1 Timothy 4-7.16.21

SCRIPTURE 

1 Timothy 4:10 

For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

OBSERVATION-What does it say? 

The letters to Timothy and Titus were written as a way to instruct them in their pastoral roles.  We see in these letters ways to handle the different problems they will encounter during their oversight of the various churches they are charged with caring for.  He discusses the various qualities a church leader should possess and he gives advice on personal conduct.  In chapter four of 1 Timothy, Paul addresses the false teachings and false prophets that were beginning to take root in the church.  These teachers were adding practices and requirements in behavior, which were contrary to Jesus’ teachings.  The false teachers were advocating for strict diets and banning marriages.  In instructing Timothy to teach against these things, Paul tells him that his whole life must bear what he teaches others.  He must let the truth shape his whole being, both spiritually and physically.  Regardless of age, true character is where authority is derived.

UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?

This year we will be celebrating the Olympics a year late.  Lately, there have been several specials on TV that follow the lives of the athletes who will be competing.  It’s been fun to catch up on the sports that only get air time once every four years.  The other day, we were watching a show about Simone Biles.  While talking about her accomplishments, she also mentioned the sacrifices she made to become the most decorated female gymnast of all time.  Biles was only 19 years old when she won her first olympic medal, but she was 15 when she won her first world championship.  She was the top women’s gymnast for her entire high school career.  She talked about missing football games, homecoming and prom because she was training.  Her whole life lined up with her dream to become an olympic champion.

In our Christian walk, Paul challenges us to take up the same calling, making our entire life align with the word of God.  Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”(1 Cor 9:24-27)  When our lives don’t match up with our words, our testimony loses its effectiveness.  

LIFE APPLICATION

Jesus, help me to evaluate all the parts of my life. In evaluating my life, help me to eliminate the parts that don’t lead me to you. Help me to keep from adding to your word or taking things away. Help me to always rely on the fact that your word is everlasting and immutable.

-Tyler Galloway