Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 4:13-16
As we complete our journey this week through 1 Timothy 4:1-16, we find God using Paul to give to Timothy and, of course, to us some final truth to walk in daily. First, in 1 Timothy 4:13, God wants us to share His Word and through His Word to exhort (encourage) and teach others. God’s Word is the only Truth we have and God’s Truth is what God uses, through His Holy Spirit, to change people’s lives (Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 1:22-25, James 1:22-25). Living His Truth and sharing His Truth is what we must be about every day. Second, God reminds Timothy and us not to neglect the spiritual gift(s) that we have through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. God has given each of us gifts and those gifts are often blended with the talents God has given us as well. God tells us in 1 Peter 4:10. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” We must be good stewards of the gift or gifts God has given us. Finally, God tells us in 1 Timothy 4:15 to give our undivided attention to all He has given us and to work hard so everyone sees His handiwork through us. Living out the Christian life is hard work, and we must pay close attention to all God teaches us. We are living for God’s glory and honor. He transforms our lives, and He changes others through our obedience to Him.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you about the gifts He has given you and how you are to be using those gifts?
2. How are you developing and using the gift or gifts God has given you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!