phrase “his (own)” is explained further.

b) It is a reference to his “own household”.

c) In context if any widow has children or grandchildren, they ought to provide for their mother/grandmother (1 Timothy 5:4).

3. “He has denied the faith”

a) A person who declares faith in the Lord must express that faith consistently by his actions.

b) He has denied the faith if he does not provide for his own household.

i) Provision for one’s household is a duty.

ii) It is a commandment to be obeyed.

iii) It is not to be taken lightly.

4. “And is worse than an unbeliever”

a) Sometimes unbelievers can show a greater sense of filial piety.

i) Perhaps they had been brought up well.

ii) They had received instruction to take care of their own household.

b) “Worse than an unbeliever”

i) Because they have not provided for their own.

ii) Because they have not carried out the commandments of the Lord.

iii) The believer is put to shame by unbelievers!