In The Word
Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
A Good Minister’s Discipline
6 In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. 7 But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.
11 Prescribe and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13 Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Paul’s role was to mentor Timothy to “be a good servant of Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 4:6). To become that person, Paul told Timothy there are several traits that must be in his life, four of which will be highlighted here as they are true guidelines for us as well. First, we should be “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (1 Timothy 4:6). To become a godly person you must first fill your mind with God’s Word. As the old adage says, “You are what you eat.”
Second, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness … since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Godliness is a life focused on God, which comes from determination to please God and put His truth in daily practice. Our salvation and godly behavior is not just to be displayed at church, but to everyone we encounter. So the third trait is in all of your “speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe … so that your progress will be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:12, 15).
Lastly, you should “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching” (1 Timothy 4:16). You must constantly watch to see if you are moving away from God’s Ancient Path or giving an open door to the enemy. Please take time to examine your life to see if these godly directives from Paul are in your life.