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.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

In Matthew 10:25 (KJV), Jesus told his disciples that: "it is enough for the disciple to be as his master". And who is the master? Jesus, of course, so that is our aim - to be like him.

Paul said in Gal 4:19: "I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you". The Greek word for "formed" means an inward change; it has nothing to do with outward appearance. Paul also said in 1 Cor 11:1: "be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ". In 1 John 4:17 we are told that we are to be like Jesus in this world. In addition, in Ephesians 5:1 we are told to follow and imitate God.

The question is how do we do this? We get a clue in 2 Cor 3:18. In this verse, the Apostle Paul teaches us that as we behold Christ’s glory, as we fellowship with him in the word, we are changed or transformed into God's image by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is doing a work in us as we continue to behold Jesus and receive revelation or understanding of his word. As we see by faith how God wants to change us and all he wants us to be and do, then that allows the Holy Spirit to bring these things to pass in our lives.  We may not be aware of it but our light is continuing to shine more brightly (Prov 4:18) the more time we spend in his presence.

We grow to imitate the Teacher.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

So often we read scripture and yet not get the full impact of it for our own lives. Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and make disciples (Matt 28:18-20). He said in that passage that: "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (KJV); thus, confirming the prophecy of Daniel (Dan 7:13-14).

The power word here is authority. He sent his disciples out in his authority; that means us. Authority for what? Authority to preach and teach the word (Mark 16:15; Matt 28:20), to make disciples (Matt 28:19), to cast out demons and heal the sick (Mark 16:17-18).

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Through his death and resurrection Jesus utterly defeated satan and took back all power, victory and authority (Col 2:15).

We are his brothers and sisters (Rom 8:29), God's children (John 1:12-13), joint heirs with him (Rom 8:16-17) and seated in heavenly places with him (Eph 2:4-6). We share in his victory, power and authority. We have been taken out from under the power of darkness and placed in Christ's kingdom of light (Col 1:13-14).

We are kingdom kids, charged to assert kingdom authority on this earth in Jesus name. When Peter healed the lame man at the Gate Beautiful in Jerusalem he did it in the name and power of Jesus (Acts 3:6). We have the same power and authority so let's go and bring light and abundant life into the world.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

In reading the books of Exodus and Leviticus lately I have been impressed by God's order and detail in his commands for the design and preparation of the tabernacle and the system of sacrifices and offerings. The dress for the priests was specified in detail and they were to be purified and sanctified to appear before him in the tabernacle or they risked death. Two of Aaron's sons disobeyed God and failed to follow his instructions and as a result fire came from God and consumed them (Lev 10:1-3). God required obedience with the sacrifices; only the very best, with no blemish, was acceptable.

We serve a mighty, awesome God who deserves our praise, worship, obedience, reverence and honor. We do not live under the Old Testament law, as a legalistic system of requirements (Rom 6:14) but as born-again Christians, we have a new spirit in relationship with God and his Spirit dwells in us (John 3:5-7; 14:16-17). As such, his life in us makes us want to walk in obedience to him (Rom 2:14-15). We are exhorted to do all things as unto God (Col 3:23). God looks at the heart (1Sam 16:7) and if our heart is right before him we will naturally want to walk in obedience, love and awesome fear and respect before him; giving God the honor he deserves.

If Jesus was coming to church next Sunday, in the flesh, as a visible person, how would we present ourselves? Would we be in church, would we be on time? Would we prepare our hearts beforehand and repent of any sin or unforgiveness? Would we be well prepared and carefully organized to honor him? Would we bring our best offering? Would we come to love and adore him from our hearts and hang onto his every word? Would we come in love and forgiveness towards others?

Jesus is in church, in us, every Sunday; let's give him the honor he deserves.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

With all Your Might.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might" (Eccl 9:10 KJV). How many employers would love to hire people who have this attitude; well if they hire Christians this is what they should see. As Christians we are to shine in all we do; people should see our good works and I believe that includes integrity in the work place (Matt 5:16). The Bible does say that if a man won't work he should not eat (be paid) (2 Thess 3:10).

Our verse from Ecclesiastes also applies to our Christian walk in general. We are to be lights to the world (Matt 5:16); Jesus told us to go and preach the gospel and make disciples all nations - that sounds like with all your might (Mark 16:15-18; Matt 28:18-20).

God is love (1 John 4:8) and his love has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). We are called to love God with all our might and likewise our neighbors (Luke 10:27). But who is my neighbor the lawyer asked Jesus (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan came to the aid of a wounded man from a nation that would have nothing to do with his own people. Jesus said you go and do the same.

In the early church the disciples showed love and care for each other with all their might (Acts 2:42-47). This is how our churches should be. Such love in action adorns the gospel of Jesus Christ and attracts people to Christ. (Titus 2:10)

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com