Read 1
Timothy 4
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.)
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.)
1 Timothy is very
thorough in its instructions to leaders. The church letters (Ephesians-2
Thessalonians) offer general principles and advice, while the pastoral letters
go in depth, seemingly leaving no stone unturned. This reflects how vital it is
to have healthy, functioning churches. Verse 15-16 encourages leaders to “Take
pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be
evident to all … for as you do you will ensure salvation for both yourself and
for those who hear you.” As people of influence, we can never forget that how
we discipline our lives can affect both our salvation and the salvation of
others.
Prayer
and Meditation
1.
We
are called to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness (vs. 7). Ask
God to show you how you can discipline yourself in order to grow in Him (for
example, scheduling more time for devotions, practicing spiritual disciplines
such as fasting, meditation or service, etc.).
2.
Spend
some time in thanksgiving for things in your life. “Everything created by God
is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude” (vs.
4).
3.
Pray
for our leaders at Southland. Ask God to show you specific things to pray based
on what you’ve been reading in 1 Timothy.
