Friday, June 17, 2016

Beyond the Gospels: Timothy

Today's verses: 1 Timothy 4
[If your Bible isn't handy, click the reference above to read online. Or get up and go get that Bible of yours.]

In later times, some will abandon the faith because of deception. A scary thought. The Word tells us every temptation is common to all people (1 Corinthians 10:13), so what will protect you? me? from falling for a demon-inspired lie?

Paul's letter to Timothy, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us we are good ministers of Christ when we point out these lies to others and tell them the truth. We are not to dabble in myths or old wives' tales. Astrology or fortunetelling. There is one source of truth: The Bible as revealed through the Holy Spirit by the Way of Jesus Christ.

Godliness, knowing and following the way of Jesus, is the spiritual training we need to be striving for. Physical training is good, but strengthening of the spirit has eternal benefits and equips us to recognize the lies of the enemy and share truth with those who may be wavering or lost.

Prayerful study of Scripture should be the primary goal of every Believer. Asking God to teach us how to live out His Word just as Jesus did.

I do not want anyone to fall for the lies of the world, they only lead to death and destruction. Therefore I leave you with God's words to Timothy:

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them,
so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:15-16

Don't be deceived, thinking you don't have an audience, because we all have "hearers." Everyone we come in contact with is watching to see how we live our lives, how we live out truth.

Father God, bless me with a hunger for Your Word and the Spirit of revelation.
I do not want to be deceived. Use me to share truth with those who are listening 
and living out lies. In Jesus's name.

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