SPIRITUAL DILIGENCE
Opening Prayer
All I have and all I am are Yours, God.
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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What drives you in life? What motivates you? What’s your focus?It was the evening the penny dropped for me. I was sitting in the front row of church, and we were being reminded of the Great Commission and Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations. I finally got it: what’s really going on in this world is God is setting apart a people for himself for his glory. I’d had all kinds of ideas up until that point. It was the Sunday night before a week of campus mission… and I was leading it! 1 Timothy is all about true godliness, and here Paul says, “Timothy, pursue godliness with your whole heart” (7b,8,10,15). But why? Well, it’s simple: because people need to be saved (10,16). That’s what’s really going on in the world, and getting on board with it matters more than anything else.
God had called Timothy, as in different roles according to our different gifts he calls all of us to this mission (Matt. 28:18–20). Therefore, prioritize growing in godliness (8), don’t get sidetracked with gossip and intrigue (7), make the Bible central (13) and don’t hide your gifts (14). Work, strive, be diligent, give yourself wholly to this—it really matters.
Apply
Are there Christian brothers or sisters who really know you and are supporting you to grow in godliness? If not, find several godly people to help you grow in godliness.
Closing prayer
God, help me to become more like You.
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