I
was reading 1 Timothy chapter 4 and verses 12-16 (KJV) the other day and was
struck by Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to be an example to the believers and
to let his progress in the faith be evident to all.
The
passage lists several ways in which Timothy was to do this. In verse 12 we are
told that we are to be an example by our words or what comes out of our mouth.
I am amazed sometimes by what I hear come out of the mouths of Christians and
even my own mouth. Our words reflect what is in our heart (Matt 15:18). We need
to guard our words and make sure they bring life (Pr 18:21) and are full of
faith. (Mark 11:23) Timothy was exhorted to be an example in love (charity);
this is Gods cardinal command to us (John 15:17). We are to love others as much
as we love God (Matt 22:37-40).
The
new spirit inside us (John 3:3-6), illuminated by the Spirit of God (Rom 9:1),
should shine out of us in all we do, in our conduct. Our faith should be
evident to all and an example and encouragement to others.
Finally,
in verse 12, Paul tells us we should be an example in purity. God calls us to
purity in thought, speech and action. Purity is to be without blemish or
contamination. This all sounds like a tall order but Paul in our passage
indicates how we can move in the right direction (verses 13-16). He talks about
doctrine, the word of God, and our need to read study and meditate it. We are
to give attention to it, give ourselves entirely to it and continue in it; get
the idea?
In verse
16 we are told that our efforts will result in our growth and maturation as
Christians and our ability to walk in all God has for us.
Sounds
good to me.
Please
pass this on. All rights reserved.
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