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"Do not let the church be burdened..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:16

CONCERN FOR THE CHURCH

The apostle was right to be concerned about the Church and its ministries. Ministries would ultimately involve two aspects especially, personnel and finance.

“If any believing man or woman has widows,
let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened,
that it may relieve those who are really widows.”
1 Timothy 5:16

1. “If any believing man or woman has widows”

a) The focus is obvious.

b) The primer caregiver of widows is a believing family member.

c) That almost goes without saying.

2. “Let them relieve them”

a) The word “relieve” means:-

i) Assist

ii) Support

b) This should be seen as a most natural filial duty.

c) The construction of the sentence is to be read as an imperative.

3. “And do not let the church be burdened”

a) The word “burden” describes a situation where there is a possibility of being overwhelmed.

b) The care of widows can prove to be a heavy financial burden on the church.

i) There are many expenses.

ii) The church should not be burdened with responsibilities that were meant to be discharged by family members.

4. “That it may relieve those who are really widows”

a) If it is possible the church should care for widows that are worthy of help.

b) The qualifications have already been stated in the previous verses.

c) There is an apostolic endorsement of the ministry to widows.

i) It is a valid ministry.

ii) It is an important ministry.

iii) But it is a demanding ministry (with special reference to finance).