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Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
“Be diligent!” That’s not a phrase, a command you hear much about these days. We want things to come easily. Sweat in the world of pseudo-faith is frowned upon. But Paul wanted Timothy (and us) to know that maturity in Christ requires genuine effort — as Paul said, “give yourself wholly to them” and “persevere in them.” Having a redemptive influence on others is hard work. While it is God’s power that transforms, our efforts are also required if others are going to see our progress and follow our examples. God assures us that our efforts will bear fruit in our lives and lead others to salvation.
My Prayer…
Abba Father, please stir my confidence, courage, diligence, and determination so that I can share the salvation you have lavished on me can be shared with others through my teaching and my example. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Bible References
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
“Be diligent!” That’s not a phrase, a command you hear much about these days. We want things to come easily. Sweat in the world of pseudo-faith is frowned upon. But Paul wanted Timothy (and us) to know that maturity in Christ requires genuine effort — as Paul said, “give yourself wholly to them” and “persevere in them.” Having a redemptive influence on others is hard work. While it is God’s power that transforms, our efforts are also required if others are going to see our progress and follow our examples. God assures us that our efforts will bear fruit in our lives and lead others to salvation.
My Prayer…
Abba Father, please stir my confidence, courage, diligence, and determination so that I can share the salvation you have lavished on me can be shared with others through my teaching and my example. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
1 Timothy 4:15-16
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely, persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Our testimony before the unsaved is very important to God. Reason being is we are living testimonies of Christ!
There is a passage in Matthew that ties in beautifully with these verses in 1 Timothy:
Matthew 5:14,16
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
In this passage Jesus is calling Christians a light in this world of darkness. In John 8:12, He calls Himself the light of the world, the relationship between these verses is that Jesus is the Source of light, and we who know Him as Savior are the reflectors of that light. Our function is to shine for Him in the midst of this sin darkened world. Just as a city on a hill is elevated above its surroundings to shine from the darkness below, so should the child of God shine forth from the darkness that sin has brought to mankind.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can exhibit the traits of Christ’s teaching. When the unsaved look at our lives they should see a difference between us and them. Our lives and attitudes should be so full of love for others that they want that love that only Christ can give a person for themselves!
2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…
Our good deeds then will bring glory to the Father, people will know that it is the power of Christ in our lives that makes us the way we are. We cannot have any “good deeds” apart from Christ, it is strictly Him in us that shines out to others. We have to make a choice as to whether we obey His Word and bring glory to Him, or disobey Him, following our old nature and bringing disaster to our lives in the process! For any true believer in Jesus Christ to experience joy and peace in this life we have to have a purpose in our hearts to live for Him, to walk in obedience to His Word, and to surrender our flawed will to His perfect will for us.
Thank You Lord Jesus for coming to this earth and dying for my sins. Thank You for the indwelling Holy Spirit which comforts, leads, and guides. Help me to be a good reflection of the light that is You to the world around me each day, for Your glory my Redeemer, Amen!