The Truth in Print Vol.
31, Issue 12, Jan. 2026
A Publication of the
Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street,
Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)
Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
The Bubbly Bubbling
Gossips & Busybodies
Paul’s description of the walking dead shows
why he is warning the living righteous.
In I Timothy chapter 5 widows are discussed. You find
“she who is really [G3698 truthfully] a widow” being qualified for benevolence
by the church —churches were open to fraud as today thus precise qualifications
are stated. You can read and see that at one time she had a husband and
material things used in serving God, but now she is destitute (I Ti. 5:9-10).
She is an example of one well reported of for good
works —“if she had diligently followed every good work.” The good works are
those in Eph. 2:10, prepared for the church from eternity that we should walk
in them.
All members are to “be ready” to every good work
(Tit. 3:1) —“ready” [ G3092 adjusted, prepared]. Each must be “careful”
[G5431to pay attention, be cautious about] to maintain [G4291 to practice, to
be over or rule] them (Tit. 3:8).
Paul warns: 1Ti 5:6 But she who lives in
pleasure is dead while she lives.
While you find widows reported of by their good works
and qualified who are spiritually alive, there are also the walking dead
younger widows who have cast off the faith and live in pleasure.
1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for
when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have
cast off their first faith.
> “wanton” [G2691 “to live a profligate, luxurious
life”] – involves more than just sexual desires.
In disregard of Christ’s law they are spiritually
dead. The point is not that they cannot marry but who they marry and why. Past
faithful members of the church are often careless in marriage when they fall
away. They often become the adulteress who is looking for what the world has to
offer materially—no longer caring about Christ’s law or His marriage law.
1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have
cast off their first faith.
God’s Judgment Of Damnation Is
Their Own Possession.
> “having” [G2192 to have and hold as a continual
possession]. If not repented of they are an example of being unfaithful until
their physical death.
At The Same Time The Circuit Of
Gossip Is Learned.
1Ti 5:13 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.
> “learn” [G3129 by use and practice, to be in the
habit of]
> “idle” [G692 unemployed] Note: Unemployed!
> “tattlers” or “gossips” [G5397 to bubble – to
boil, bubble, as with heat]
The Constant Bubbly Bubbling
Gossip & Busybody!
Once water boils its temperature remains constant no
matter if you add more heat.
God Is Saying Women Have A Problem
With This!
Here is the constant busybody who just boils over
with gossip – the bubbly bubbling constant tattler (gossip) and busybody!
I was with a brother at lunch one day and someone was
looking at me from a not too distant table. I heard one say, “Is that Bob?” to
the other one they were with. Finally it came, “Who are you?” I did know the
woman from the past and also knew she’d fallen away from the faith. Gossip is
always on the busybody’s mind and here it comes: “Who is that person with you?
Is he anyone I need to remember?” You see! I brushed that off with no intention
of introducing my brother to the busybody. Why should I converse with her? And
then of all things here comes the emotional good to see you Bob. And I know it
really wasn’t!
> “busybodies” [G4021 working all around ] – it
comes from the word for work or business – and that’s their work rather than
real spiritual work! They live to meddle in other people’s business.
These are walking “disorderly” [G817 out of rank, Cf.
2Th 3:11,7]. The one in I Pet 4:15 is a troublesome meddler [G244 officer in
charge of others’ matters!]. Sticking their nose into others’ business. Peter
explains this can bring suffering.
> “speaking things which they ought not” ---
“ought” [G1163 necessary, should, with the word “not” ] – thus saying the not
necessary things and harmful things. Compare the “ought” in James 3:10 –
“ought” [G5534 it needs or should be – with “not”] -- meaning it must not be!
Lying brethren will curse you!
1Ti 5:14 I will therefore that the younger
women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the
adversary to speak reproachfully.
1Ti 5:15 For some are already turned aside
after Satan.
The Walking Dead.
1. The Walking Dead Have Dead Faith:
Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is
dead, so faith without works is dead also.
2. The Walking Dead Have Been Drawn Away By Their Own
Desire:
Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is
drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it
bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
3. The Walking Dead Don’t Receive With Meekness The
Implanted Word Able To Save Their Soul:
Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and
superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which
is able to save your souls.
> “meekness” [G4240] – the antonym is anger and
railing against the Word. They have cast off the faith; it is no longer in
their heart to love and let it guide each day.
Matt.
5:5: Blessed are the meekG4236, For they shall inherit the earth.
> “meek” [G4236]: 1) Vines’s def. includes – to accept all of God’s dealings
with us as good without disputing or resisting.
>
“meek” [G4236] CWSD: calmness towards God. All commands accepted in all circumstances is righteousness.
Isa
66:1 Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is My throne, And earth is
My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is
the place of My rest?
Isa
66:2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things
exist," Says the LORD. "But on this one will I look: On him
who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
4. The Walking Dead Are Self Deceived And Do Not Hear
And Do:
Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
5. The Walking Dead Are Self Deceived Having No
Bridled Tongue:
Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be
religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's
religion is vain.
Contrast The Walking Dead With The
Younger Women In I Tim. 5:14.
1Ti 5:14 I will therefore that the younger
women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the
adversary to speak reproachfully.
*Note: This is younger women and not just younger
widows.
> “give none occasion” [G874 occasion, starting
point] > That’s a real starting point! It’s not something the world or
fallen brethren make up!
1Ti 5:15 For some are already turned aside
after Satan.
The Valley Church of
Christ
2375 W. 8th Street,
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-5058 ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Sunday Services –
Classes ~10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening: 6:00 pm.
Wednesday evening –
7:00 pm
To learn more call,
visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com