1 Timothy 5:1-8

Instructions for the Church

¹ _b Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, _c younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

³ Honor widows _d who are truly widows. ⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn _e to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for _f this is pleasing in the sight of God. ⁵ She _g who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and _h continues in supplications and prayers night and day, ⁶ but _i she who is self-indulgent is _j dead even while she lives. ⁷ _k Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. ⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for _l members of his household, he has _m denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1. Cross References
   Leviticus 19:32
   You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
   
2. Cross References
   Titus 2:6
   Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
   
3. Cross References
   1 Timothy 5:5
   She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
   1 Timothy 5:16
   If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
   
4. Cross References
   Matthew 15:4 - 6
   For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.
   Mark 7:10 - 13
   For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.
   Ephesians 6:1 - 2
   Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
   Genesis 45:9 - 11
   Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry.
   
5. Cross References
   1 Timothy 2:3
   This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Timothy 5:3
   Honor widows who are truly widows.
   1 Timothy 5:16
   If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
   
7. Cross References
   Luke 2:37
   And then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
   Luke 18:1 - 5
   And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
   
8. Cross References
   James 5:5
   You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
   Ezekiel 16:49
   Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.
   
9. Cross References
   Revelation 3:1
   And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
   
10. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:11
    Command and teach these things.
    1 Timothy 6:2
    Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.
    
11. Cross References
    Galatians 6:10
    So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
    
12. Cross References
    Revelation 2:13
    'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
    2 Timothy 3:5
    Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
    Titus 1:16
    They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
    2 Peter 2:1
    But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
    Revelation 3:8
    'I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.