April 7
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PERSEVERE IN GODLINESS
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.
– 1 Timothy 4:11-16:
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In this letter, Paul focuses on the importance of perseverance in godliness in order to grow faith. He tells Paul to be confident in recommending and teaching the details of how to live righteous lives. In verse 12, he warns his beloved son in Christ Timothy, to make sure that he doesn’t get intimidated by older people questioning his speech, conduct, faith, love and purity. He wants him to lead the people of God to move forward with their hunger for the Lord and be witnesses to others who do not know God and be a role model for other believers to persevere to walk in the Spirit.
He reminds him to ensure that while he is away, the reading of Scriptures in public be done. This is important as it will encourage other believers. Ensuring that sound doctrine is taught to the Gentile believers is something that must not be forgotten.
In verse 14, Paul gives him a reminder to never neglect the prophetic gifts that he received from the elders. It is the highest of all the gifts given to the believers by the Holy Spirit. He wants to make sure that Timothy treasures and use those gifts for the equipping of the body of Christ. In verse 15, he commands Timothy to be ready to suffer and still press on the gifts given to him so that the believers will be exhorted to pursue righteousness as God would expect any believer to aim for.
In verse 16, Paul wants Timothy to examine himself so that he will press on to teaching, rebuking, exhorting and equipping the body of Christ. Paul spells out the reason why this is very important. It will not only save his soul, but also those who hear him prophecy and teach.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some Christians fail in persevering in godliness and using spiritual gifts?