Keep Fit
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God, for those You’ve gifted to teach Your Word clearly and faithfully.
Read 1 Timothy 4:6-16
[6] If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. [7] Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. [8] For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. [9] This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. [10] That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. [11] Command and teach these things. [12] Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. [13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. [14] Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. [15] Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. [16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Are you walking in discipline toward godliness?I struggle with going to the gym. It’s probably my pride. Everyone at the gym is faster, stronger, fitter than me–even people who are older and those who seem to be recovering from illness or surgery! If only I would persevere at exercise long enough to get good at it!Paul advises Timothy to be disciplined about learning to be godly (7). He needs to get into the gym of God’s Word and work hard at being shaped up by God’s words, ways, and values. “Train yourself,” Paul says like a personal trainer who simply wants the best for Timothy and his church. But there’s still more for Timothy and all church leaders to do. Teaching God’s truth needs to be accompanied by modeling God’s ways from their own lives (12,13). The Good News of Jesus is always best communicated through lives and words. Even young leaders can influence others profoundly if they do it both ways, for God isn’t restricted by a person’s age.
Apply
Do you need further training in gaining a deeper understanding of the Scriptures in daily discipline? Seek God.
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to live a life of discipline so that I may grow into maturity in You.
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