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.
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.
Please pass this on. All rights reserved.
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