childrens book 1 Timothy 5 to 6

Childrens Book of 1 Timothy
Chapters 5 - 6

I have written this for children, based solely on the Word of God, but condensed for them... and used Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary for clarification of some words. My added comments are in italics, memory verses are included.

Paul's letter to Timothy regarding how Christians should conduct their lives, and order in the churches.

Chapter 5

Do not correct an elder, but treat him as a father, and the younger men as brothers. (Treat) the older women as mothers; the younger as sister. Let there be no appearance of evil in your behaviour. Respect and care for those that are widows with no means of support. But if any widows have children or nephews, let them (the children or nephews) show godliness at home and take care of their parents, for that is good and acceptable before God.

She that is a widow (with means of support) trusts in God, and continues in requests and prayers night and day. But she that gives herself pleasure is dead while she lives (she is not useful to God, or to the people in her church)

Teach these things so that they (who hear) might be without blame. If any does not provide for his own (fellow believers) or especially for those of his own family, then he has denied the faith, and worse than an unfaithful person.

Do not take a widow into the ones who shall be provided for by the church under 60 years old, and having been the wife of one husband. She must be known for her good works, if she has brought up children, if she has brought strangers into her home, if she has washed the feet of believers (performed lowly tasks for fellow Christians), if she has helped those who were ill, if she has faithfully carried out every good work.

But the widows who are younger (than 60) refuse (to be financially supported by the church) because they might turn aside from following Christ and marry someone who is not a believer. And for this they are judged because they have thrown aside their first faith. And besides that they learn to be idle (doing nothing), and wander from house to house, being gossips, and becoming involved in other people's business, speaking things which they should not. Therefore, I (Paul) would have it that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give no reason for the evil one to speak against them. For some have already turned aside...

If any man or woman that is a believer has a widow (in their family) let them support them, and let it not be left to the church, so that the church may care for those widows who have no family or means of support.

Let the elders (those in a position of authority in the church) that rule well, be worthy of double respect, especially those that work in (preaching of) the word and (teaching) the doctrine. (besides respect, this may also mean financial support for those that have no regular job, but spend all their time as preachers and teachers of the word) Because the scripture says, "the labourer is worthy of his reward"

Do not accuse an elder except before two or three witnesses. Those that sin (members in the church), discipline before all, so that others may fear (and prevent them from sinning)

I command you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the angels in heaven, that you do these things, not respecting one more than another. Do not be too quick to welcome a man, so that you might unknowingly take part in his sins: keep yourself pure (in thought, word and deed)

Use a little wine to help your stomach and the illnesses that you often have.

Some men's sins are clearly seen, showing him to be a sinner, but some men's sins are not so obvious, but they will be made known later. In the same way, the good works of some are clearly seen, but of others, their good works will be shown in time.

Chapter 6

Let those that are servants, respect their masters, so that the name of God and his doctrine are not spoken against. And those who have masters that are Christians, let them not be hated, because they are brothers (in Christ). Instead, serve them because they are faithful and loved, because they share in the blessings of salvation.

Teach these things. If any man teaches against these things, and does not teach the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine of godliness, then he is filled with pride, knowing nothing, but rather wanting questions, and arguments, which produce many problems. Stay away from men with corrupted minds, and who do not know the truth.. But godliness with contentment is great gain. We didn't bring anything into this world, and for sure, we can not take anything out. Let us therefore be content with food and clothing.

They that desire to be rich will fall into the temptations of the devil, and into a trap, and into many foolish and hurtful things.. The love of money is the root of all evil: which some have desired for themselves, they have gone away from the faith, and become very sorrowful.

But you, O man of God, run away from those things: and follow after righteousness (holy living) godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (strength under control) Fight the good fight of faith, hold on to (the hope of) eternal life, which you are called to..

I command you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate was a witness of the truth; that you keep this commandment with a good testimony until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: who, in his time, will show who is the king of kings, and Lord of lords. Who alone has immortality (in himself), living in the light which no man can approach, which no man has seen nor can see...

Command those that are rich in this world, that they not think highly of themselves, or trust in their riches which may be quickly lost, but trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, being ready to give their money to others, and be willing to share.

Storing for themselves (in their good works which the Spirit leads them to) a good foundation against the time to come, (the return of the Lord Jesus) so that they may hold on to eternal life. (to come.)

O Timothy, keep the things I (Paul) have committed to you, stay away from empty talk.. which some have listened to.

Grace be with you. Amen.

Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 6:6 " But godliness with contentment is great gain."

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V. Gross/Jan'07