Slices
Prepare
Think of those you know who are vulnerable in some way. What are some ways you have seen the church supporting them?
Bible passage
Widows, elders and slaves
5 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
11 As 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. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Explore
Being human makes us vulnerable. Paul points out that we can be vulnerable in relationships, especially those where there is a power imbalance (vs 1,2). It may be our circumstances that make us vulnerable. Paul highlights the needs of widows (v 3). For us it may be loss of a loved one, or perhaps redundancy, illness or moving to a new area. And of course, each one of us is vulnerable to temptation and sin (vs 2,13–15). Do you feel vulnerable in any of these areas? Or can you identify others who are?
Paul instructs Timothy not just to be aware of vulnerability but to act to protect the vulnerable. We are to honour with our attitude (vs 1,2), our presence, care and resources (v 4). This is a job for individuals (vs 1,2), families (v 8) and churches (v 16) and is a key part of the outworking of our faith (v 8).
We may need help and protection, but vulnerability does not prevent us living a godly life or serving in God’s kingdom (v 10). Jesus sought and served God when he was at his most vulnerable. When you feel vulnerable, do you seek God, putting your hope in him (v 5)? Do you continue to do what you can to serve him (v 10) or do you use your vulnerability as an excuse?
Respond
Where do you feel vulnerable? In what ways do you put your hope in God? Ask God for his help in these areas.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 14,15; Mark 13
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for Assistant Accountant Susannah Quinn and the Finance team as they carefully prepare the yearend accounts. Ask that their hard work and attention to detail will ensure everything is completed smoothly and accurately.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
