A Widow Bit of Wisdom // 1 Timothy 5:7-16 // 02.01.26

In this study, Pastor Dave continues through 1 Timothy 5:7–16, where Paul gives further instruction on caring for widows and emphasizes the responsibility of families within the church. This passage highlights the balance between compassion and accountability, showing how God desires families to care for another first, and then for the church to care for those who have no family. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:- In Psalm 62, What was David’s two-characteristic summary of what he had learned about the Lord? How did Jesus’ answer to John’s disciples demonstrate that?- What are some of the implications that the Lord would use an entire 1/12 of the letter to Timothy and the Ephesian church instructing them about taking care of widows? Aren’t there more important issues to be considered in getting that church back into heath?- Can you as a group list at least 5 of the qualifications Paul gives in our passage for those widows who are eligible to be put on “the list”?- At least two parties potentially suffer when people are helped who shouldn’t have been. Who are those two? How might they suffer?- Can you identify one potential “sin sequence” Paul identifies that putting younger widows on “the list” could provoke?- Do you have any stories about someone supposedly helping another and it turned out to hurt both parties?- Do you have any in your “family” for whom the Lord would have you “care”? How about some who are needy but whom you shouldn’t financially assist? Can you share about that?