Thursday, October 19

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

"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." (1 Timothy 4:6-10)

In his letter to his disciple Timothy, now a pastor in Ephesus, Paul offers valuable instruction on leading this church and maximizing Kingdom impact.  As you may recall, Timothy likely took this position at a young age.  Paul references his youth as a potential distraction, but he urges Timothy to show spiritual maturity and groundedness as an effective counterpoint.

The collection of the three pastoral letters—1 and 2 Timothy and Titus—open Paul's heart for extending his work beyond his own life and reach.  Paul wrote these letters at the tail end of his ministry, and he motivates his disciples to honor their commitments to the Lord, often noted with "trustworthy saying" remarks.

In this snippet, Paul underscores that our nourishment as believers comes from "the truths of the faith and... the good teaching that you have followed."  We grow due to godly, spiritual training, not from listing to "godless myths and old wives' tales."  In other words, we should seek spiritual truth, not worldly wisdom, to become effective Christ-followers.  He notes that our training doesn't just propel our effectiveness in this life, but also in the "life to come."  Godly trainings makes us more like Christ and prepares us to enjoy His presence now and into eternity.

Paul closes this passage by noting that we may "put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people... "  This hope doesn't disappoint us, for it is rooted in God's faithfulness and the trustworthiness of His Word.  Here, Paul finds motivation in his labor for the Church.  He knows that he has invested wisely by pouring out his life for the Gospel, knowing that its foundations are secure, and its rewards lasting.

What motivates you in your work?  In your relationship with God?  In what practical ways could you invest in training and growth?

Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son so that we may a secure hope in the bright glory of heaven.  Help us to continue growing into greater Christlikeness through our training.  Help us to choose wisely between Your unadulterated truth and worldly "wisdom."  Make us effective and fruitful in our service to Your Kingdom.  In Jesus's Name, amen.