WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.600 Open your Bibles, if you would please, to 1 Timothy chapter 5. 00:00:07.600 --> 00:00:13.099 ! 1 Timothy chapter 5, if you're using the Pew Bible, it's on page 992. 00:00:13.099 --> 00:00:17.640 And I would encourage you to follow along to be there with us in the Word of God, 00:00:17.640 --> 00:00:19.199 so you can see it for yourself. 00:00:19.199 --> 00:00:27.240 We are committed here to the primacy of the Word of God, its authority, its sufficiency. 00:00:27.239 --> 00:00:32.879 And so as we allow the Word of God to have its way in our lives, that's how we can not 00:00:32.879 --> 00:00:38.839 only know how to enjoy fellowship with God, but know how to please God from day to day. 00:00:38.839 --> 00:00:43.480 And that will be a big part of what we're talking about from our passage this morning. 00:00:43.480 --> 00:00:48.280 But what is the church? What is the church? 00:00:48.280 --> 00:00:54.859 Throughout our course of time in looking through the book of 1 Timothy, we've seen kind of at 00:00:54.859 --> 00:01:01.619 the center of this little letter to Timothy in chapter 3, this call for the church to 00:01:01.619 --> 00:01:04.799 be the pillar and buttress of the truth. 00:01:05.539 --> 00:01:08.560 And that's fleshed out in how the church behaves. 00:01:08.560 --> 00:01:13.900 That's fleshed out in how the church responds to the things the Word of God says. 00:01:14.700 --> 00:01:21.640 And so it's our duty, our responsibility, and even our joy to represent Christ through the 00:01:21.640 --> 00:01:23.959 way we live in obedience to His Word. 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:28.079 So we've been talking about the healthy habits of a church. 00:01:28.980 --> 00:01:32.319 But the Bible gives us some descriptions of what a church is. 00:01:33.019 --> 00:01:39.379 It paints the picture in terms of metaphors so that we can get a better grasp of what God 00:01:39.379 --> 00:01:41.719 means when He talks about the church. 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:44.980 Metaphors such as the flock of God. 00:01:45.760 --> 00:01:50.180 Those sheep, as it were, that are under the care of the great shepherd. 00:01:50.180 --> 00:01:54.400 I'm reminded of what Jesus says in John chapter 10. 00:01:54.500 --> 00:01:54.740 He says, 00:01:55.120 --> 00:01:56.460 My sheep hear my voice. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:01:57.400 I know them. 00:01:57.480 --> 00:01:58.280 They follow me. 00:01:58.540 --> 00:01:59.820 I give to them eternal life. 00:02:00.020 --> 00:02:00.940 They shall never perish. 00:02:01.240 --> 00:02:03.940 Neither shall anyone pluck them out of my hand. 00:02:04.840 --> 00:02:12.260 That relationship that we have as sheep to the tender, loving shepherd who leads us by 00:02:12.260 --> 00:02:15.000 still waters, who preserves our soul. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:21.719 It helps us to understand what God means when He's talking about the church as a flock. 00:02:22.580 --> 00:02:24.539 We're also the bride of Christ. 00:02:24.759 --> 00:02:31.860 And we see from Ephesians chapter 5 the significance of that bride and her response to her husband. 00:02:32.020 --> 00:02:37.939 This response of submission and obedience and respect that goes to her husband. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:42.280 And of course that respect and honor and obedience should go to God. 00:02:42.859 --> 00:02:48.620 And Jesus who is the perfect husband to His church. 00:02:48.819 --> 00:02:52.479 Who lays down His life for the bride. 00:02:52.699 --> 00:02:58.879 And that sacrificial love of Christ that was reflected to us on the cross. 00:02:58.879 --> 00:03:05.479 And His continual ministry to us to sanctify us by the washing of the water by the word. 00:03:05.659 --> 00:03:10.879 And seeking to present us back to Himself this spotless bride. 00:03:11.599 --> 00:03:13.659 This radiant bride. 00:03:14.639 --> 00:03:18.500 We see the apostle Peter speaks about the church as the temple. 00:03:19.259 --> 00:03:21.900 These living stones in 1 Peter chapter 2. 00:03:22.300 --> 00:03:28.359 Coming to Him as to a living stone chosen by God and precious in His sight. 00:03:28.360 --> 00:03:31.200 And these living stones that are assembled together. 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:34.600 It helps to describe how we relate to one another. 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:39.220 And describes the ultimate purpose that we have in terms of worship. 00:03:40.240 --> 00:03:43.480 Worshiping God and worshiping together. 00:03:45.040 --> 00:03:47.840 We're described as the vine in John chapter 15. 00:03:48.800 --> 00:03:51.360 A vine that gets its sustenance from... 00:03:51.980 --> 00:03:54.700 Or the branches that get its sustenance from the vine itself. 00:03:55.380 --> 00:03:57.160 Jesus who is that vine. 00:03:57.159 --> 00:03:58.159 We're the branches. 00:03:58.539 --> 00:04:01.740 And apart from the vine we can do nothing. 00:04:01.879 --> 00:04:02.299 We're dead. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:07.560 And so our life depends upon the sustenance that we get from Christ. 00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:12.639 And we enjoy that indwelling work of the Spirit in our lives. 00:04:13.379 --> 00:04:17.420 This morning we're going to come to the metaphor of the church being a family. 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:19.420 The family of God. 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:23.279 And the significance of being described that way as a family. 00:04:23.279 --> 00:04:24.659 That we're connected. 00:04:24.659 --> 00:04:26.399 That there is relationship. 00:04:26.659 --> 00:04:31.159 There's meant to be some responsibility that we have to one another. 00:04:31.319 --> 00:04:35.699 As we relate to one another within this family that God has created. 00:04:36.659 --> 00:04:41.739 The joy of having a relationship to God as Father. 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:44.119 Being the children of God. 00:04:44.120 --> 00:04:48.600 And then to have this relationship that's almost too hard to imagine. 00:04:48.980 --> 00:04:51.340 That we are the brother of Christ. 00:04:51.860 --> 00:04:53.860 Jesus himself speaks of this in Luke. 00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:55.120 Where he says, 00:04:56.000 --> 00:05:00.620 My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. 00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:06.899 So as we follow in the paths that have been set for us in the word of God. 00:05:06.899 --> 00:05:10.179 We enjoy that brotherly relationship. 00:05:10.699 --> 00:05:13.439 That family relationship even with God. 00:05:14.620 --> 00:05:19.500 Paul describes this directly in his letter to the church of Ephesus in Ephesians chapter 2.19. 00:05:19.679 --> 00:05:20.219 Where he says, 00:05:20.639 --> 00:05:23.179 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens. 00:05:24.299 --> 00:05:29.419 But you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. 00:05:29.919 --> 00:05:33.379 You are part of God's family. 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:37.579 And that has immense implications for us. 00:05:37.839 --> 00:05:39.779 Not only in how we relate to God. 00:05:39.839 --> 00:05:41.779 But how we relate to one another. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:50.920 Love is meant to be this pervading, pervasive, all-consuming kind of quality that governs our responses to one another. 00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:55.860 Love that wants what's best for the members of this family. 00:05:55.860 --> 00:06:04.280 So in our passage today, we are going to get this really practical outworking of this family dynamic. 00:06:04.280 --> 00:06:06.400 And how we relate to one another. 00:06:06.540 --> 00:06:11.660 How we seek to support and love the people that God has put us in community with. 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:15.439 And what we're going to find is this description of the gospel. 00:06:15.840 --> 00:06:19.540 This gospel that is coming through loud and clear. 00:06:19.819 --> 00:06:21.319 It's changed the hearts. 00:06:21.439 --> 00:06:24.040 It's shaped the people that follow after God. 00:06:24.040 --> 00:06:27.000 And it causes them to live a certain way. 00:06:28.220 --> 00:06:38.939 And so the family of God will take on this unique dynamic as the family responds to its head, its father. 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:44.379 My goal this morning is to kind of take this passage in two passes. 00:06:45.100 --> 00:06:47.879 I want to work through it and kind of give a little overview. 00:06:48.020 --> 00:06:52.300 So you can see how the gospel relates to the pieces of this text. 00:06:52.300 --> 00:06:57.980 And then we're going to dive in and take it a little more in depth as we try to work out the details. 00:06:58.280 --> 00:07:02.800 And understand the implications to our own day in life. 00:07:03.460 --> 00:07:07.560 First, we're going to see the gospel shapes our life as a family. 00:07:08.400 --> 00:07:11.800 The gospel will shape our life as a family. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:13.319 Let me read for us. 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:16.180 1 Timothy chapter 5 verses 1 and 2. 00:07:16.180 --> 00:07:17.759 It says, 00:07:17.759 --> 00:07:33.740 Do you see it? 00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:36.340 It's unmistakable, isn't it? 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:38.240 The family dynamic. 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:42.480 That God has put us in community with one another. 