God Desires Respectfulness
Timothy ministered alongside
Paul as missionary & later received
the challenging assignment of
pastoring the church at Ephesus.
Paul’s 1st letter resembles a manual
for building the church leadership.
It also contains many principles
to impact the lives of others.
Lord, we’ll Treat Pple with Respect:
Rebute not an elder but intreat him
as a father; and the younger men
as brethren; the elder women as
mothers; the younger as sisters…
Learn to show piety at home and
to repay their parents; for this is
good… before God (1 Tim 5:1-4).
These things command: that
they may be blameless… If anyone
does not provide for his own and
especially for… his household,
he has denied the faith and is
worse than an unbeliever (v7-8).
Let the elders who rule well
be counted worthy of double
honour, especially those who
labour in the word & doctrine…
God and the Lord Jesus Christ…
back me up in these instructions.
Carry them out without favoritism,
without taking sides (v17-21).
Lord, I purpose not to rebuke
an older man harshly, but exhort
him as if he were my father.
And I also purpose to treat
younger men as brothers,
older women as mothers, younger
women as sisters with purity.
For I want to treat individuals
in church with respect and love;
in line with Your direction. Amen.
Lord, help us fulfill our roles and
responsibility to care for our families
including providing for their needs.
Grant us Your provision in our lives;
and we purpose to work diligently.
Help us Lord be good stewards of
the resources You have given us,
using them wisely and generously.
Be merciful to those struggling
to provide for their families.
Open doors of livelihood & provide
them t means to meet needs. Amen
Lord, help us live with integrity,
treating others with love & respect.
Help us be impartial; and following
Your example of truth and justice.
Help those in leadership to make
good decisions that are in line with
Your will and for the benefit of all.
Give them wisdom and discernment
as they fulfil their responsibilities.
And may all our lives be a reflection
of Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.