Day 316: 1 Timothy 4:6–16

Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all (v. 15).

Midway through my preparation for writing this book, I began to realize that one of God’s priority goals is to raise up and encourage passionate, persevering servants who are completely abandoned to His will. Paul’s exhortations to Timothy stand as timeless words of advice to every servant of the living God, regardless of generation or gender. I’d like to look at a few of these today, a few more tomorrow.

“Train yourself in godliness” (v. 7 hcsb). Godliness does not instantly accompany salvation. Remember, salvation is a gift. Godliness is a pursuit. The word meaning “to train” is gumnazo, from which we derive the word “gymnasium.” The apostle drew a parallel between an athlete preparing for the Greek games and a believer pursuing godliness. An athlete who is preparing for intense competition makes frequent visits to the gym.

“Be an example” (v. 12 hcsb). Although Timothy was young, Paul exhorted him not to let others who were older intimidate him. Rather, he should set an example “in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (hcsb). God is practical. His Word works. He wants us to be living proof by our example. If we’re leading but we’re not closely following Christ, we are misleading.

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you” (v. 14 hcsb). When we receive Christ, God gives us spiritual gifts, but they must then be developed, cared for, and cultivated. For example, I received Christ as a young child, but I did not use the gift of teaching until I became an adult. Then God opened a door for me to teach Sunday school. Although He gave me the spiritual gift and opened the door for me to use it, God expected me to accept the opportunity and fan the gift into a flame. Every week I had to study. I also spent numerous hours listening to other teachers. I asked one to disciple me personally. I had to develop a consistent prayer life. I also had to learn from my blunders and lessons that flopped! Still I kept asking God to teach me His Word so I could be obedient. These are a few ways God directed me to fan into flame one gift He gave me. God honors a beautiful blend of gift and grit! He gives the gift, and He expects us to have the grit to practice and learn how to use it effectively.