Tag: practice
Practice and persistence!
Scripture reading for June 30th: 2nd Chronicles 5-7, Psalm 121, 1st Timothy 4
1st Timothy 4: 11-16 “Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Paul loved Timothy as his own son and gave him fatherly advice to help him in life and ministry in the difficult culture of the early church. He told Timothy not to beat around the bush, but to command and teach all of God’s Word as truth. No fear of man or intimidation was to be allowed because of his youth. He was to set a confident example in living, speaking, acting in love and pure living. The Word of God should be read out loud, as this population did not yet have the Scriptures readily available. God’s gifts received by Timothy at ordination should be used as the Holy Spirit directed. Watchfulness was commanded and needed both in Timothy’s own life and in those he served.
Psalm 121:7-8 “The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this instruction on boldness and practice of Your Word. I want to be a good example of godliness and loving God and my neighbor through the power of the Holy Spirit. My desire is as Yours, I humbly ask for all to be saved and come to a knowledge and practice of the Truth in Jesus Christ! Forgive our sins in our nation and heal our land.
2nd Chronicles 7:13-15 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My Name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will b e open and My ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. (The temple)
Putting on a show!
Scripture reading for August 17th: Isaiah 4-6, Matthew 23
Key Scriptures: Matthew 23:1-5 “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. . .”
One of Jesus’ teachings in the last week of His life involved warning the people about the practice of the Pharisees and scribes. They were preachers who sat in the seat of authority in Israel and taught the Word of God. Jesus encouraged them to listen to them because of their position but not to follow their practice! They were play-actors, putting on a show for others to see but not practicing what they preached! This would bring God’s judgment on those involved!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, deliver me from any hidden hypocrisy–preaching but not practicing–Your Word. Empower me with the Holy Spirit to help people know You by preaching practicing Your Word.
Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Set the example as His Temple!
Scripture reading for June 30th: 2nd Chronicles 5-7, Psalm 121, 1st Timothy 4
Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 4:12-16 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Paul instructed Timothy about how to live as a pastor and lead a congregation as a younger leader. Setting an example by how you lived your life and conducted your ministry was one of the keys to success. The public reading of Scripture would help those who heard and the one who read to line up their lives with God’s Truth. The practice of what was read was imperative. Watchfulness of our personal conduct and our doctrine is a daily necessity. Perseverance in these simple principles would bring salvation success personally and in the congregation.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of proclaiming Scripture and living it out consistently. As Your temple, help me to set an example today and persist to the full salvation of all.
Psalm 121:8 “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
2nd Chronicles 7:16 “For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.”