Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: 1 Timothy 5:9-16 (Pew Bible Page 993)
Speaker: Senior Pastor John Neufeld

It may seem surprising to realize that the early church seemed to have developed a detailed ministry role for some widows in the early church.  By the 3^rd century, they had formed an official order in the church.  They gave themselves to prayer, assisted women in baptism, cared for orphans, nursed the sick, visited in prison, evangelized pagan women, provided hospitality for strangers, and taught younger women the life of godliness. 

We may wonder how this relates to us today, but in many ways, these women modeled Christian virtue.  Their example leaves us with a more rounded picture of “religion that is pure and undefiled”.  (James 1:27)  Today we will learn from them, of the kind of life that God wants for all of us.

A.  The calling of a “ministry” widow

            1.  She is an older woman

            2.  She has been sexually faithful

            3.  She is renown for good works

B.  The calling is not without dangers

            1.  Never underestimate sexual desire

            2.  Never underestimate selfish distortion in ministry

C.  General rules for everyone

            1.  View marriage and family as normative

            2.  View care for family members as essential

1 Timothy 5:9-16

Thinking – developing a biblical approach to all areas of life

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:9 – 10.  In these verses the Apostle Paul gives instructions for the qualifications necessary to enroll a woman on the list of widows.  With the exception of the age qualification (v. 9), the qualifications (marital faithfulness and a reputation for good works) describe a godly woman. 
   1. What were some of the good works that Paul lists (see v. 10)?  What do these look like in our day?   
   2. Who are women in the Bible, in history or that you know personally, who have a reputation for doing good works in the household of God? 
   3. Proverbs 31:10–31 describe a godly woman. Using this passage, summarize the general qualities that a godly woman possesses.

2. Read 1 Tim. 6:11–13.  In these verses the Apostle Paul warns of some of the possible consequences of not being productive with our time.  They include:
   1. Gossip.  Define gossip.  What are the dangers of gossip? (see James 3:5, 9–12).  What are some practical ways that we can guard against gossip in our own lives?  In our small groups?
   2. Busybody.  Define ‘busybody.’  What should ‘busybodies’ give themselves to? (see 2 Thessalonians 3:11–12) 
   3. Idler.  Define idler.  How does the Bible view those who are idle?  (see Proverbs 6:6–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15).  How should we as a church respond to those who are idle / lazy in our midst?  In the larger society?  How does this correlate with the instruction to care for the poor?  

3. Read 1 Tim. 6:14.  For those widows who are younger, Paul recommends that they get married.  Although there are exceptions (see 1 Cor 7:32ff), being married and having a family is the norm of the Christian life. 
   1. Is this different than the attitude of our culture?  If so, how?
   2. How does getting married and raising a family ‘give the adversary no occasion for slander’ (v. 14). 

4. Throughout 1 Timothy, Paul puts a strong emphasis on the importance of the family of God acting in such a way that their actions don’t negatively affect the perception of non-believers.  Read 1 Tim 2:2; 3:7; 5:7; 6:1. 
   1. Why is this so important?  Does the church at large do this well?  Do we as a local church or as individuals do this well?
   2. Some might suggest that this is a form of ‘image management’ and possibly even hypocrisy for the church.  How is what Paul instructs different than ‘image management’ for the church?

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