An Example To The Believers

VERSE OF THE DAY:  ~1 Timothy 4:11-16 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.  Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.  Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

Paul is now transitioning the chapter from the deception of outward rules and appearances to the benefit of living ‘from’ a transformed heart. He tells the young pastor Timothy that though people may misjudge his youth at first, he can overcome that if he lives as an example of what a changed heart looks like. “Be an example in word, in conduct, in love in spirit, faith and purity.” Fill your mind with these things and give yourself entirely to them.  Take heed to yourself and to ‘the’ doctrine, (notice Paul doesn’t say to any doctrine), and continue in these things for in this is salvation for yourself and those who hear you. In other words, live a life transformed by the gospel and you will have credibility for people to listen to you. The only way to live that kind of life is to allow God to transform us through our surrender to His Spirit and word.

Paul encourages Timothy not to neglect the gift that is in him. It is noteworthy that a gift comes free, if it is earned then it becomes a wage and is no longer a gift. Yet, Paul says not to neglect this gift that came through prophecy and impartation by the laying on of hands. Often times, kingdom gifts come in small or even in seed form and the receiver of that gift must steward it by faithfully applying its use to our daily life. Like a plant or a puppy for your birthday it will bring years of blessing to you but only if you feed, water, groom, train and take care of it. Your ‘spiritual’ gift(s) also will be better received from others if the conduct that flows from your heart’s relationship with Christ matches the fruit of a transformed and Spirit led believer.  

PRAYER: “Thank You Lord for every good gift in my life that has come from You. Help me to recognize the gifts that You send me in “seed” form so that through My relationship with You and a transformed heart I can see the full fruition of Your conduct and love manifest from my life. Holy Spirit as I read scripture I ask You to open my understanding to Your words and increase grace to me that I continue to be renewed day by day. In Jesus’ name amen.”

VERSE FOR FEARLESS LIVING!  ~ Genesis 15:1 “After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”