READ:
1 Timothy 4
In reading through 1 Timothy 4 we experience the challenge to carefully consider what we believe. This can help us see deception for what it is, involve putting off foolish myths or being able to exhort people with the truth of the Word. We need to have convictions, knowing and understanding in our hearts and minds can keep us strong.
But
knowing what we believe isn't always enough. Paul was also calling Timothy out
of his comfort zone, pushing him to take a stand before others. Being bold
isn't always easy. It is often easier to move to the beat of another party’s
drum as opposed to breaking rhythm and standing out. Tet this was the advice Timothy
was given.
To
make matters worse, Timothy was younger than his counterparts, and couldn’t
even back himself up with the authority that often accompanies age. But this
didn't stop Paul from pushing Timothy in this direction. Paul said, "Command
and preach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are
young.” “Thanks Paul. Easy for you to say being hundreds of miles away!" may
have been Timothy’s response at first, but in the end, Paul knew best.
One
quick word of caution: this does NOT mean that young people everywhere should
rise up and rebuke, left, right and center. Bad idea! The important thing to
note is that in this case Timothy is told to do this by his older and wiser
mentor. Before we do anything crazy, run it through a few godly filters, as
well as take it to Jesus personally! This is very wise advice for anyone who
feels that they have both truth and zeal, no matter our age.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
A key to not departing from
the faith as described in verses 1-5 is to move knowledge from your head to
your heart. In other words, it needs to be transformative! Examine how you’re
doing with moving the knowledge you have from the Bible to your heart. Reflect
on the following:
a.
Holy Spirit, how do I shift
my thinking to allow my heart to be transformed?
b.
Is there any area where I
have put myself in danger because I have not internalized your Word?
c.
Show me one person today
that I can share something that I want moved from head to heart. This could be
a conversation, email, text etc.
