PODCAST
The Five
August 8th, 2017
1 Timothy 4:11-16
It is one thing to train yourself to be godly when everything’s going well in life: no problems, no problem people, life is a stroll in the park. It is another story to train yourself when insults are being hurled at you, or the stress is great.
Pastor Timothy was evidently being questioned about his qualification to lead because of his young age. The Apostle Paul doesn’t say, “Prove to them you’ve got what it takes: defend yourself.” He doesn’t even say address their concerns. Nevertheless, he does say, “Set an example.”
Paul gave Timothy, and now us, five areas for training: “In speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
How do we respond? “After what they said to us,” are our responses back godly? “After what they accused,” is our life above reproach? After mistreatment, do we love not with just words but with actions?
As we train ourselves to respond in godly ways others, our family, even our accusers will see an example worthy to follow.
Author: Fred Prince
Tags: Discipleship
