1 Timothy 4
Instructions to Timothy
1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
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Posted for CRB
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.
Certainly another example of words to live by, a motto. One of my favorite mantras from Paul is the "lead by example"--by how we live, not by what we say. Live Christ-like, loving, caring, and let others ask what drives us. I love that not letting people think less of you because you are young part. I'm pretty sure that at that point the Synagogues were dominated by elders, and elderly elders, the old wise men. And here were these younger fellas coming through and introducing this revolutionary Gospel, and I'm sure there was tons of age discrimination, and not taking them seriously. My favorite verse however is verse 15: "Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress". Not approach with caution of work half-heartedly, but THROW yourself into them. Reckless abandon fellas. One of my favorite lines from "Wild at Heart": Show your true weight to the world, and let them deal with the consequences.
Father, continue to watch over us, those in need of your comfort: jrs, Allyson, Eric & family. Please be our cover Father, as we throw ourselves at being better Christian men, at being better fathers, husbands, workers, and co-workers. Help us to attack our tasks with reckless abandon, in Your name, that we may be beacons for you, and be living testaments to Your incredible mercy and grace. We ask these things in the mane of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus,
Amen
crb
1 Tim 4
I knew crb would like the athletic reference
7...Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. 8Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.
So much to live by in this chapter. WE get so caught up in the world we forget where to really train.
Father bring us closer to you. Help us read, study and especially pray daily. Watch over all my brothers and their loved ones this week. Help them to men of integrity and let their actions bring honor and glory to you.
In Christ,
cas
Once again, instructions on how to live our lives. Versus 1-5 warns us to beware of false teachings and hypocritical people. Because these people often instruct us against things that God created and as verse 4 states "all things created by God is good". These versus remind me of other faiths that teach eating certain foods (meats) are unholy and people shouldn't do it. Well, it is clearly stated here that all things created by God is good.
Lord, I come to you tonight, first giving thanks to all that you have blessed me with. As I close my eyes tonight, I ask that you continue watch over me and touch me in the morning with you loving touch. I pray Lord that I continue to grow in you so that I will have a fuller understanding of the bible and your teaching in order to reach lost and misguided souls.
Amen,
LT
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