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329) 1Tim 5:11 . . Refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun
to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation
The Greek words for "first faith" don't necessarily have to do with
chronology. The word for "first" is protos (pro'-tos) which is somewhat
ambiguous. It can refer to-- besides chronology --priority, i.e. order of
importance.
The passage seems to me a caution that there's always the possibility that
young widows will want to get married bad enough to do so contrary to
Christ's wishes that they marry only someone from among his followers
(2Cor 6:14, 1Cor 7:39) thus failing to maintain their loyalty to a higher
power. (cf. Luke 14:26-27)
"And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house,
and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they
ought not." (1Tim 5:13)
It's said that idle hands are the Devil's workshop. The thing is: widows
young enough to hold down a job should try to find one and support
themselves to the best of their ability instead of relying upon a stipend from
their church.
330) 1Tim 5:14 . . I will that younger women marry, have children,
manage their homes, and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.
The Greek word for "younger" actually means new and unused; so I'd say
that Paul's orders are for girls not yet married and settled down and maybe
thinking of putting all that off awhile for careers and/or whatever.
A very real danger for young single women is immorality. Desire, loneliness,
and longings for appreciation, have a way of building up to unbearable levels
in people who live alone; and just about that time, along comes a really
great somebody who maybe breaks down their defenses and gets a little too
chummy. That can be a difficult moment.
● 1Cor 7:2 . . To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let
every woman have her own husband.
NOTE: Immorality isn't the only danger related to long-term celibacy. Those
who've decided on that path need to think rationally and objectively about
their future; and ask themselves: Do I really want to live out my youth
without someone; alone and unloved in the world? Can I bear up without a
nervous break-down and/or turning to alcohol, Prozac, and overeating? Will I
become irritable and difficult, and/or a chronic man-hater like aunt Lucy?
Have to be brutally honest with these questions because one's mental health
is on the line here. It's very possible to wake up one day and realize, with
terrible regret, that you've allowed the best years of your life for love to slip
through your fingers.
/
329) 1Tim 5:11 . . Refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun
to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation
The Greek words for "first faith" don't necessarily have to do with
chronology. The word for "first" is protos (pro'-tos) which is somewhat
ambiguous. It can refer to-- besides chronology --priority, i.e. order of
importance.
The passage seems to me a caution that there's always the possibility that
young widows will want to get married bad enough to do so contrary to
Christ's wishes that they marry only someone from among his followers
(2Cor 6:14, 1Cor 7:39) thus failing to maintain their loyalty to a higher
power. (cf. Luke 14:26-27)
"And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house,
and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they
ought not." (1Tim 5:13)
It's said that idle hands are the Devil's workshop. The thing is: widows
young enough to hold down a job should try to find one and support
themselves to the best of their ability instead of relying upon a stipend from
their church.
330) 1Tim 5:14 . . I will that younger women marry, have children,
manage their homes, and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.
The Greek word for "younger" actually means new and unused; so I'd say
that Paul's orders are for girls not yet married and settled down and maybe
thinking of putting all that off awhile for careers and/or whatever.
A very real danger for young single women is immorality. Desire, loneliness,
and longings for appreciation, have a way of building up to unbearable levels
in people who live alone; and just about that time, along comes a really
great somebody who maybe breaks down their defenses and gets a little too
chummy. That can be a difficult moment.
● 1Cor 7:2 . . To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let
every woman have her own husband.
NOTE: Immorality isn't the only danger related to long-term celibacy. Those
who've decided on that path need to think rationally and objectively about
their future; and ask themselves: Do I really want to live out my youth
without someone; alone and unloved in the world? Can I bear up without a
nervous break-down and/or turning to alcohol, Prozac, and overeating? Will I
become irritable and difficult, and/or a chronic man-hater like aunt Lucy?
Have to be brutally honest with these questions because one's mental health
is on the line here. It's very possible to wake up one day and realize, with
terrible regret, that you've allowed the best years of your life for love to slip
through your fingers.
/
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