May 27, 2022

Being Self-Aware for Christ's Glory

1 Timothy 4

Anabella Martinez
Friday's Devo

May 27, 2022

Friday's Devo

May 27, 2022

Central Truth

In a world where we are quick to point out others' flaws, let's actively keep a close watch on ourselves. 

Key Verse | 1 Timothy 4:16

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.

1 Timothy 4

Some Will Depart from the Faith

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

If you put these things before the brothers, 1 4:6 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters 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. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 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. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, 2 4:10 Some manuscripts and suffer reproach because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, 3 4:15 Greek be in them so that all may see your progress. 16 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.

Footnotes

[1] 4:6 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
[2] 4:10 Some manuscripts and suffer reproach
[3] 4:15 Greek be in them

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Dive Deeper | 1 Timothy 4

As we have read the last three days, Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to help a church that had gone south. In a letter to help Timothy correct the church, we see Paul writing not only about the issues within the church, but also about what Timothy should be doing. Why is that? 

In today's culture, we are quick to tell others what they are doing wrong. We have critical spirits. Not only can we be overly critical of people outside the church, but we can also have a critical spirit even when we think about our own church. Now, don't get me wrong—we should faithfully admonish other believers. However, we need to reflect on ourselves before correcting others. Paul is encouraging Timothy to do just that in this section. Timothy needed to make sure he was doing okay spiritually as he was helping his brothers and sisters be more like Christ. Timothy needed to ensure that he had nothing to do with silly myths, but was training himself for godliness and setting an example for other believers. When was the last time you set an example for someone instead of just correcting them? 

And why was it essential that Timothy was physically and spiritually healthy? "So that all may see" his progress (1 Timothy 4:15), and because it would save himself and his hearers (1 Timothy 4:16). Timothy could not help a church or any other believer follow Christ well if he himself weren't following Christ well. This chapter states that people would be saved by Timothy living out the gospel. Now we are called to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), but we also should be living out the gospel through our actions. Would the co-workers you don't talk to know you are Christian because of how you serve others, how you don't gossip, how you work hard when no one is watching? Would your classmates know you are a Christian by the way you don't cheat or how you engage the student no one talks to?

In a world where everyone points out others' flaws, let's spend some time reflecting on how we're doing individually.  

Discussion Questions

1. In what areas of life would you consider yourself a critical spirit or quick to point out flaws? (Unsure when to engage or not in a matter? Listen to Blake Holmes' message.)

2. What steps can you can take when you find yourself being overly critical? (If you can't think of one, simply pray for it/them.) Is there someone you can come alongside instead of merely telling them what they should do? 

3. Is there someone you have been overly critical of within your life that you need to ask for forgiveness? 

4. Take account of the areas in which you are spiritually healthy. What areas do you see opportunities for improvement? 

5. How can your community group or other believers come around you to support you in the areas identified for improvement? 

Be reminded that we can't change ourselves; God is doing the work in us through the Holy Spirit. Spend time praying, asking God for a heart change.