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"Refuse the younger widows..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:11

THE QUESTION OF YOUNGER WIDOWS

This matter had to be addressed forthrightly too! Paul minced no words when he gave instructions to Timothy on the question of the younger widows.

“But refuse the younger widows; for when they have
begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to
marry, having condemnation because they have cast
off their first faith. And besides they learn to be idle,
wandering about from house to house, and not only
idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things
which they ought not.”
1 Timothy 5:11-13

1. Prohibition announced

a) Those who were younger are not to be included in the number of widows cared for by the church.

b) There were good reasons why they should not be admitted.

2. Reasons given:-

a) “They have begun to grow wanton against Christ”

i) This is another way of describing lustful tendencies.

ii) They desire to marry.

iii) They are taking advantage of the kindness of the church.

iv) Ultimately their sin is against the Lord Jesus Christ.

b) “Having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith”

i) The actions of these younger widows is tantamount to casting off their faith.

ii) They professed faith in the Lord.

iii) They have virtually cast off their faith by their wanton behaviour.

iv) Thus they are said to be “having condemnation” (“judgment”).

c) “And besides”

i) They have become idle along the way.

ii) Being idle they wander from house to house.

iii) They gossip with others.

iv) They say things that they ought not.

v) They become busybodies.