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:50.720 That as we relate to one another, we show the wonder of this new family experience that we can enjoy. 00:07:50.840 --> 00:07:53.280 Because of what Christ has accomplished for us. 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:56.139 Paul has just instructed Timothy. 00:07:56.139 --> 00:07:58.599 He wants Timothy to know. 00:07:58.680 --> 00:08:00.019 And we saw this last week. 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:05.399 He wants Timothy to know his role in helping to lead by example. 00:08:06.060 --> 00:08:08.879 Back up just a few verses to chapter 4 verse 12. 00:08:09.039 --> 00:08:09.360 Notice. 00:08:10.180 --> 00:08:18.779 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers in example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 00:08:18.779 --> 00:08:26.379 And here, right at the outset of this next chapter, we're going to see two of those words show up. 00:08:26.679 --> 00:08:27.959 Speech and purity. 00:08:28.959 --> 00:08:34.699 Timothy, the way you relate to the family of God must be reflected in your speech. 00:08:35.459 --> 00:08:40.059 It will shape your life by guiding the way you speak to one another. 00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:42.519 And the way they speak to each other as well. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:51.299 Your communication, your speech, your responses help to demonstrate that God has changed your life. 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:54.199 There's something entirely new about you. 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:58.480 There's something different about you in how you speak. 00:08:59.539 --> 00:09:05.019 The implications that Paul gives just a couple of verses later in verse 16 of chapter 4. 00:09:05.019 --> 00:09:05.639 He says, 00:09:05.639 --> 00:09:17.159 There are gospel implications. 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:23.199 There are eternal implications to the way we relate to one another. 00:09:23.340 --> 00:09:28.720 It demonstrates that something has fundamentally changed about who we are. 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:34.659 There's a new posture in how we relate to the family of God. 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:37.159 That coming to faith in Christ. 00:09:37.460 --> 00:09:38.799 Coming to recognize our sin. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:42.980 Coming to depend on the death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:46.699 And placing our faith in him alone for salvation. 00:09:46.939 --> 00:09:49.080 Asking forgiveness for our sins. 00:09:49.399 --> 00:09:52.419 And making him essentially the head of the family. 00:09:52.659 --> 00:09:54.419 And calling the shots for our life. 00:09:54.419 --> 00:09:57.120 This is the way that we demonstrate that we belong to him. 00:09:58.000 --> 00:09:59.960 And there will be implications for how we live. 00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:02.700 Implications for how we love one another. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:05.820 It changes the way we relate to God. 00:10:05.920 --> 00:10:08.980 And it changes the way we live and relate to God's family. 00:10:10.620 --> 00:10:11.240 Paul says, 00:10:11.940 --> 00:10:13.680 Timothy, don't rebuke an older man. 00:10:14.460 --> 00:10:17.300 This is a term that's mentioned only here in the New Testament. 00:10:17.520 --> 00:10:21.200 And it refers to or describes this verbal pounding. 00:10:22.160 --> 00:10:26.340 This severe, harsh attitude and language. 00:10:26.340 --> 00:10:31.360 This authoritarian kind of response that is unacceptable. 00:10:31.660 --> 00:10:32.660 This sharpness. 00:10:32.800 --> 00:10:33.500 This rebuke. 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:36.879 This violence that's coming through in how he speaks. 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:41.019 Instead, Timothy, you need to be one who encourages. 00:10:42.060 --> 00:10:43.700 Encourage an older man. 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:45.139 Plead with them. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:47.360 Be willing to beg with them. 00:10:47.600 --> 00:10:48.240 Welcome them. 00:10:48.379 --> 00:10:52.379 Invite them into the things that are good for their life. 00:10:53.259 --> 00:10:54.940 Be a one that comes alongside. 00:10:54.940 --> 00:10:56.740 That's the word parakaleo. 00:10:56.820 --> 00:10:58.920 The one who comes beside. 00:11:00.120 --> 00:11:01.600 A one who makes an appeal. 00:11:01.840 --> 00:11:03.480 Who encourages and admonishes. 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:04.800 Who urges. 00:11:04.880 --> 00:11:08.660 As one who is urging and encouraging someone in authority. 00:11:08.800 --> 00:11:09.520 Someone who's older. 00:11:10.900 --> 00:11:12.220 Why does Timothy speak this way? 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:16.400 Well, Timothy speaks this way because they belong to the same family. 00:11:17.420 --> 00:11:20.260 To fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters. 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:24.100 That's how he's to see the church that he belongs to. 00:11:25.039 --> 00:11:29.960 And Paul has been faithful to kind of describe the church this way throughout this entire letter. 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:37.819 And so going all the way back to chapter 1, we see the evidence of this kind of perspective from the apostle Paul. 00:11:38.419 --> 00:11:39.960 Just take a quick tour with me. 00:11:40.200 --> 00:11:41.379 Turn back to chapter 1. 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:46.939 And I just want to show you a couple of ways in which Paul is describing this family relationship. 00:11:47.659 --> 00:11:48.899 Chapter 1 verse 2 he says, 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:52.500 To Timothy, my true child in the faith. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:59.259 Then to verse 9, Paul will use an example that speaks about the family. 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:03.539 Understand this, that the law is not laid down for the just. 00:12:03.980 --> 00:12:05.600 But for the lawless and disobedient. 00:12:05.720 --> 00:12:06.919 For the ungodly and sinner. 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:08.500 For the unholy and profane. 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:12.600 And then he uses this example for those who strike fathers and mothers. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:19.139 Timothy, the gospel will shape the way that the church responds to its family members. 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:21.240 Don't disassociate the two. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:22.879 The two are intertwined. 00:12:23.639 --> 00:12:27.360 And then for an elder in chapter 3, verses 4 and 5. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:27.740 He says, 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:30.740 He must manage his household well with all dignity. 00:12:31.159 --> 00:12:32.600 Keeping his children submissive. 00:12:32.700 --> 00:12:35.720 For if someone does not know how to manage his household. 00:12:36.139 --> 00:12:37.879 How will he care for God's church? 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:39.399 Then for a deacon. 00:12:39.600 --> 00:12:40.179 Verse 12. 00:12:40.600 --> 00:12:42.779 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife. 00:12:42.860 --> 00:12:45.840 Managing their children and their own household well. 00:12:46.799 --> 00:12:48.259 And then in verse 14 and 15. 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:49.899 I hope to come to you soon. 00:12:49.960 --> 00:12:51.340 But I'm writing these things. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:54.139 So that if I delay you may know how. 00:12:54.679 --> 00:12:58.080 One ought to behave in the household of God. 00:12:58.080 --> 00:13:00.220 Which is the church of the living God. 00:13:00.220 --> 00:13:02.280 A pillar and buttress of the truth. 00:13:03.040 --> 00:13:12.400 And Paul throughout this letter will continue to use terms that relate to the church as brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers and family members. 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:13.399 And this household. 00:13:13.399 --> 00:13:16.720 To try to describe the interaction. 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:19.419 The spiritual family that we've been placed into. 00:13:20.259 --> 00:13:22.059 Responsibility and privilege that we have. 00:13:22.559 --> 00:13:26.980 To love God by loving the people that God has put us in community with. 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:31.300 So when a person places their faith in Christ for salvation. 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:34.560 It doesn't sever those family connections. 00:13:34.560 --> 00:13:38.580 But it grows it and expands it and strengthens it. 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:42.000 And broadens those family relationships. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:48.279 The significance of the church in family dynamics with one another. 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:51.480 Is described well by Kevin DeYoung in his book. 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:55.320 Where he says this in speaking specifically about singleness. 00:13:55.879 --> 00:13:59.639 He says singleness does not mean that you must live alone. 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:00.700 Die alone. 00:14:00.820 --> 00:14:01.740 Never hold a hand. 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:02.980 Never have a hug. 00:14:03.039 --> 00:14:05.539 And never know the touch of another human being. 