11. THE LORD WILL USE THOSE WIDOWS WHO QUALIFY, IN CHURCH SERVICE AND OFFICE

1 Timothy 5:9-16 "Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. ¹¹ But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; ¹² Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 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. ¹⁴ I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. ¹⁵ For some are already turned aside after Satan. ¹⁶ If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed."

11.1. GENERAL TYPES OF WIDOWS

	This chapter, (1 Timothy 5 ) distinguishes different classes of widows.
	There are the widows indeed (1 Timothy 5:3-5 ).
	And the widow with a family to support her (1 Timothy 5:4 ).
	The widow who is pleasure loving, self-indulgent, or worse (1 Timothy 5:6,11-15 ).
	Then there are those mentioned who were evidently on an official list of widows kept by each Church, these received material support and served the Church in a variety of ministries.

11.2. GUIDE FOR ENROLLING WIDOWS

The following guidelines had to be followed in the selection of widows for enrolment:

	She had to be 60 years old (1 Timothy 5:9 ).
	She had to have been faithful to her husband (1 Timothy 5:9 ).
	She had to have a good reputation for good deeds (1 Timothy 5:10 ).
	She had to have had experience in the bringing up of children, even if not her own (1 Timothy 5:10 ).
	She had to be known for kindness to strangers (1 Timothy 5:10 ).
	She had to be known for courteous treatment of visiting Christians. Washing the feet of guests was a cultural service, but that of saints an expression of serving in love (1 Timothy 5:10 ).
	She had to be one who helped those in trouble (1 Timothy 5:10 ).

Such widows were of obvious maturity and worthy of Church support and recognised service.

11.3. GUIDELINES OF SERVING WIDOWS

There are glimpses of the kind of official service, financially supported, to which widows would be appointed.

	To a ministry of prayer (1 Timothy 5:5 ).
	To a ministry of instruction to younger women - assisting leadership (1 Timothy 5:7 ).
	To mercy ministries in which she had already shown ability (1 Timothy 5:10 ).
	To a ministry to young women and children. Her experience qualified her (1 Timothy 5:10: Titus 2:4 ).
	To a ministry of hospitality, using her home as a lighthouse to strangers (1 Timothy 5:10 ).
	To a ministry of refreshing saints (1 Timothy 5:10 ).
	To a ministry of visitation that would counteract gossips and busybodies (1 Timothy 5:13 ).
	To a ministry of marriage counselling for young widows (1 Timothy 5:14 ).
	To a ministry of teaching good things (Titus 2:3 ). Some of these good teachings would be:-

	Changes to the home, that accompany Salvation.
	What Christ expects of each family member.
	Fulfilling family responsibilities in the power of the Holy Spirit.
	How to make the home a kingdom of God zone.
	Stewardship in the home.
	How to make the home acceptable before God, and attractive to young people.
	How to make the home a place where God's will is done as it is in heaven.
	How to develop the relationships you have, and make new ones.
	How to use your tongue to promote health, and how to prevent its misuse.
	How to live your life in the Holy Spirit.
	How to develop a spirit of forgiveness.
	How to discharge responsibilities to those in need.
	How to stimulate diligence in work and personal maintenance.
	Ethical standards that reveal Christ living in you.
	How to share Christ the Way, the Truth and the Life.

This list is intended to be suggestive, not exhaustive. What good teaching do you regard as most relevant to yourself and those homes you visit? Would you be submissive and accountable if the local Church recognised your ministry?