1 Tim 5
What causes problems in churches?
Often it's people not getting along with each other.
Brothers and sisters do not always dwell together in unity, even though it's God's will.
Paul suggests that we treat other people the way we would treat members of our own family
If the older people complain about things – deal with them as you would your father or mother.
And accept the younger believers as brothers and sisters.
This is simply a call to love others as God loves you.
Not everybody who asks for help should receive it.
That's right.
Charity should begin at home and church leaders must exercise discernment, lest they create more problems than they solve.
Sometimes troubles come because we believe reports that cannot be verified,
or we show partiality,
or we make decisions before getting the facts.
Not every church member has a character as good as his or her reputation, so take care.
1 Tim 6
Watch your motives.
Be obedient, so you do not bring reproach on the Word.
Or show disrespect for persons in authority over you.
Never take advantage of fellow believers, rather do all you can to help them.
Watch your attitudes.
Do you enjoy arguing about the Bible?
Then search your heart to see if any of these sinful attitudes are hiding there.
You can never debate people into the kingdom, or into a more sanctified life.
Watch your values.
Are you content with the necessities of life?
Or must God give you luxuries?
God wants you to enjoy His gifts, and employ them for the good of others.
But beware when your heart is set on getting rich.
Watch your testimony.
Know the things you should flee, follow and fight.
And do not confuse them.
When you think it is too difficult to stand up for the Lord – remember how He stood up for you.
Watch your stewardship.
You have a deposit of spiritual truth to guard and invest.
And the enemy wants to take it away from you.
Beware of those who want to give you so-called 'new knowledge,' beyond what God says in His Word.
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