July 16
A Spiritual Example
1 Timothy 4:11-13

  1. These things command and teach.
  2. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
  3. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

 

We need to learn to judge things spiritually and not how they appear in the natural.  He tells Timothy to let no one despise or think less of him because of his youth.  How often do we judge people by such things as age, appearance, education, wealth and social status?  God does not judge by those things and we shouldn’t.

He tells Timothy to be an example in word (speech), in conversation (conduct), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith and in purity.  These are areas that all Christians, but especially Christian leaders should be an example in.  And these are areas we should judge spiritual growth and maturity by.

He also tells him to give attendance, or pay attention, to reading, exhortation and doctrine.  In other words, give attention to the Word, both personally and in teaching others.

 

Confession:

I will not judge according to the outward appearance of things.  I will strive to be an example in my speech, my conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity.  I will judge godliness and spiritual maturity and strength by these things and not as the world does.

 

 

Obedience is a tree of life!