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:08.600 If we ask the single Christian to be chaste. 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:13.080 We can only ask them to carry that cross in community. 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:16.580 If God sets the lonely in families. 00:14:16.899 --> 00:14:17.940 So should we. 00:14:18.659 --> 00:14:24.019 Do we understand the significance of the family that God has placed us in community with? 00:14:24.180 --> 00:14:31.920 And how instrumental that family is to help strengthen and preserve the members of the family. 00:14:31.920 --> 00:14:34.040 To live in a way that's pleasing to God. 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:35.600 To help them. 00:14:35.720 --> 00:14:36.519 To encourage them. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:37.259 To love them. 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:37.319 To love them. 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:41.759 We must show that we belong to one another. 00:14:42.319 --> 00:14:45.039 Not just on a Sunday morning or a Sunday night. 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:49.759 Not just that we are meeting together randomly throughout the month. 00:14:49.819 --> 00:14:52.480 But that we're vested in a significant way. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:54.220 That we have life together. 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:58.679 We see it as an integral to the process of our spiritual development. 00:14:58.679 --> 00:15:00.519 We see it as necessary. 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:03.359 As a vital way for us to grow. 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:05.319 Not only in relationship to God. 00:15:05.399 --> 00:15:07.759 But in community with one another. 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:12.519 So the gospel shapes the way we speak. 00:15:13.359 --> 00:15:16.159 The gospel shapes the way we relate to one another. 00:15:16.699 --> 00:15:19.399 But the gospel also shapes the way we serve one another. 00:15:19.459 --> 00:15:21.379 And we see that in the remaining verses. 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:25.080 I want to read this section of scripture. 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:29.059 And I just want to pull out a couple of pieces that relate to the gospel. 00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:33.159 You can probably identify them as we work our way through. 00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:38.860 And then we're going to come back at this and dig in a little bit deeper towards the end of this message. 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:41.259 Beginning in verse 3 it says this. 00:15:41.259 --> 00:15:44.200 Honor widows who are truly widows. 00:15:45.000 --> 00:15:47.139 But if a widow has children or grandchildren. 00:15:47.740 --> 00:15:50.860 Let them first learn to show godliness to their own households. 00:15:51.340 --> 00:15:53.879 And to make some return to their parents. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:56.139 For this is pleasing in the sight of God. 00:15:56.860 --> 00:15:58.100 She who is truly a widow. 00:15:58.600 --> 00:15:59.480 Left all alone. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:01.299 Has set her hope on God. 00:16:01.399 --> 00:16:04.740 And continues in supplication and prayer night and day. 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:09.580 But she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:11.580 Command these things as well. 00:16:12.300 --> 00:16:13.620 So they may be without reproach. 00:16:13.780 --> 00:16:16.580 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives. 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:19.120 And especially for members of his household. 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:22.040 He is denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 00:16:22.920 --> 00:16:23.820 Let a widow be enrolled. 00:16:24.460 --> 00:16:26.440 If she is not less than 60 years of age. 00:16:26.860 --> 00:16:28.860 Having been the wife of one husband. 00:16:29.280 --> 00:16:31.560 Having a reputation for good works. 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:33.820 If she has brought up children. 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:35.320 Has shown hospitality. 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:37.320 Has washed the feet of the saints. 00:16:37.660 --> 00:16:38.879 Has cared for the afflicted. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:40.799 Has devoted herself to every good work. 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:43.919 But refuse to enroll younger widows. 00:16:44.600 --> 00:16:47.840 For when their passions draw them away from Christ. 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.419 They desire to marry. 00:16:49.840 --> 00:16:51.580 And so incur condemnation. 00:16:51.939 --> 00:16:54.120 For having abandoned their former faith. 00:16:54.960 --> 00:16:55.659 Besides that. 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:57.179 They learn to be idlers. 00:16:57.659 --> 00:16:58.899 Going about from house to house. 00:16:59.299 --> 00:17:00.299 And not only idlers. 00:17:00.439 --> 00:17:01.980 But also gossips and busybodies. 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:03.679 Saying what they should not. 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:06.879 So I would have younger widows marry. 00:17:06.879 --> 00:17:07.839 Bear children. 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:09.359 Manage their households. 00:17:09.619 --> 00:17:10.720 And give the adversary. 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:12.539 No occasion for slander. 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:15.079 For some have already strayed after Satan. 00:17:16.039 --> 00:17:19.159 If any believing woman has relatives. 00:17:19.399 --> 00:17:20.159 Who are widows. 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:21.319 Let her care for them. 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:23.799 Let the church not be burdened. 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:25.859 So that it may care for those. 00:17:25.859 --> 00:17:27.659 Who are truly widows. 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:30.740 There is a big passage of scripture. 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:33.259 But let me try to provide an overview. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:36.539 And provide some direct correlations. 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:39.619 With how the gospel informs the way we live. 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:43.339 And especially how the way we serve one another. 00:17:43.779 --> 00:17:46.460 We're going to see this play out in two different ways. 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:48.539 We're going to see how this plays out first. 00:17:48.740 --> 00:17:51.500 In the way we support our physical family. 00:17:52.079 --> 00:17:54.140 And then we're going to see how this plays out. 00:17:54.180 --> 00:17:58.519 In how we support and love and serve our spiritual family. 00:17:59.340 --> 00:17:59.920 Notice. 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:03.059 The gospel implications for our service. 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:06.340 Are pervasive throughout this passage. 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:08.960 When God changes us. 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:12.880 God strengthens our commitment to one another. 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:15.680 We're going to see that. 00:18:16.100 --> 00:18:20.220 In the priority that children and grandchildren have towards their family members. 00:18:20.700 --> 00:18:21.900 We see that in verse 4. 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:23.240 If a widow. 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:24.580 Verse 4. 00:18:24.900 --> 00:18:26.380 Has children or grandchildren. 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:30.760 Let them first learn to show godliness to their own household. 00:18:31.300 --> 00:18:33.220 And to make some return to their parents. 00:18:33.400 --> 00:18:36.260 For this is pleasing in the sight of God. 00:18:37.100 --> 00:18:38.580 Do you see the gospel implications there? 00:18:39.040 --> 00:18:42.580 Do you see how the outworking of this mischief. 00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:46.860 History of godliness that Paul has been talking about throughout this letter. 00:18:46.860 --> 00:18:54.520 Is now fleshing itself out in practical ways of loving their parents and grandparents. 00:18:55.460 --> 00:18:57.020 There is an active support. 00:18:57.160 --> 00:18:58.600 There is this show of godliness. 00:18:58.900 --> 00:19:00.560 There is this work of the gospel. 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:02.160 That God has saved them. 00:19:02.520 --> 00:19:04.900 And created this new life in them. 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:05.620 A new commitment. 00:19:05.619 --> 00:19:05.859 A desire. 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:06.979 A desire. 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:11.839 To show godliness and support and service to their family. 00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:14.039 And when they do this. 00:19:14.219 --> 00:19:17.039 It says it is pleasing in the sight of God. 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:18.439 God is pleased. 00:19:19.339 --> 00:19:20.839 But if they don't do this. 00:19:20.959 --> 00:19:21.599 Verse 8. 00:19:22.599 --> 00:19:24.779 Helps us understand the other gospel implications. 