Washing The Feet Of The Saints

1 Timothy 5:5-13 - 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. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 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. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 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 gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.

Romans 12:13 - Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

John 13:14 - Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 - We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

Conclusions:

• The Christian has social responsibility to all people, but especially to other believers
• Christians should be willing to perform the most menial services for one another
• Busybodies are worse than idle, they interfere with other people’s affairs, a problem to which idleness often leads

Application:

• Are you socially responsible to all people?
• Are you willing to perform the most menial services for others?
• Do you interfere with other people's affairs?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible