READ: 1 Timothy 5:8-16
8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
KEY THOUGHT:
Following instruction requires obedience and compliance to the instruction received. Staying true to obedience means that you consistently comply with the instruction received from the Word. Today, many Christians live compromised lives in semi-obedience to God. They intentionally pick and choose what parts of the Bible apply to their lives and live in partial compliance to the instruction taught from God’s Word. While we all fall short of the glory of God and have sin natures, it’s important to understand that God wants us to obey Him out of the love we have for Him.
The apostle Paul’s discussion of widows speaks of some who have served obediently and others who have “cast off their faith” and “turned aside after Satan.” Compromise and disobedience are risky endeavors that lead to travel along treacherous paths. If one is not careful, a slow slide of compromise can turn into a free-fall of disobedience. It’s much better to obey than to fall prey to the devil’s traps. Obedience starts out of duty and ends in love. Do what’s right first and then you will love doing right.
CONSIDER:
- What will help you obey God consistently?
- What are some examples of compromise that results in outright disobedience of God’s Word?
- What are some ways that you can avoid the temptation to “pick and choose” what you obey?
APPLICATION:
Be an obedient Christian because of your love for God and His Son!