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:27.339 If anyone does not provide for his relatives. 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:29.719 And especially for the members of his household. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:31.400 He has denied the faith. 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:33.519 And is worse than an unbeliever. 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:36.880 We'll speak about that a little bit more in a moment. 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:40.579 But you can see the massive gospel implications. 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:45.400 And how our response or lack of response to our family members. 00:19:46.079 --> 00:19:49.039 Demonstrates a lack of commitment to the gospel. 00:19:50.240 --> 00:19:53.480 There's also going to be a priority of widows for their family. 00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:54.640 Their physical family. 00:19:54.640 --> 00:19:57.300 Those widows have demonstrated their commitment. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.180 To their own family members. 00:19:59.300 --> 00:20:00.780 We see that in verse 9 and 10. 00:20:01.600 --> 00:20:03.840 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than 60. 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:06.080 Having been the wife of one husband. 00:20:06.220 --> 00:20:09.280 There's this loyalty and fidelity that happens here. 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:12.300 Having a reputation for good works. 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:14.340 If she has brought up children. 00:20:15.600 --> 00:20:18.200 A woman who has demonstrated a commitment to family. 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:22.960 Her prioritization has been to raise children who love Jesus. 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:25.920 Her character is exemplified in her home. 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:28.980 And that's why Paul gives such a strong instruction. 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:31.480 Then to younger widows in verse 14. 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.940 I would have younger widows marry. 00:20:34.220 --> 00:20:35.700 Their children manage their households. 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:38.259 Give the adversary no occasion for slander. 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:41.240 Again this atmosphere of family. 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:44.140 That young women and older women. 00:20:44.500 --> 00:20:46.000 Have the joy of investing in. 00:20:46.340 --> 00:20:47.480 To demonstrate their commitment. 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:48.400 Not only to the Lord. 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:51.840 But their commitment to raising godly generations. 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:56.740 Second it impacts the way that we relate as a spiritual family. 00:20:57.419 --> 00:21:01.059 We see the priority of the church for the family of God. 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:03.359 First Timothy 5.3 says. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:06.019 Honor widows who are true widows. 00:21:06.579 --> 00:21:07.819 Don't turn your back on them. 00:21:08.259 --> 00:21:09.319 Don't push them away. 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:11.419 Don't make them fend for themselves. 00:21:11.659 --> 00:21:14.799 Uphold your responsibility as a family member. 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:18.379 Just as someone who would be physically related. 00:21:18.619 --> 00:21:20.379 If there is no physical relation. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:24.059 Then the family of God needs to step in and provide that help. 00:21:25.139 --> 00:21:26.319 In verse 9. 00:21:26.519 --> 00:21:27.700 Let a widow be enrolled. 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:29.220 We'll speak about this a little bit more. 00:21:29.819 --> 00:21:31.480 But I think this is speaking specifically. 00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:35.779 Of the responsibility we have to support financially. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.379 These older widows. 00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:41.940 But it's also a priority for widows to the church. 00:21:42.600 --> 00:21:45.080 What is their responsibility to the church? 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:46.680 We see that in verse 5. 00:21:46.800 --> 00:21:48.560 She is who is a true widow. 00:21:48.860 --> 00:21:49.620 Left all alone. 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:50.940 Has set her hope on God. 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:55.220 And continues in supplication and prayer night and day. 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:58.280 She is vested in her physical home. 00:21:58.360 --> 00:22:01.280 But also vested in her spiritual family. 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:03.360 We see that in verse 10. 00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:05.119 She has shown hospitality. 00:22:05.619 --> 00:22:06.759 Has washed the feet of the saints. 00:22:06.879 --> 00:22:07.879 Has cared for the afflicted. 00:22:08.179 --> 00:22:10.539 Has devoted herself to every good work. 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:12.719 In contrast to the younger widow. 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:15.159 Who shows that her priorities are in the wrong place. 00:22:15.219 --> 00:22:16.299 In verses 11 and 12. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:18.539 Refused to enroll a younger widow. 00:22:19.059 --> 00:22:21.399 For when their passions draw them away from Christ. 00:22:21.479 --> 00:22:22.240 They desire to marry. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.539 And so incur condemnation. 00:22:24.919 --> 00:22:27.459 For having abandoned their former faith. 00:22:28.099 --> 00:22:31.279 There are massive gospel implications. 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:34.299 For how a church relates to widows. 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:37.359 And how widows relate to the church. 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:40.500 The gospel changes everything. 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:43.980 About how we interact as families. 00:22:45.940 --> 00:22:48.819 James will reinforce this in James chapter 1 verse 27. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:53.039 When he says religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father. 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:56.200 Is this to visit orphans and widows in their affliction. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:59.539 And to keep oneself unstained from the world. 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:02.799 So you want your religion to be true. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:07.079 You want to show that God has sincerely changed your life. 00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:11.119 It will affect the way that you relate to the marginalized. 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:15.139 It will affect the way that you relate to those who are outcasts. 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:17.240 Those who are pushed to the side. 00:23:17.579 --> 00:23:18.480 Those who are afflicted. 00:23:18.579 --> 00:23:19.519 Those who are in need. 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:25.039 And those who then also meet the other qualifications that we see in this text. 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:28.740 So the way we speak. 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:30.420 And the way we serve. 00:23:31.159 --> 00:23:32.559 Demonstrates our love for God. 00:23:33.259 --> 00:23:38.940 And reflects itself in how we respond in a gospel kind of way. 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:42.319 To the people in our family. 00:23:42.480 --> 00:23:43.619 Spiritual family. 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:46.319 The gospel shapes our life. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:49.519 But the gospel also shapes our priorities. 00:23:49.679 --> 00:23:50.579 And that's where we go next. 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:52.139 We're going to dig a little deeper. 00:23:52.619 --> 00:23:54.700 We're going to press in a little bit. 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:57.000 Unpack this passage a little bit more. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:24:00.859 And seek to open this up and understand it a little fuller. 00:24:01.579 --> 00:24:03.799 It shapes our priorities as a family. 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:07.819 How this is different from the first point. 00:24:08.919 --> 00:24:14.859 How our life and priorities need to match this gospel perspective. 00:24:14.859 --> 00:24:17.519 And what I mean by priorities is. 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:19.259 It's not something casual. 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:21.579 It's not something passive. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:24.500 It's not something non-essential. 00:24:25.039 --> 00:24:27.779 Not one of those things that just happens to happen. 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:31.179 Whenever the opportunity presents itself. 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:33.639 We see it as vital. 00:24:33.979 --> 00:24:35.099 We see it as essential. 