Called to be God’s Family
1 Timothy 5:1-25
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul provides guidance on how Christians should live lives that are pleasing to God, focusing on relationships within the church and beyond. We are encouraged as believers to view the church not just as a gathering place for worship but as a family where every member plays an integral role. Paul instructs that older men should be treated as fathers, older women as mothers, younger men as brothers, and younger women as sisters, emphasizing the purity, respect, and love that should define these relationships. This teaching highlights that faith is not merely a personal, individual experience; instead, it is corporate and we are adopted into God’s family and called to care for one another.
As part of God’s family, Christians are responsible for demonstrating love and care in practical ways, starting within the church community and extending outward to the broken world. Faith is not only about personal salvation or spiritual blessings but is practiced by selflessly serving others and reflecting God’s love. Selfishness can hide itself in unseemingly places. For example, we can still be selfish about spending our time only with family or only with church members, failing to look to those outside of my close-knit community. Instead we can practice selflessness. Believers are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, working together to fulfill God’s will on Earth and to take care of one another.
Christians are encouraged to look beyond their own needs and desires, recognizing their responsibility to care for others in the church and to share God’s love with those outside the faith. How do we see one another in the church? Do we treat fellow believers as true family members, offering love, respect, and support? Are we actively seeking to care for one another, or are we falling into patterns of selfishness or indifference? By restoring broken relationships within the church and engaging with the needs of the world, we can align ourselves with God’s purpose for His family.
Reflection: In today’s highly individualistic society, we live in a world where our next door neighbors are complete strangers to us. Our social walls have become taller than ever and we tend to only let in a select few friends/family into our lives. I find myself following these societal norms and following into the ways of the world. From the sermon message, I can try to focus on thinking less about the concerns in my life and more about the concerns of others. God has entrusted his followers to take care of his people on this earth. I pray that I could let go of my objectives and follow God’s, trusting that He will mold and shape me through obedience to Him.
Discussion Questions:
Are you living your life selfishly or selflessly or both? In what ways do you think you are and how do you think it impacts your life?
Do you think your spiritual life is currently more personal or corporate? What changes, if any, do you want to make?
What are your main takeaways from this sermon?
