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1 Timothy   Chapter 4  (ESV)

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 

REFLECTION:

  1. Many people go to the gym to work out in order to develop themselves physically. Christians are to “work out” to develop spiritually. A weight lifter develops his skill by lifting weights. A Christian develops his ability to live a godly life by making godly choices. To grow spiritually, you need to concentrate on those acts that show your love for God and for others.
  2. On a scale of one to ten—one being spiritual flabbiness and ten being spiritually fit—how would you rate your spiritual fitness? Why? How could you make your life a better example for others “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (v12)?
  3. Write these five words on an index card: speech, conduct, love, faith, purity. Ask for God’s help to live out these areas throughout the day.

 

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.

 

HYMN:

Psalm 23 – Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy – youtu.be/Mo3HgtT_OiE