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:38.099 We see it as something that we will pursue. 00:24:38.339 --> 00:24:40.159 Something that we will do actively. 00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:42.539 It steers the way we live. 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:45.819 It steers the priorities we make. 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:49.059 It steers the way we spend our time. 00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:50.240 Spend our money. 00:24:50.859 --> 00:24:53.259 Spend our personal resources. 00:24:54.339 --> 00:25:00.440 We come to understand that a life together enhances our life with God. 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:02.059 I want to say that again. 00:25:02.139 --> 00:25:04.180 Because I think this is important for you to get. 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:07.299 The way that we relate to one another. 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:15.259 Demonstrates a commitment to a life together that enhances our life with God. 00:25:16.279 --> 00:25:22.700 We come to a place of recognizing that whatever experiences we might have individually. 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:30.660 Can never begin to even compare with the kinds of experiences we can have in community. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:37.160 The kinds of intimacy that we can enjoy with God together. 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:40.980 We are going to see there is a priority. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:45.580 A priority that Paul will describe throughout this text. 00:25:45.680 --> 00:25:48.700 This priority of honoring faithful widows. 00:25:48.800 --> 00:25:50.519 We see there in verse 3. 00:25:51.880 --> 00:25:54.560 Priority of honoring faithful widows. 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.060 Notice. 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:59.180 Honor widows who are truly widows. 00:25:59.180 --> 00:26:03.240 This word for honor is the word to show respect. 00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:04.600 To show support. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:06.120 To treat graciously. 00:26:06.920 --> 00:26:07.740 Being a widow. 00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:09.640 And you may understand this. 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:13.200 But being a widow in the first century was hard. 00:26:14.440 --> 00:26:17.620 It was not just lacking companionship. 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:20.360 But it was lacking a means of support. 00:26:20.580 --> 00:26:22.060 A means of security. 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:24.720 A means of standing within the community. 00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:29.339 In many instances a woman's identity. 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:33.539 Her dignity were bound up in her husband and her family. 00:26:34.380 --> 00:26:36.839 This advocacy that she would have enjoyed. 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:38.900 This voice in the community. 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:41.740 And when those things are not present. 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:47.079 This woman would experience extreme loneliness. 00:26:47.200 --> 00:26:47.880 Or at least she could. 00:26:48.839 --> 00:26:51.220 But as a part of a family. 00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:52.759 Both physical and spiritual. 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:54.559 We have the joy. 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:59.160 And responsibility of honoring true faithful widows. 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:05.079 So which widows are we to honor and encourage in this way? 00:27:05.619 --> 00:27:06.879 How do we honor them? 00:27:06.940 --> 00:27:07.720 And what is the call? 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:10.019 What's the instruction for us in this passage? 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:14.039 This passage describes three ways that we should honor widows. 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:14.500 First. 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:18.240 We honor them by supporting them financially. 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:22.019 Honor widows by supporting them financially. 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:25.680 We see that in verse 3 and 4. 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:28.180 Honor widows who are truly widows. 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:30.859 If a widow has children or grandchildren. 00:27:31.079 --> 00:27:35.059 Let them first learn to show godliness to their own households. 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:37.480 And to make some return to their parents. 00:27:37.879 --> 00:27:41.200 For this is pleasing in the sight of God. 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:48.140 Those who have the first responsibility of demonstrating honor to their parents and grandparents. 00:27:48.140 --> 00:27:50.680 Are the children and grandchildren themselves. 00:27:51.400 --> 00:27:53.240 It's a way for children to say. 00:27:53.560 --> 00:27:54.840 We appreciate you. 00:27:55.460 --> 00:28:01.820 It's a way for children and grandchildren to express their dependence on the Lord. 00:28:02.360 --> 00:28:03.680 To show their generosity. 00:28:04.020 --> 00:28:05.600 To share their resources. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:07.540 To grow in their faith. 00:28:07.640 --> 00:28:09.540 To lay up treasures in heaven. 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:16.399 To strengthen the family ties that God designed through that physical family. 00:28:17.519 --> 00:28:23.639 And I know that some of your backgrounds and some of your upbringings were very, very difficult. 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:27.040 And you didn't have faithful parents perhaps. 00:28:27.600 --> 00:28:33.340 And you grew up in homes where moms or dads were not the picture of godliness. 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:35.800 And they weren't even a picture of kindness. 00:28:36.840 --> 00:28:42.120 And yet the responsibility that God has given to children and grandchildren. 00:28:42.119 --> 00:28:46.119 Is to transcend and overcome those barriers. 00:28:46.419 --> 00:28:52.599 The mercy that we have received from God begins to flow and to spill out. 00:28:52.819 --> 00:28:57.459 And to shine itself or show itself on your family members. 00:28:58.259 --> 00:29:00.719 It's a way for you to show Christ. 00:29:01.179 --> 00:29:03.719 Even to those who do not know Christ. 00:29:04.179 --> 00:29:07.000 This picture and portrait of the gospel. 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:09.919 Shining through this mercy of God. 00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:15.220 Evidence to those who deserve or don't deserve this kindness. 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:20.360 Care for family was built in to the fabric of the first century. 00:29:21.320 --> 00:29:28.720 It was, there were many Greek philosophers from the early BC periods. 00:29:29.060 --> 00:29:31.440 That established these principles. 00:29:31.600 --> 00:29:35.539 It was understood by first century what the expectation was. 00:29:35.539 --> 00:29:38.619 So that by the time of Salon. 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:41.279 Who was not only a statesman. 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:42.859 But also a philosopher. 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:44.980 In 630 BC. 00:29:45.859 --> 00:29:49.460 He said that sons and daughters were not only morally. 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:53.299 But also legally bound to support their parents. 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:58.000 Anyone who refused that duty lost his civil rights. 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:58.839 End quote. 00:29:58.839 --> 00:30:04.639 Demosthenes who was another philosopher in 384 to 322 BC. 00:30:05.179 --> 00:30:05.399 Says, 00:30:05.559 --> 00:30:08.439 I regard the man who neglects his parents. 00:30:08.799 --> 00:30:11.879 As unbelieving and hateful to the gods. 00:30:12.119 --> 00:30:12.679 Lowercase. 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:14.399 As well as to men. 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:15.879 Philo. 00:30:16.379 --> 00:30:18.439 Who was writing commandment to honor parents. 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:18.740 Says, 00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:21.959 When old storks become unable to fly. 00:30:22.159 --> 00:30:23.599 They remain in their nests. 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:24.819 And are fed by their children. 00:30:24.819 --> 00:30:30.279 Who go to endless exertions to provide their food because of their piety. 00:30:31.139 --> 00:30:35.939 So whether it was inherent in the way that family related to one another. 00:30:36.079 --> 00:30:39.240 Or even as it related to creation itself. 00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:41.480 It was built into the first century. 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:46.079 This expectation of caring for one's family members. 00:30:47.460 --> 00:30:48.839 But care for the elderly today. 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:53.240 Especially those who are outside of the church. 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:57.140 Many of you know it's a very lonely world. 