Today’s reading: I Timothy 1:1-6:2
My selection: I Timothy 4:6-10
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
My reflections: In this succinct statement, Paul gives Timothy crucial commands for anyone who desires to be a good servant of Christ Jesus.
1. Put truth before those you serve, your brothers and sisters. Do not stray from the teaching you have received by getting into faddish or trendy teachings.
2. Practice what you preach. You yourself must be trained in the words of faith. You yourself must follow the good doctrine, not irreverent, silly myths. This means you not only believe the truth but you train yourself in godliness with the same intensity of an athlete.
3. Set your hope on the living God, the Savior. Do not hope in anyone or anything else. Set your hope on Him. Keep your hope on Him. There is a life to come so keep that before you.
My challenge: Consider your service to the Lord today. Are you a good servant by these standards? What do you teach? How do you live? In whom do you hope? Teach the truth. Be godly in your life. Hope in God alone. Never swerve from this.
Tomorrow’s reading: I Timothy 6:3-II Timothy 4:8
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