The Truth In Print Vol 13 Issue 10, November 2007
The Appreciation Of Godly
Sisters In Christ
The
context of I Timothy 5 where Paul commands the following is “honor” that is
due. He said, “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as
a father; and the younger men as brethren; [2] The
elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. [3] Honour widows that are widows indeed”
(1 Tim. 5:1-3).
Those mentioned are to be striving to do God’s will, thus things
acceptable in the sight of God are commended and required: “But if any widow
have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew
piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable
before God” (1 Tim. 5:4). This duty belongs to a woman even though she does not
have a husband (I Tim. 5:16).
We
are aware here in our church that families who are caring for their own
helpless members have a duty and their work has tremendous value. It involves
“their own” (I Tim. 5:8). It is a matter of “recompense”
(I Tim. 5:4). The above expression “acceptable in the sight of God” refers
elsewhere to a quiet undisturbed life in all godliness and dignity (honesty) (I
Tim. 2:1-3).
Christians who are “ready” and yield their bodies with its members unto
God as instruments of righteousness in sacrificial service are fulfilling the
perfect will of God (cf. Rom. 12:1-2, 6:13). They exemplify those whom God
takes pleasure in and favors because they fear Him (cf. Ps. 149:4, 147:10-11).
These are the ones who can be taught, and have been (Ps. 34:11-15). Their glory
is in understanding and knowing God who delights in lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth! (Cf. Jer. 9:23-24). Obedience unto
righteousness is what God takes pleasure in, thus these are the scriptural
reasons why all of our godly sisters are appreciated.
Compare Paul’s statement concerning any believing man or woman relieving
their own in vs. 16 with the disciple whom Jesus loved in John 19. At the
crucifixion we see his “readiness” to take Mary and fulfill the charge given
him by the Lord (Jo. 19:26-27). We are all to stay ready unto every good work
(Titus 3:1).
Consider by contrast that the above sisters are not among the
unappreciated. The first thing said about the unappreciated is that she gives
herself to wanton pleasure and is dead while she lives (I Tim. 5:6). Sensual
desires lead to her casting off the faith (I Tim. 5:10-13). That is followed by
the duties in I Tim. 5:14 that come with marriage, bearing children, managing
the household, and giving no occasion to adversary for reproach. Paul adds that
others would follow what some had already done in turning aside after Satan (I
Tim. 5:15).
Unlike the unappreciated above, those who are appreciated are glorifying
God in their body and spirit, which are God’s (cf. I Cor. 6:13-20).
Christ
is being magnified (shown) in their body (Phil. 1:20). Sometimes, without
careful study, people think that one has to be persecuted or beaten as Paul was
for Christ to be magnified in them. Not so!
To
all of our godly sisters in Christ:
1. We appreciate your being zealous of good
works: Titus 2:14 (KJV) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from
all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
2. We appreciate your knowledge that some
things are a “necessity” and demand careful attention: Titus 3:14 (KJV)
And let ours also learn to maintain good
works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
3. We understand how the necessary work and
sacrifices can cause you to desire to remain on in the flesh though you have
grown old: Philip. 1:22-24 (KJV) But
if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour:
yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a
strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is
far better: [24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
4. We love you for your stedfastness
and share your knowledge that your labor is not in vain: 1 Cor. 15:58 (KJV) Therefore,
my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
5. Will our great God lie? No! Will He
disappoint you? No! Your faith in Christ that we appreciate, and good done
especially to those of the household of faith will not be disappointed:
Galatians 6:9-10 (KJV) And let us not be
weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. [10] As
we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all
men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
6. We acknowledge that by your life of
service you have gained life, righteousness, and honor here: Proverbs 21:21
(KJV) He that followeth after righteousness and mercy
findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
7. You are His workmanship and God foresaw
your good works (many)
before you ever did them. We know that the mentioning of one
specific good work in your lives will not begin to cover the breadth of your
work in Christ our Lord: Ephes. 2:10 (KJV) For we are his workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should
walk in them.
8. What you are and do is first and foremost
unto the glory and praise of God: Philip. 1:11 (KJV) Being filled with the fruits of
righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
9. Our appreciation is expressed in our
prayers on your behalf: (a) Col. 1:10 (KJV) That ye might walk worthy of the
Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in
the knowledge of God; (b) Hebrews 13:21 (KJV) Make you perfect in every good work to
do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing
in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Every woman has a reputation and like you the widow to be taken in and
cared for by the church had one for good works (cf. I Tim. 5:10; I Tim. 2:9-11;
point 7 above).
She
fulfilled her duties herself in bringing up children (I Tim. 5:10). Paul said
to Timothy: 2 Tim. 3:14-17 (KJV) “But continue thou in the things which thou
hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able
to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16]
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished
unto all good works.” Credit went to Timothy’s mother and grandmother (2 Tim.
1:5; Acts 16:1).
Again, she had shown hospitality to strangers (I Tim. 5:10). Although
left nothing, not a whit, she used what opportunities she had to use what she
possessed at any given moment (cp. Heb. 13:2).
She
had washed the saints feet (I Tim. 5:10). This deed appears in Rom. 12:13 thus
she was a participant in the devotion to one another, and preference to one
another in honor that exists among Christians (Rom. 12;10).
That’s in honor and without complaint! (I Pet. 4:9).
Moreover, she assisted (relieved) those in distress (I Tim. 5:10). In
other words she did just as the church that she belonged to will be doing for
her. Compare the same word “relieve” in I Tim. 5:16.
Yes,
you have devoted yourselves to every good work (cf. I Tim. 5:10). You have no reason to be ashamed as you look
upon all the commandments (Ps. 119:1-8; Col. 1:10). You have been “careful” and
thoughtful to maintain these good works (Titus 3:8). You are ready (prepared)
and do so with zeal (Titus 3:1; 2:14). And we thank you!
By Bob Lovelace