00:30:58.240 --> 00:31:00.559 The number of times I've been to a nursing home. 00:31:01.140 --> 00:31:03.480 Or the number of times that I've been to somebody's house. 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:08.299 And I've seen the loneliness of those who are elderly. 00:31:09.120 --> 00:31:11.120 And they have been forsaken by their kids. 00:31:11.200 --> 00:31:13.120 They've been forsaken by their relatives. 00:31:13.680 --> 00:31:18.160 And it is a life of extreme loneliness. 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:22.480 But the church not only has the responsibility. 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:26.019 But also the joy of demonstrating care. 00:31:26.220 --> 00:31:27.300 And service. 00:31:27.620 --> 00:31:28.200 And support. 00:31:28.540 --> 00:31:29.660 To their family. 00:31:30.560 --> 00:31:34.779 It should not only be the case for the physical body. 00:31:34.900 --> 00:31:37.480 But also for the spiritual body. 00:31:37.620 --> 00:31:38.660 The spiritual family. 00:31:39.300 --> 00:31:42.320 Our love for families reflects our love for God. 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:44.559 It says in verse 4. 00:31:44.679 --> 00:31:49.439 Let them learn to show godliness to their own household. 00:31:50.299 --> 00:31:51.799 It is an issue of godliness. 00:31:52.839 --> 00:31:55.200 This word for godliness is the word worship. 00:31:55.659 --> 00:31:56.899 To fulfill one's duties. 00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:58.939 To put religion into practice. 00:31:59.279 --> 00:32:01.720 By showing care for our families. 00:32:01.839 --> 00:32:04.079 We demonstrate that we love God. 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:05.500 That we worship God. 00:32:05.639 --> 00:32:07.619 That God is ultimate for us. 00:32:07.619 --> 00:32:12.019 Paul will use this word godly throughout his letter. 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:13.139 Up to this point. 00:32:13.259 --> 00:32:15.859 It is a huge theme for him. 00:32:16.059 --> 00:32:18.079 In helping the church to recognize. 00:32:18.079 --> 00:32:20.139 That godliness isn't isolated. 00:32:20.479 --> 00:32:21.799 That godliness is interactive. 00:32:22.439 --> 00:32:25.279 It demonstrates a changed heart in life. 00:32:25.379 --> 00:32:27.519 In its posture towards the world outside. 00:32:28.659 --> 00:32:31.279 Even Jesus cared for his mother. 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:35.199 In the moment of his greatest suffering. 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:37.059 Jesus on the cross. 00:32:37.619 --> 00:32:40.279 Looks at his mother at the foot of the cross. 00:32:40.739 --> 00:32:43.539 Looks at the beloved apostle John. 00:32:44.000 --> 00:32:46.359 And he says in John 19.26. 00:32:46.479 --> 00:32:46.839 John. 00:32:47.659 --> 00:32:48.719 Behold your mother. 00:32:49.539 --> 00:32:49.959 Mother. 00:32:50.719 --> 00:32:51.839 Behold your son. 00:32:52.879 --> 00:32:54.179 The tenderness of Christ. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:55.879 And the care of Christ. 00:32:56.059 --> 00:32:58.299 Even for his physical mother. 00:32:58.639 --> 00:33:00.779 In his moment of greatest suffering. 00:33:01.559 --> 00:33:03.019 Demonstrated his commitment. 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:04.319 To godliness. 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:06.479 This outworking and show. 00:33:06.480 --> 00:33:08.140 Of true spirituality. 00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:10.940 That showed forth in Christ himself. 00:33:11.120 --> 00:33:12.980 And must also show up in ourselves. 00:33:13.460 --> 00:33:14.960 As we walk in his steps. 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:17.519 But it's also pleasing in the sight of God. 00:33:18.059 --> 00:33:18.819 It's acceptable. 00:33:19.599 --> 00:33:20.319 It's pleasing. 00:33:21.200 --> 00:33:23.339 This concept is used throughout the New Testament. 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:26.860 It's right to seek God's pleasure. 00:33:26.859 --> 00:33:30.240 It's right to pursue God's joy. 00:33:30.639 --> 00:33:33.899 It's right to love God's affirmation. 00:33:35.659 --> 00:33:38.240 And to seek that affirming statement. 00:33:38.399 --> 00:33:40.819 Well done thou good and faithful servant. 00:33:41.899 --> 00:33:43.679 And when we honor our parents. 00:33:43.939 --> 00:33:45.159 We honor God. 00:33:45.979 --> 00:33:48.479 There's this command that we see now in verse 7. 00:33:49.479 --> 00:33:52.019 Command these things as well. 00:33:52.019 --> 00:33:54.220 So that they may be without reproach. 00:33:54.279 --> 00:33:59.680 And so the encouragement is accompanied by a command as well. 00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:01.559 There is some force behind. 00:34:01.900 --> 00:34:04.099 And urgency behind this invitation. 00:34:05.940 --> 00:34:08.000 The implication that we find in verse 8. 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:10.480 If anyone does not provide for his relatives. 00:34:10.679 --> 00:34:12.480 And especially for the members of his household. 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:14.099 He has denied the faith. 00:34:14.179 --> 00:34:15.880 And is worse than an unbeliever. 00:34:15.880 --> 00:34:19.240 This word has denied the faith. 00:34:19.320 --> 00:34:21.700 Has a huge range of meaning. 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:25.119 And in this instance. 00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:29.079 I believe that when Paul is talking about denied the faith. 00:34:29.180 --> 00:34:30.140 Basically he's speaking. 00:34:30.140 --> 00:34:34.320 You've turned your back on the things that the faith would call you to do. 00:34:35.240 --> 00:34:36.440 You know better. 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:38.680 You've learned better. 00:34:39.019 --> 00:34:40.619 You've received better. 00:34:40.900 --> 00:34:44.240 You've enjoyed the benefits of the investment. 00:34:44.239 --> 00:34:46.799 And the blessings poured out from you. 00:34:46.919 --> 00:34:47.679 From God. 00:34:47.879 --> 00:34:49.959 You know what the faith requires. 00:34:50.179 --> 00:34:52.099 And you're turning your back on the things. 00:34:52.279 --> 00:34:54.159 That should be absolutely clear to you. 00:34:55.439 --> 00:34:56.459 Worse than that. 00:34:57.099 --> 00:34:58.819 You are now acting in a way. 00:34:58.819 --> 00:35:00.699 That isn't even in harmony. 00:35:00.699 --> 00:35:03.859 With what the culture has said is expected. 00:35:04.579 --> 00:35:06.419 You're acting worse than an unbeliever. 00:35:06.739 --> 00:35:07.779 You're discrediting. 00:35:08.019 --> 00:35:09.859 And bringing dishonor to the gospel. 00:35:11.159 --> 00:35:12.159 You should know better. 00:35:12.559 --> 00:35:13.500 Don't deny the faith. 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:17.320 Don't turn your back on the things that you know are right. 00:35:18.659 --> 00:35:22.619 And then there is this encouragement for the church. 00:35:22.719 --> 00:35:24.219 We find in verse 9. 00:35:24.219 --> 00:35:28.019 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than 60 years of age. 00:35:28.880 --> 00:35:32.480 This enrollment is related to support. 00:35:32.920 --> 00:35:37.139 We find in this passage that talks about financial support. 00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:42.840 This enrolled likely refers to these widows who now are on the roll as it were. 00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:43.960 They've met these requirements. 00:35:44.700 --> 00:35:46.380 They've poured their life out. 00:35:46.600 --> 00:35:48.280 They've invested in the church. 00:35:48.280 --> 00:35:50.200 And now at 60 years old. 00:35:50.320 --> 00:35:53.559 Now the church can help invest in them. 00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:56.240 Honor them by supporting them. 00:35:56.900 --> 00:36:00.820 Next we honor them by recognizing their exemplary life. 00:36:00.820 --> 00:36:08.380 We see that in verses 5 and 6. 00:36:08.380 --> 00:36:09.559 It says, 00:36:09.559 --> 00:36:13.740 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God, 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:17.720 and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 00:36:18.400 --> 00:36:24.220 But she who is self-indulgent is dead while she lives. 00:36:24.219 --> 00:36:30.819 Honor true widows by recognizing the marks of their character. 00:36:32.019 --> 00:36:36.439 By the way, I just want to take a quick detour and encourage you ladies, 00:36:36.839 --> 00:36:39.980 at the beginning of next year, in January, 00:36:40.079 --> 00:36:43.000 there's going to be a connect group about womanhood, biblical womanhood. 00:36:43.799 --> 00:36:45.419 I would encourage you to take part in that. 00:36:45.859 --> 00:36:47.599 It's called True Women 101. 00:36:47.599 --> 00:36:50.420 Some of you may have taken it already, 00:36:50.880 --> 00:36:53.460 but this is an opportunity to build some relationships 00:36:53.460 --> 00:36:56.339 and understand what the scripture says about womanhood 00:36:56.339 --> 00:37:00.319 and to seek to exemplify the same kinds of marks 00:37:00.319 --> 00:37:04.480 that we'll see here in our passage this morning. 00:37:05.619 --> 00:37:09.360 This true widow was not simply a woman whose husband was dead, 00:37:09.940 --> 00:37:11.819 but a woman who was left alone. 00:37:11.960 --> 00:37:13.779 She had no family members. 00:37:13.780 --> 00:37:19.840 But even more than that, she was a woman especially who set her hope on God. 00:37:20.700 --> 00:37:21.980 Notice there in verse 5. 00:37:22.800 --> 00:37:25.960 That is the clarion call of her life. 00:37:26.220 --> 00:37:29.400 This is the foundation that steadies her. 00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:31.860 This is where her hope is found. 