Saturday, November 25, 2006

My verse while working in a leadership sort of position at Christ Community Church is this:
1 Timothy 4:12 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

Because I am a young guy on staff, I need to constantly remind myself of this verse. I am in a similar position to young Timothy - whom Paul wrote this letter to. Paul commanded Timothy to be a man and to be an example (a tupos); literally, a type for the believers there in Ephesus.

Furthermore, the context of this verse is worthy of mention: 1 Timothy 4:13-16 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

Verse 13 - As a young preacher, I am called to focus on three specific points through which all other ministry should flow: (1) to read the Scriptures; (2) to exhort people from the Scriptures; and (3) to teach the Scriptures.

Verse 14 - Paul here is reminding Timothy that he was called by God and that his ministry gifts were evident to all and so Timothy is to not become so timid that he neglects the spiritual gift in which God called him to use there at the church in Ephesus.

Verse 15 - Paul says: (1) Take pains with these things; (2) be absorbed in them (lit. "Be in them"). And as a result of this the progress of young Pastor Timothy and the progress of the church will be evident to all - it will be a solid, biblical and Christ-exalting church.

Verse 16 - Paul concludes the excurses by noting personally to Timothy - as a preacher - to pay close attention both to himself and to his teaching (doctrine; didaskalos). Timothy is to persevere in them. In so doing, he will be preaching the Gospel and will ensure his own salvation and will save others through the Gospel that he is preaching.

May the Lord grant me this mindset as I serve Him at Christ Community Church. May I keep the main thing the main thing.
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