MINISTERING TO WIDOWS
TEXT- 1 TIMOTHY 5:3-16

INTRODUCTION

This morning we are going to continue with our study from the book of First Timothy.

Last Sunday we learned that the church is not a business but rather a family and that we are to treat one another as fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. As a family we also have a responsibility to care for one another.

Our text today is found in 1 Timothy 5:3-16 and the title of my message is, “Ministering To Widows.”

One of the most important ministries within the Lord’s church is caring for those who are widows indeed. God has always taken a special interest in those who are widows.

a. 2 kings 4:1-7
b. Psalm 68:5- he is a judge for the widows
c. Exodus 22:22-24- not to afflict widows
d. Deuteronomy 27:19- cursed for being unjust towards widows
e. Isaiah 1:17- plead for widows
f. Psalm 146:9- god supports widows.

Early on in the Lord’s church we find that one of the first ministries developed involved caring for widows.

Acts 6:1, “Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the hellenistic jews against the native hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.”

Because of this conflict, the church appointed seven men who we have already learned are the forerunners to the office of deacon, to be in charge of taking care of the widow’s needs so the apostles could devote themselves to pray and the ministry of the word.

Today the church still has the responsibility to care for widows.

James 1:27, “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our god and father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

To help Timothy lead the church in Ephesus in knowing how to minister to widows, Paul outlines their responsibilities.