Today’s chapter shows how investing now prepares us for what will come our way in the future…
READ 1 Timothy 4 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
In Paul’s day, they were commanding people to go against two things that have always been foundational to the future survival of the human race: marriage and food. [v3] The lie is easy to spot when your conscience hasn’t been “seared with a branding iron”. [v2] But the message wasn’t about what other people were up to, so much as what Timothy should be doing to invest in his own future.
When Timothy sees and hears about these things, he should do what the ancient prophets always did: point these things out to others. [v6] He then should “stay away from godless myths and old wives tales” himself. [v7] As much as anyone of us would put emphasis on keeping physically fit, Timothy was encouraged to “train himself in godliness”. [v8]
Paul encouraged Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of age. [v12] But instead, he should devote himself to the public reading of scripture – i.e. going to group worship meetings. [v13] He shouldn’t neglect his spiritual gifting that he received from the Holy Spirit when he first became a Believer. [v14] Finally, he should remain diligent, watching his lifestyle and doctrine closely. [v15,16]
Lord help me to prepare for whatever is in my future by investing in it now – in the same way that Timothy did. …Read more?… CLICK to follow “12 November – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think God is saying to you, through today’s chapter.
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in Heaven, how great is Your name! Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”
May we with one mind and one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Romans 15:6]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
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The World: Pray for the Kingdom of Sweden[b]
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Your Nation: God’s Blessing on your country
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Yourself: A desire to be like Christ
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Your concerns for today
Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that You, Lord, are God, and that You are turning their hearts back again. [1 Kings 18-37]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us…”
It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done. [Joshua 7:20]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one…”
Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as You have declared. [Numbers 14:17]
“ For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen”
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual LIFE
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! [2 Corinthians 5:17]
[a] Jeremiah 4:10; 6:14; 8:11&15; 14:13&19; 23:17; 25:37; 28:9; 29:7; 30:5 (Afterwards: 30:10; 33:6&9; 34:5;46:27)