Scripture Union Daily Devotional 4 September 2020 Message
Topic: Relationships and Mutual Care in the Church
Opening Prayer: Lord, let the light of your word shine into my life as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1–16
Reflection
• Is there any command for me to obey?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 4 September 2020 Message
How are erring elders handled in your church? In some cultures, elders cannot be corrected because it is believed that “elders are always right”. This has been carried into the church and some use v.1a to support this cultural belief. However, what Paul recommends is that discipline should be done with love and carefulness (see vv.19–21; Galatians 6:1).
There are no sacred cows in the church. If erring elders are not corrected, young people can become discouraged and rebel against the church. Why do you think respect and purity must be emphasised in the church (v.2)? The situation of widows has always been precarious and now getting worse due to incessant wars, communal clashes, insurgencies, and bad widowhood practices.
Paul gave very extensive instructions because the issue is delicate (vv.3–16; compare Acts 6:1–2). Widows should be protected and cared for (Deuteronomy 24:19–21; 26:12). However, the church may not be able to support all widows. See vv.3, 5, 9 &10 for criteria that can be used for selection. Family members have great responsibility in alleviating the problems of widows (vv.4, 8 & 16).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• What Next: Think about what you can do to help widows, orphans, the poor and underprivileged in your church/community.
Prayer Points
• Pray for widows in your society, and for individuals and organizations that are helping them.
• Pray for Christian writers to have more inspiration.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Matt. 7:7
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 146–147; John 1 :1–28
Scripture Union Daily Guide 4 September 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.