1 Timothy 5

8a If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits].(AMP) This is good. The Bible also says in 3 places that faith without works is useless: James 2:18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.(NIV) // James 2:20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?(NIV) // James 2:26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (NIV)Good stuff to remember!

11As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. // 14So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.(NIV) How do you interpret this? It seems sort of contradicting. First saying that they have broken a pledge by marrying a second time, then saying he counsels them to marry. I thought sure that when a spouse died you were released from the pledge of marriage and that this was the one and only situation where God was clear that remarriage was ok.

16Any Christian woman who has widows in her family is responsible for them. They shouldn't be dumped on the church. The church has its hands full already with widows who need help.(MSG) To what extent, do you think, are we responsible?

21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.(NIV) Here, it seems like Paul is telling Timothy in the NIV translation that its ok to drink wine because of being sick a lot from the water. History tells us that water in Biblical times was full of bacteria and sickness and this was the primary reason for them drinking wine. Not for the relaxed feeling that most people here in America drink it. In fact, many other countries around the world still do this because their tap water isn't up to the standards for drinking like ours is. 23Drink water no longer exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.(AMP) This version seems like Paul is saying it is ok as well.

Father God, thank you for your rules. Although they may seem hard to follow, we know that You know what is best for us and You have our best interests in mind. Help us to be mindful of your Holy Spirit and to seek Your face daily. Keep us in Your word, Lord. Give us the unquenchable desire for You. In Jesus Name, Amen.