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May 10, 2020

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These Things Command and Teach

"These things command and teach...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:11-12

Paul had a special love for Timothy, born out of a bond of love in Christ. He saw a heart bent towards God. He wanted to be a spiritual mentor to Timothy, so he could not only be established, but teach others, and be a mentor to them.

He charged Timothy, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). What a challenge! "Be an example of the believers."

Dr. Bill Coker gives specific ways we can be an example and impact lives for His glory: In WORD...Let your life be characterized by integrity. Stand behind what you say, that your word is valid and will not vary, but will be true and steadfast, coming from a humble, sincere heart.

In CONVERSATION...Be sure your speech is seasoned with salt. Let your conversation be encouraging, uplifting, beneficial, challenging, and inspiring to all you meet. There are heavy and hurting hearts that need you to stand beside them.

In LOVE...Underlay your life and ministry with love. "Love suffers long, and is kind. Love does vaunt itself. It does not behave unseemly. Love seeks not her own, is not easily provoked. Love thinks no evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, and endures all things. LOVE NEVER FAILS!" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Adorn yourself in His love! Let His love prevail in all you do and say.

In FAITH...Others will be impacted more by what they see than by what they hear. Truth applied and exhibited in your life is imperative, effective, and fruitful. Let faith have its perfect work and characterize your life. Make it the foundation of your walk and ministry. In PURITY...Live a life that is above reproach. Maintain high moral standards and a life that is characterized by integrity. Be a role model for others that will be constantly looking to see if your faith is verified by the life you live. Let Christ be your example and let His Word be your guide.

In COMMITMENT...Diligently study the Scriptures. Hide His Word in your heart. Make sure it is the rule of your life. Let it be "a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path." Faithfully discharge it to others in word and life so that the Holy Spirit may impact their lives.

In FAITHFULNESS..."Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Pursue with purpose. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Persevere with determination and whole-hearted commitment. God desires to put HIS TRUTH into the minds of His disciples...HIS COMPASSION into their hearts...HIS WILL into their lives...and to make His LORDSHIP SOVEREIGN! Depend upon Him. Accept and identify yourself with Jesus Christ in the discharge of His will. In doing so, you will be His disciple.

It is not a question of how much you know, how much you do, what authority you have, or who you are. It is a question of PRESENTATION. "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). He has committed a ministry to you. Fulfill it in HIS SUFFICENCY.

© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.


This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2020-05-10


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