Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks
Giving Honor in the Community
5 Never speak harshly to an older man[a] but appeal to him as a father; to younger men as brothers; 2 older women as mothers; and younger women as sisters—with complete purity.
3 Honor widows who are really widows— 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show devotion to their own home and give back to their parents, for this is pleasing before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow and has been left alone, has put her hope in God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 6 But she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Insist on these things, so that they might be beyond criticism. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, especially those in his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let a widow be listed only if she is at least sixty, was the wife of one husband, 10 well known for good deeds, if she raised children, if she showed hospitality, if she washed the feet of the kedoshim, if she helped those in trouble, and if she devoted herself to every good work.
11 But refuse younger widows; for when their sensual desires draw them away from the Messiah, they want to get married— 12 facing judgment because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13 And at the same time, they also learn to be idle, going around from house to house—and not just idle, but also gossipers and busybodies, saying things they should not. 14 Therefore, I want the younger widows to get married, have children, manage a household, and give no opportunity to the enemy for slander. 15 For some have already gone astray after satan. 16 If any woman of faith has widows in need, let her help them and not let the community be burdened, so it may help the real widows.
17 The elders who lead well are worthy of honor and honorarium[b]—especially those who work hard in the word and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,”[c] and, “The worker is worthy of his wage.” [d] 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. [e] 20 Correct those who continue sinning in the presence of everyone, so that the rest also may fear.[f]
21 I solemnly charge you—before God and Messiah Yeshua and the chosen angels—to observe these things without taking sides, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily or take part in the sins of others—keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach and for your frequent ailments.)
24 The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment; but for others, their sins follow. 25 Likewise, good deeds are obvious, and the others cannot stay hidden.
6 Let all who are under the yoke as slaves consider their own masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 And let those who have believing masters not disrespect them because they are brothers, but serve them even more, since those who share in the benefit are believers and loved. Teach and encourage these things.
Finding True Riches
3 If anyone passes on a different teaching and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, and with the instruction in keeping with godliness, 4 he is prideful, understanding nothing. Instead he is obsessed with arguments and disputes about words—out of which come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between people corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. [g] 7 For we brought nothing into this world, So we cannot take anything out of it. [h] 8 But having food and clothing, with these things we shall be content. [i] 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. [j] 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil—some, longing for it, have gone astray from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith! Take hold of the eternal life—you were called to it, and you made the good confession for it in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you before God who gives life to all things and Messiah Yeshua who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. 15 This He will reveal in His own time—the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, [k] 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or is able to see.[l] To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
17 Direct those who are rich in this present age not to be proud or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches,[m] but rather on God—who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 Direct them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous, sharing, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so they might take hold of the true life.
20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, turning away from pointless chatter and the contradictions of so-called knowledge— 21 by professing it, some have missed the mark concerning the faith.
Grace be with you.
Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.