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19 September 2008
Word on the Web
1 Timothy 4:11-16
Command and teach these things. Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life. Until I come, continue to read the Scriptures to the people, strengthen them, and teach them. Use the gift you have, which was given to you through prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you. Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone. Be careful in your life and in your teaching. If you continue to live and teach rightly, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
Timothy was a young leader in the church. He may have felt worried or nervous about the prospect of working alongside other older leaders in the church. But Paul reminds him here that no-one is unimportant in God's work. Instead, Paul urges him to try and win over other believers by living a life giving love and encouragement to those around him.
It's very easy to be discouraged in our Christian walk by situations that we find ourselves in. Maybe we feel that no-one takes any notice of us because we are too young or too old, maybe we feel that we don't fit in or that we're not good enough.
God can still use us in all these circumstances. However discouraged we may feel, God has work for us to do. Each of us has been given special gifts to use to help further His kingdom. He has a job for each of us to do, living to let others see Christ in us through the use of the gifts he has given us.
Father, thank you for the special gifts you have given me. May I realise that you have a plan for my life and that you want me to use my gifts for Your glory. May I seek to encourage others in using their gifts also.
Written by Gemma Clarke
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
Word on the Web
1 Timothy 4:11-16
Command and teach these things. Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life. Until I come, continue to read the Scriptures to the people, strengthen them, and teach them. Use the gift you have, which was given to you through prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you. Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone. Be careful in your life and in your teaching. If you continue to live and teach rightly, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
Timothy was a young leader in the church. He may have felt worried or nervous about the prospect of working alongside other older leaders in the church. But Paul reminds him here that no-one is unimportant in God's work. Instead, Paul urges him to try and win over other believers by living a life giving love and encouragement to those around him.
It's very easy to be discouraged in our Christian walk by situations that we find ourselves in. Maybe we feel that no-one takes any notice of us because we are too young or too old, maybe we feel that we don't fit in or that we're not good enough.
God can still use us in all these circumstances. However discouraged we may feel, God has work for us to do. Each of us has been given special gifts to use to help further His kingdom. He has a job for each of us to do, living to let others see Christ in us through the use of the gifts he has given us.
Father, thank you for the special gifts you have given me. May I realise that you have a plan for my life and that you want me to use my gifts for Your glory. May I seek to encourage others in using their gifts also.
Written by Gemma Clarke
Word on the Web is provided free of charge as part of the ministry of Church Army.