00:37:31.940 --> 00:37:35.680 It's found in God, and she has actively and deliberately 00:37:35.680 --> 00:37:41.420 and consistently trusted in God to help in times of dire need. 00:37:41.420 --> 00:37:47.460 She's a woman who you can count on to know God and to trust God. 00:37:48.539 --> 00:37:53.079 She's the kind of woman we read about in 1 Peter chapter 113. 00:37:53.940 --> 00:37:56.840 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, be sober-minded. 00:37:57.099 --> 00:38:01.139 Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you 00:38:01.139 --> 00:38:03.000 at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:38:03.860 --> 00:38:07.659 She is one who has learned to trust in God. 00:38:07.659 --> 00:38:15.619 One who has learned to find her hope and confidence and fulfillment in Him. 00:38:16.639 --> 00:38:22.259 Now we get to the tangible pieces of what her life looks like in verses 9 and 10. 00:38:22.779 --> 00:38:25.819 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than 60 years of age, 00:38:26.099 --> 00:38:27.759 having been the wife of one husband, 00:38:28.319 --> 00:38:30.199 having a reputation for good works, 00:38:30.199 --> 00:38:32.199 if she has brought up children, 00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:33.739 has shown hospitality, 00:38:34.139 --> 00:38:35.739 has washed the feet of the saints, 00:38:35.899 --> 00:38:37.379 has cared for the afflicted, 00:38:37.519 --> 00:38:40.299 has devoted herself to every good work. 00:38:40.899 --> 00:38:41.339 Wow! 00:38:41.539 --> 00:38:44.579 Now that's a woman who loves God. 00:38:46.239 --> 00:38:47.960 As a woman, you wonder, 00:38:48.079 --> 00:38:49.699 how in the world can any of us even, 00:38:50.919 --> 00:38:53.199 regardless of whether you're a man or a woman, 00:38:53.379 --> 00:38:56.539 how could you ever measure up to that kind of standard? 00:38:56.539 --> 00:39:00.599 This woman who has devoted herself to supplication and prayer 00:39:00.599 --> 00:39:01.940 that we see in verse 5. 00:39:02.559 --> 00:39:04.159 It's reminiscent of Anna, 00:39:04.320 --> 00:39:07.840 who was in the temple day and night in Luke chapter 2, 00:39:08.579 --> 00:39:12.579 invested her widowhood in things that were tangible. 00:39:13.460 --> 00:39:16.219 This is a woman who is not self-indulgent. 00:39:16.599 --> 00:39:17.679 She's not luxurious. 00:39:17.840 --> 00:39:19.039 She's not a lover of money. 00:39:19.320 --> 00:39:20.519 She's learned to share. 00:39:20.820 --> 00:39:21.840 She's learned to be generous. 00:39:23.000 --> 00:39:25.139 She's been the wife of one husband. 00:39:25.139 --> 00:39:28.319 There's been loyalty and fidelity in her marriage. 00:39:29.619 --> 00:39:31.099 She has good works in verse 10. 00:39:31.719 --> 00:39:32.819 Brought up faithful children, 00:39:33.299 --> 00:39:34.159 shown hospitality, 00:39:34.779 --> 00:39:35.559 served others. 00:39:36.099 --> 00:39:38.839 She's shown compassion by caring for the afflicted. 00:39:38.920 --> 00:39:42.420 She is a woman who has vested in her family, 00:39:42.599 --> 00:39:43.379 physical family, 00:39:43.519 --> 00:39:46.619 and also vested in her spiritual family. 00:39:48.500 --> 00:39:52.420 This is a woman who's demonstrated her love for God 00:39:52.420 --> 00:39:54.159 in her love for others. 00:39:54.159 --> 00:39:56.940 So we're to honor them by supporting them. 00:39:57.619 --> 00:40:00.839 Honor them by recognizing their example. 00:40:01.539 --> 00:40:01.960 And finally, 00:40:02.119 --> 00:40:05.119 honor widows by calling them to godliness. 00:40:05.819 --> 00:40:08.519 Honor widows by calling them to godliness. 00:40:09.159 --> 00:40:11.639 We see that here in verse 11 through 13. 00:40:11.639 --> 00:40:14.739 Refuse to enroll a younger widow. 00:40:15.099 --> 00:40:17.879 For when their passions draw them away from Christ, 00:40:18.099 --> 00:40:19.139 they desire to marry, 00:40:19.920 --> 00:40:21.319 and so incur condemnation. 00:40:21.699 --> 00:40:24.059 For having abandoned their former faith. 00:40:24.900 --> 00:40:25.879 Besides that, 00:40:26.299 --> 00:40:27.480 they learn to be idlers, 00:40:28.039 --> 00:40:29.559 going about from house to house. 00:40:30.099 --> 00:40:31.199 And not only idlers, 00:40:31.339 --> 00:40:33.539 but also gossips and busybodies, 00:40:33.940 --> 00:40:35.779 saying what they should not. 00:40:35.780 --> 00:40:38.060 Now we don't know the specifics 00:40:38.060 --> 00:40:39.760 of what Paul is referring to, 00:40:40.260 --> 00:40:43.340 or how this is playing out in the church of Ephesus. 00:40:43.720 --> 00:40:45.760 But I think every single one of us 00:40:45.760 --> 00:40:46.660 can understand 00:40:46.660 --> 00:40:49.320 that when we have nothing to do, 00:40:49.600 --> 00:40:51.480 nothing to occupy our time, 00:40:51.960 --> 00:40:53.800 the true desires of our heart 00:40:53.800 --> 00:40:56.360 begin to find its vent 00:40:56.360 --> 00:40:58.220 and to express itself 00:40:58.220 --> 00:41:00.320 in forms of life 00:41:00.320 --> 00:41:02.220 that are contrary to the things of God. 00:41:02.219 --> 00:41:04.799 When we choose not to do the things 00:41:04.799 --> 00:41:06.819 that God loves, 00:41:07.019 --> 00:41:08.539 that are pleasing to God, 00:41:08.599 --> 00:41:10.399 we tend to find ourselves 00:41:10.399 --> 00:41:11.539 walking in a way 00:41:11.539 --> 00:41:14.579 that is divergent from God. 00:41:15.139 --> 00:41:16.459 That's why I love the instruction 00:41:16.459 --> 00:41:18.539 that Paul will give to the church of Rome. 00:41:18.639 --> 00:41:19.000 He says, 00:41:19.259 --> 00:41:21.159 abstain from all appearances of evil. 00:41:21.899 --> 00:41:23.619 He says something to the effect, 00:41:23.799 --> 00:41:25.299 and I can't remember the exact verse, 00:41:25.480 --> 00:41:26.679 it just escaped me. 00:41:27.179 --> 00:41:27.399 He says, 00:41:27.399 --> 00:41:29.639 don't be overcome by evil, 00:41:30.159 --> 00:41:32.199 but overcome evil with good. 00:41:33.079 --> 00:41:33.659 Don't become, 00:41:34.000 --> 00:41:35.259 don't be overcome by evil. 00:41:36.099 --> 00:41:37.319 Overcome evil with good. 00:41:38.199 --> 00:41:40.939 Establish a pattern of life 00:41:40.939 --> 00:41:43.159 that is investing in, 00:41:43.480 --> 00:41:44.679 that is pouring out, 00:41:45.059 --> 00:41:46.859 that is walking by obedience. 00:41:48.579 --> 00:41:49.980 All of us can understand 00:41:49.980 --> 00:41:51.599 that idleness of our life 00:41:51.599 --> 00:41:53.559 tends to lead to things 00:41:53.559 --> 00:41:55.679 that we are ashamed of 00:41:55.679 --> 00:41:56.659 at the end of the day. 00:41:57.539 --> 00:41:58.439 These passions 00:41:58.439 --> 00:42:01.199 that the Apostle Paul refers to here 00:42:01.199 --> 00:42:02.439 are the things 00:42:02.439 --> 00:42:03.639 that they fill their life with, 00:42:03.679 --> 00:42:05.279 these sensual desires 00:42:05.279 --> 00:42:07.039 that overcome their dedication. 00:42:08.259 --> 00:42:09.500 In this case, 00:42:09.559 --> 00:42:11.759 it led to them being busybodies. 00:42:12.299 --> 00:42:13.419 It led to them flitting 00:42:13.419 --> 00:42:14.500 from one house to the other. 00:42:14.699 --> 00:42:16.239 It led to them interacting 00:42:16.239 --> 00:42:18.939 in some ungodly way 00:42:18.939 --> 00:42:20.699 through gossip and slander, 00:42:20.819 --> 00:42:23.359 the stories that they could be a part of 00:42:23.359 --> 00:42:24.519 and then spread throughout 00:42:24.519 --> 00:42:25.960 the city of Ephesus. 00:42:25.960 --> 00:42:28.280 They were significant enough 00:42:28.280 --> 00:42:29.800 that they drew them away from Christ. 00:42:30.820 --> 00:42:32.199 They were significant enough 00:42:32.199 --> 00:42:34.740 that we find in verse 15 00:42:34.740 --> 00:42:36.880 that there even says, 00:42:37.619 --> 00:42:39.340 some have strayed after Satan. 00:42:40.000 --> 00:42:43.599 These were significant pieces of their life 00:42:43.599 --> 00:42:45.340 and the reason for it 00:42:45.340 --> 00:42:47.900 was because they hadn't been disciplined enough 00:42:47.900 --> 00:42:49.199 to invest. 00:42:50.099 --> 00:42:52.380 They've allowed the idleness of their life. 00:42:52.380 --> 00:42:53.720 They allowed themselves, 00:42:53.840 --> 00:42:55.000 at least in this case, 00:42:55.059 --> 00:42:55.820 they were supported 00:42:55.820 --> 00:42:59.920 to create these openings 00:42:59.920 --> 00:43:02.460 for their activity 00:43:02.460 --> 00:43:04.220 that were displeasing to the Lord. 00:43:05.539 --> 00:43:06.840 Paul's encouragement to them 00:43:06.840 --> 00:43:08.079 in verse 14 was, 00:43:08.340 --> 00:43:10.300 I would have the young widows marry, 00:43:10.640 --> 00:43:11.240 bear children, 00:43:11.420 --> 00:43:12.300 manage their households, 00:43:12.680 --> 00:43:14.280 give the adversary no occasion 00:43:14.280 --> 00:43:15.579 for the slanderer. 00:43:16.599 --> 00:43:19.280 And so in Paul's response 00:43:19.280 --> 00:43:21.600 to the inactivity that was taking place 00:43:21.600 --> 00:43:23.500 was find a way to invest, 00:43:23.860 --> 00:43:25.019 find a way to be busy, 00:43:25.400 --> 00:43:27.660 find a way to build for kingdom purposes, 00:43:28.519 --> 00:43:29.180 get married, 00:43:29.360 --> 00:43:30.060 have a family. 00:43:31.380 --> 00:43:31.980 They should marry. 00:43:32.519 --> 00:43:35.220 I want younger widows to marry. 00:43:35.840 --> 00:43:36.680 That's his desire. 00:43:37.380 --> 00:43:40.519 Find ways to invest in kingdom living. 00:43:40.700 --> 00:43:45.300 Find ways to build your family, 00:43:45.480 --> 00:43:46.680 your spiritual family. 00:43:46.679 --> 00:43:49.940 As we come to the end of this, 00:43:50.859 --> 00:43:52.339 we come to understand 00:43:52.339 --> 00:43:53.259 that we need to treat 00:43:53.259 --> 00:43:55.659 our spiritual family 00:43:55.659 --> 00:43:56.859 and our physical family 00:43:56.859 --> 00:43:58.279 in a way that's consistent 00:43:58.279 --> 00:43:58.919 with the gospel. 