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"But she who lives in pleasure is dead..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:6

WIDOWS WHO ARE UNWORTHY

The apostle Paul was very candid and critical of widows whom he considered not worthy of receiving assistance from the church.

“But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.”
1 Timothy 5:6

1. “But”

a) A contrast is provided.

b) The contrast must be noted.

c) The minister of God must exercise discernment at all times.

2. “She who lives in pleasure”

a) She is technically a widow.

b) But her lifestyle is quite different from the godly and prayerful widow.

c) “Lives in pleasure”

i) She lives in luxury.

ii) She indulges herself.

iii) She seeks pleasure.

3. “Is dead while she lives”

a) Biologically she is alive.

b) But she is effectively “dead”.

i) Spiritually she has died.

ii) She does not care if she is taking advantage of the church.

iii) She shows no piety in any way.

SUCCEEDING IN MINISTRY

The following things must be carefully considered and applied to be effective in ministry. Ministering to widows is a good and wholesome thing to consider. Three important guidelines must be carefully considered.

1. Discernment and wisdom to distinguish worthy and unworthy widows.

2. Insight and thoroughness must be exercised in checking out the true spiritual state of widows.

3. Courage and strength to deal with difficult situations.

4. Firmness and fairness must be exercised at all times.