Timothy - A Family That Serves (1 Timothy 5)

Jesus makes us like family. We're called to help one another. But let's take care that our efforts to help don't cause more harm than good.

Icebreaker:
What was your family life like growing up?
If you grew up in church, what was your experience of the church being like a family?

Where is it Written?
Read 1 Timothy 5:1-16
What guidance is given about family living?
How is a local congregation to be like a family?
How is a local congregation different from a biological family?
What problems might creep into both church life and biological family life if this guidance is not followed?
How have you seen efforts to help cause more harm than good?

Read 1 Timothy 5:17-22
What might we learn about compensating our pastors?
Why should any accusation be supported by two or three witnesses?
Why does the discipline of pastors have a public aspect to it?
Why is so important that pastors avoid favoritism - and that all pastors are held to the same standards?
Why should we be careful about calling someone into ministry? (vs. 22)

Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2, Galatians 3:28 and Philemon 1:15-18
Up to one-third of the population were slaves at the time. How does the Gospel dismantle the institution of slavery? Why do you think Paul doesn’t demand the abolition of slavery?

How Goes Your Walk?
How does your relationship with Jesus change your relationship with the people around you?
What is your next relationship step of following Jesus?