00:44:00.199 --> 00:44:02.239 This not only provides assurance 00:44:02.239 --> 00:44:03.719 for our salvation, 00:44:04.279 --> 00:44:05.460 but this provides 00:44:05.460 --> 00:44:07.519 this beautiful gospel picture 00:44:07.519 --> 00:44:08.899 of what God has accomplished 00:44:08.899 --> 00:44:11.579 for us in salvation. 00:44:12.539 --> 00:44:13.139 I want to provide 00:44:13.139 --> 00:44:14.759 just a few practical ways 00:44:14.760 --> 00:44:17.360 to put this passage into practice. 00:44:17.520 --> 00:44:17.660 Okay? 00:44:17.940 --> 00:44:19.320 Just a few practical ways 00:44:19.320 --> 00:44:20.480 and then we'll finish. 00:44:21.180 --> 00:44:22.660 First, I want to encourage you 00:44:22.660 --> 00:44:24.040 to all be part 00:44:24.040 --> 00:44:25.180 of the powerhouse prayer 00:44:25.180 --> 00:44:26.140 every single week. 00:44:26.700 --> 00:44:28.000 Pastor David puts that together. 00:44:28.340 --> 00:44:29.360 He spends a lot of time. 00:44:29.660 --> 00:44:31.200 There are a number of people 00:44:31.200 --> 00:44:32.220 in our church 00:44:32.220 --> 00:44:33.540 week by week 00:44:33.540 --> 00:44:35.220 who desperately need your prayers. 00:44:35.300 --> 00:44:36.560 And I could give you a list right now, 00:44:36.680 --> 00:44:38.440 but for fear of missing somebody, 00:44:38.560 --> 00:44:41.100 I'm just going to decline. 00:44:42.040 --> 00:44:43.340 Read the powerhouse prayer. 00:44:43.340 --> 00:44:45.440 Invest in the people 00:44:45.440 --> 00:44:47.140 in your spiritual family. 00:44:48.160 --> 00:44:49.320 I might encourage you, 00:44:49.600 --> 00:44:50.620 month by month, 00:44:50.900 --> 00:44:52.539 meet someone new. 00:44:53.720 --> 00:44:55.140 Look across this room. 00:44:55.220 --> 00:44:56.019 Go ahead and do that right now. 00:44:56.840 --> 00:44:57.720 Is there somebody 00:44:57.720 --> 00:45:00.100 in this family 00:45:00.100 --> 00:45:01.400 that you don't recognize? 00:45:02.579 --> 00:45:04.019 Meet a person 00:45:04.019 --> 00:45:05.720 once a month. 00:45:06.680 --> 00:45:07.579 Make a connection. 00:45:08.620 --> 00:45:10.620 Understand they are part of you 00:45:10.619 --> 00:45:11.859 and you are part of them. 00:45:12.799 --> 00:45:13.179 Next, 00:45:14.159 --> 00:45:15.659 invite someone 00:45:15.659 --> 00:45:16.500 into your home. 00:45:17.500 --> 00:45:18.940 Practice hospitality. 00:45:20.239 --> 00:45:21.739 Hospitality is a great way 00:45:21.739 --> 00:45:23.559 for us to enter in 00:45:23.559 --> 00:45:26.400 to real tangible relationship 00:45:26.400 --> 00:45:28.519 over food, 00:45:28.839 --> 00:45:29.659 over coffee, 00:45:29.940 --> 00:45:30.759 over s'mores, 00:45:31.079 --> 00:45:31.940 whatever it is. 00:45:32.339 --> 00:45:35.039 This very informal way 00:45:35.039 --> 00:45:35.940 of engaging 00:45:35.940 --> 00:45:37.559 the family of God 00:45:37.559 --> 00:45:38.920 and building 00:45:38.920 --> 00:45:40.320 family relationships. 00:45:41.039 --> 00:45:41.840 We had the joy 00:45:41.840 --> 00:45:42.400 as a family 00:45:42.400 --> 00:45:43.659 just this past week 00:45:43.659 --> 00:45:44.199 to be able to go 00:45:44.199 --> 00:45:45.179 over to someone's home. 00:45:45.579 --> 00:45:47.000 What a special privilege 00:45:47.000 --> 00:45:47.599 that was. 00:45:48.039 --> 00:45:49.279 I would commend that to you. 00:45:51.340 --> 00:45:51.840 Next, 00:45:51.940 --> 00:45:52.659 if you're older, 00:45:53.139 --> 00:45:54.119 I would encourage 00:45:54.119 --> 00:45:55.159 older people 00:45:55.159 --> 00:45:55.920 to adopt 00:45:55.920 --> 00:45:57.420 younger people 00:45:57.420 --> 00:45:58.139 in the church. 00:46:00.139 --> 00:46:01.000 Encourage them. 00:46:01.960 --> 00:46:02.639 Pray for them. 00:46:02.639 --> 00:46:05.000 Younger people 00:46:05.000 --> 00:46:05.799 are living 00:46:05.799 --> 00:46:06.759 in an age 00:46:06.759 --> 00:46:08.119 of absolute 00:46:08.119 --> 00:46:09.559 unrealistic 00:46:09.559 --> 00:46:10.639 expectations. 00:46:11.819 --> 00:46:13.000 They need 00:46:13.000 --> 00:46:14.000 the steady, 00:46:14.579 --> 00:46:15.480 affirming, 00:46:16.000 --> 00:46:16.579 consistent 00:46:16.579 --> 00:46:17.359 care 00:46:17.359 --> 00:46:18.440 and support 00:46:18.440 --> 00:46:19.379 and love 00:46:19.379 --> 00:46:20.559 of the older community. 00:46:21.239 --> 00:46:22.119 They need you. 00:46:22.819 --> 00:46:23.599 They need you 00:46:23.599 --> 00:46:24.839 to thrive 00:46:24.839 --> 00:46:26.519 in a very broken world. 00:46:27.400 --> 00:46:28.319 Can I encourage you 00:46:28.319 --> 00:46:29.500 to find 00:46:29.500 --> 00:46:30.879 a younger person 00:46:30.880 --> 00:46:31.840 and make them 00:46:31.840 --> 00:46:33.019 part of your family? 00:46:33.880 --> 00:46:34.559 Younger people, 00:46:35.019 --> 00:46:36.200 I want to encourage you 00:46:36.200 --> 00:46:36.740 to adopt 00:46:36.740 --> 00:46:37.420 an older person. 00:46:38.160 --> 00:46:38.820 I want you 00:46:38.820 --> 00:46:39.740 to encourage them 00:46:39.740 --> 00:46:41.140 because sometimes 00:46:41.140 --> 00:46:42.079 they're at a walk 00:46:42.079 --> 00:46:42.519 of life 00:46:42.519 --> 00:46:43.180 where they don't think 00:46:43.180 --> 00:46:43.579 that anyone 00:46:43.579 --> 00:46:44.160 really cares 00:46:44.160 --> 00:46:45.260 about what 00:46:45.260 --> 00:46:46.220 their life experiences 00:46:46.220 --> 00:46:47.800 and let me tell you, 00:46:47.880 --> 00:46:48.660 they have so much 00:46:48.660 --> 00:46:49.460 to offer you 00:46:49.460 --> 00:46:50.579 as it relates 00:46:50.579 --> 00:46:51.380 to wisdom 00:46:51.380 --> 00:46:52.980 and personal experience 00:46:52.980 --> 00:46:54.180 and kindness. 00:46:54.880 --> 00:46:55.500 Younger people, 00:46:56.260 --> 00:46:56.660 invest 00:46:56.660 --> 00:46:58.059 in the older community. 00:46:58.740 --> 00:46:59.780 Listen to their story. 00:46:59.780 --> 00:47:00.780 Take an interest 00:47:00.780 --> 00:47:01.600 in God's work 00:47:01.600 --> 00:47:02.100 in their life. 00:47:02.500 --> 00:47:03.820 See the visible 00:47:03.820 --> 00:47:05.420 kinds of stories 00:47:05.420 --> 00:47:06.760 that they can tell you 00:47:06.760 --> 00:47:07.500 to affirm 00:47:07.500 --> 00:47:08.680 that God is not only real 00:47:08.680 --> 00:47:09.600 but God is faithful. 00:47:10.720 --> 00:47:11.540 Make yourself 00:47:11.540 --> 00:47:12.060 available 00:47:12.060 --> 00:47:13.120 to serve them. 00:47:15.220 --> 00:47:15.860 Finally, 00:47:16.260 --> 00:47:17.180 be generous. 00:47:18.019 --> 00:47:18.760 Be generous 00:47:18.760 --> 00:47:19.660 and share 00:47:19.660 --> 00:47:20.280 and give. 00:47:20.880 --> 00:47:21.780 We have the joy 00:47:21.780 --> 00:47:23.440 as the family 00:47:23.440 --> 00:47:24.080 of God 00:47:24.080 --> 00:47:25.900 to enjoy 00:47:25.900 --> 00:47:26.740 the benefits 00:47:26.739 --> 00:47:28.159 of community 00:47:28.159 --> 00:47:29.399 togetherness 00:47:29.399 --> 00:47:31.099 and as we are 00:47:31.099 --> 00:47:31.839 active 00:47:31.839 --> 00:47:32.459 and deliberate 00:47:32.459 --> 00:47:33.659 of strengthening 00:47:33.659 --> 00:47:34.339 those ties 00:47:34.339 --> 00:47:35.519 we not only 00:47:35.519 --> 00:47:36.339 enhance 00:47:36.339 --> 00:47:37.599 our intimacy 00:47:37.599 --> 00:47:38.299 and relationship 00:47:38.299 --> 00:47:38.819 with God 00:47:38.819 --> 00:47:39.959 and with one another 00:47:39.959 --> 00:47:41.099 but we show 00:47:41.099 --> 00:47:42.099 a beautiful picture 00:47:42.099 --> 00:47:42.619 of the gospel. 00:47:42.899 --> 00:47:44.219 May God help us 00:47:44.219 --> 00:47:45.079 to do better 00:47:45.079 --> 00:47:45.759 at this. 00:47:46.519 --> 00:47:47.059 Let me pray. 00:47:48.479 --> 00:47:49.000 Lord, 00:47:49.079 --> 00:47:49.659 thank you for 00:47:49.659 --> 00:47:50.279 this word 00:47:50.279 --> 00:47:50.819 this morning. 00:47:50.879 --> 00:47:51.779 This very practical 00:47:51.779 --> 00:47:52.279 word 00:47:52.280 --> 00:47:54.060 of not only 00:47:54.060 --> 00:47:54.519 how we should 00:47:54.519 --> 00:47:55.519 care for widows 00:47:55.519 --> 00:47:56.180 but especially 00:47:56.180 --> 00:47:57.000 Lord as we 00:47:57.000 --> 00:47:58.620 just need to care 00:47:58.620 --> 00:47:59.280 for the body 00:47:59.280 --> 00:48:00.000 the family 00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:00.700 that you put us 00:48:00.700 --> 00:48:01.400 within 00:48:01.400 --> 00:48:03.360 and God I pray 00:48:03.360 --> 00:48:04.580 that you would 00:48:04.580 --> 00:48:05.340 help us 00:48:05.340 --> 00:48:06.440 not to just 00:48:06.440 --> 00:48:07.700 walk out of here 00:48:07.700 --> 00:48:08.900 and not take 00:48:08.900 --> 00:48:09.380 this to heart 00:48:09.380 --> 00:48:10.140 but to recognize 00:48:10.140 --> 00:48:12.360 the seriousness 00:48:12.360 --> 00:48:13.600 of how this relates 00:48:13.600 --> 00:48:14.640 to the mystery 00:48:14.640 --> 00:48:15.260 of godliness 00:48:15.260 --> 00:48:17.080 that as we 00:48:17.080 --> 00:48:18.340 show this kind 00:48:18.340 --> 00:48:18.860 of care 00:48:18.860 --> 00:48:21.160 we demonstrate 00:48:21.159 --> 00:48:22.000 that we belong 00:48:22.000 --> 00:48:22.460 to you 00:48:22.460 --> 00:48:24.179 and in 00:48:24.179 --> 00:48:25.960 in addition 00:48:25.960 --> 00:48:26.779 we also 00:48:26.779 --> 00:48:27.699 please you. 00:48:28.559 --> 00:48:29.239 May we walk 00:48:29.239 --> 00:48:29.980 in a way 00:48:29.980 --> 00:48:31.219 that 00:48:31.219 --> 00:48:33.299 causes delight 00:48:33.299 --> 00:48:34.579 and joy 00:48:34.579 --> 00:48:35.359 to you 00:48:35.359 --> 00:48:36.139 in Jesus name 00:48:36.139 --> 00:48:36.679 amen. 00:48:37.279 --> 00:48:37.859 God bless you. 00:48:37.960 --> 00:48:38.539 Have a great week.