"For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. 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. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
This quote, as is the majority of this letter, was an explicit direction from Paul to Timothy and others, as to how they should conduct themselves in their ministries and as the leaders (Bishops) of their churches. This direction should be noted and followed by every child of God who seeks to be a leader among a congregation of believers.
Although gospel preachers and teachers are themselves no more than sinners saved by the grace of God, they should constantly strive to set themselves apart from others by both their Godly actions and reactions.
If today, all those who claim to be preachers of God's word were to follow Paul's simple directions, they would be far more believable and respected by both their followers in the church and those lost souls who so desperately need to hear the true gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and risen. The message is simple; "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)~
No comments:
Post a Comment