Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Duties Toward Others

5 Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers, ² the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with complete purity.

³ Honor widows that are widows indeed. ⁴ But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety at home and to repay their parents. For this is good and acceptable before God. ⁵ Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, 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 any do not care for their own, and especially for those of their own house, they have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers.

⁹ Do not let a widow be counted unless she is over sixty years old, has been the wife of one man, ¹⁰ is well attested in good works, if she has brought up children, has lodged strangers, has washed the saints’ feet, has relieved the afflicted, and has diligently followed every good work.

¹¹ But refuse the younger widows, for when their sensual desires have drawn them away from Christ, they want to marry, ¹² and bring judgment on themselves, because they have cast off their first pledge. ¹³ Besides that, they learn to be idle, and not only idle, wandering around from house to house, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they ought not. ¹⁴ Therefore I desire that the younger women marry, bear children, manage the house, and give no occasion 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 those assist them. Do not let the church be charged, so that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

¹⁷ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain,”^[a] and, “The laborer is worthy of his reward.”^{[b] 19} Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except before two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Rebuke in the presence of everyone those who sin, that the rest also may fear. ²¹ I command you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

²² Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, and do not partake of other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure.

²³ No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent illnesses.

²⁴ Some men’s sins are evident, pointing to judgment, but other men’s sins are revealed later. ²⁵ Likewise, the good works of some are evident, but those that are not cannot be hidden.

6 Let as many servants as are under the yoke of slavery count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be slandered. ² Let those who have believing masters not despise them, because they are brothers. Instead, let them serve as slaves, because those who receive their service are faithful and beloved.

False Teaching and True Wealth

Teach and command these things. ³ Anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to godly doctrine ⁴ is conceited and knows nothing. He has a morbid disposition for controversy and verbal disputes, from which come envy, strife, blasphemies, evil speculations, ⁵ constant disputes by men of corrupt minds, being destitute of the truth, and supposing that financial gain is godliness. Withdraw yourself from such men.

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. ⁸ If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things. ⁹ But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil. While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Good Fight of Faith

¹¹ But you, O man of God, escape these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. ¹³ I command you, in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and in the sight of Christ Jesus, who testified a good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ to keep this commandment without blemish, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will reveal at the proper time. ¹⁶ He alone has immortality, living in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen, nor can see. To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this world that they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Command that they do good, that they be rich in good works, generous, willing to share, ¹⁹ and laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life.

²⁰ O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust. Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge. ²¹ By professing it, some have erred concerning the faith.

Grace be with you. Amen.