Bro. Sunday Eyanrin (Evangelist)
The Church Of Christ – Grey Street, Warri.
GSM: 08037370296. E- MAIL: eyanrin@yahoo.com
Download Lesson
INTRODUCTION
Brethren, our topic for discussion today is very necessary and important to the Church, and the widows in the local Congregation, so that we should know our respective responsibilities about what the Scriptures, the Inspired Word of God required of us and how to apply same.
DEFINITION OF KEY WORDS
WHO IS A WIDOW?
A Widow is a married Woman whose husband is dead, and she remains unmarried to another man.
CHURCH:
The English word – “CHURCH” is translated from the Greek word “ekklessia” meaning – a call out body of people from the World, by the Gospel of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, to serve GOD through CHRIST.
OUR TEXT FOR THIS DISCUSSION IS TAKEN FROM
1 Timothy 5:3-16
THE AIM OF THIS MESSAGE
My Dearly Beloved Brethren, the aim of this message is to correct that which is evil and inhuman punishment rendered to a woman whose husband is dead and has not remarried to another man (known as a widow) . This prevailing circumstances associated with a widow goes along with the pain of loss and the process of grief, coupled with uncertainty. In some cases widows are rejected by members of the late husband’s family, and sometimes by the family of God, the Church.
WHAT DOES THE SCRIPTURES SAYS ABOUT WIDOWS IN THE CHURCH?
CLASSFICATION OF WIDOWS
There are several commands and instruction given to widows in the Old Testament to observe, but we are going to focus our attention on what the Scriptures says about widows in the New Testament. It is interesting to note that there are two Classes of Widows revealed in our Text.
- THE WIDOW INDEED
- THE YOUNG WIDOW
- THE WIDOW INDEED
Apostle Paul by the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit declares in 1 Tim. 5:3 –Honour widows who are really widows. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. 1 Tim. 5:9. A Widow indeed, therefore must be threescore (60) years old and above
QUALIFICATIONS OF A WIDOW INDEED
Widows who are Widows indeed, that must be taken care of by the church are those who have no children or grandchildren or relations to care for them. Such Widows should be supported by the local congregation.
In 1 Tim 5:4-8, Apostle Paul declared.
But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. –NKJV
THE YOUNG WIDOW
In line with the directive given by the Scriptures, a widow who is less than three score years should not be taken into the account of widow indeed.
1 Tim 5:11-16, the scriptures declared.
11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.
13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. NKJV
GENERAL ADVICE TO WIDOWS
- Here are five important Do’s and Don’ts for those in the widowhood.
- Don’t let yourself be consumed with self-pity, learn to be contented.
- Always look unto the Lord
- Don’t make major decisions while in grief
- Don’t compare your circumstances to others
- Pray all the time, and the Lord will meet you at the point of your needs.
CAN A WIDOW RE-MARRY?
Looking at the Scriptures, Apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 7:39 declared.
A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. –NKJV
CONCLUSION
let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. –NKJV
MAY GOD BLESS HIS WORD IN JESUS NAME -AMEN
Download Lesson
