“Exercise is good
for your body,
but religion helps you
in every way.
It promises life
now and forever.”
These words are worthwhile and should not be forgotten. 10 We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, but especially of those who have faith. That’s why we work and struggle so hard.[a]
11 Teach these things and tell everyone to do what you say. 12 Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity.
13 Until I arrive, be sure to keep on reading the Scriptures in worship, and don’t stop preaching and teaching. 14 Use the gift you were given when the prophets spoke and the group of church leaders[b] blessed you by placing their hands on you. 15 Remember these things and think about them, so everyone can see how well you are doing. 16 Be careful about the way you live and about what you teach. Keep on doing this, and you will save not only yourself, but the people who hear you.[Footnotes:
4.10 struggle so hard: Some manuscripts have “are treated so badly.”
4.14 group of church leaders: Or “group of elders” or “group of presbyters” or “group of priests.” This translates one Greek word, and it is related to the one used in 5.17,19.]
RG AUDIO 021015"Watch Yourself" by Author: Cindy Lowcock
Have you ever worked with someone who was so self-absorbed that they were incapable of participating in the tasks required? Sure you have. Almost every workplace has someone who is just too “busy” to join in the work.
Paul’s final words to Timothy are a strong reminder to this younger pastor of the need to watch his own life carefully, as well as investing in the lives of others. Too many times Christians look for the mote in their neighbor’s eye, and don’t see the beam in their own (Matthew 7:5). It is difficult to clearly see our own spiritual deficiencies.
In my work as a Christian counselor, I found too many times that people in ministry are so busy meeting the needs of others that they forget to acknowledge their own needs. Paul reminds the Galatian Christians that “each one should carry their own load” (Galatians 6:5). Sometimes Christians put themselves into compassion overload because they desire to be Christ in the world, but caution is necessary. As Paul reminds us, watch yourself, and remember that faith in Christ gives you the power you need to be obedient to what you know to be true.
Hymn for Today: "We'll Work 'til Jesus Comes"
"We'll Work 'til Jesus Comes"
1. O Land of rest for thee I sigh
When shall the moment come
When I shall lay this armor by
and dwell in peace at home
We'll work till Jesus comes
We'll work till Jesus comes
We'll work till Jesus comes
and we'll be gathered home
2. There are burdens here we all must bear
With trouble pressing so
There will be no sorrow over there
On heaven's peaceful shore
We'll work till Jesus comes
We'll work till Jesus comes
We'll work till Jesus comes
and we'll be gathered home
3. There is work on earth for me and you
According to God's word
and whatsoever work we do
Should be done as to the Lord
We'll work till Jesus comes
We'll work till Jesus comes
We'll work till Jesus comes
and we'll be gathered home
____________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment