Day 317: 1 Timothy 5:19–25

Some people’s sins are evident, going before them to judgment. . . . Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden (vv. 24–25).

We spent some time yesterday looking at several imperatives for strong ministry that Paul identified for Timothy. Today we consider two others that were part of his instruction to his son in the faith.

“Keep yourself pure” (5:22 hcsb). Nothing marks the erosion of character or has the potential to destroy ministries and testimonies like impurity. Paul told Timothy to “keep” himself pure. The original word for “keep” comes from the word teros, meaning “a warden or guard.” Paul told Timothy to stand as a guard over purity in his own life. I must take responsibility for purity in my life. You must take responsibility for purity in your life. If you are trying to keep yourself pure but you continue to fall, I encourage you to seek godly counsel. A mature and discerning believer can help you identify reasons why you continue to be drawn to impurity. It is not too late to consecrate your life to God and find victory.

“Turn away from godless chatter” (6:20). The word for “godless” is bebelos, which speaks of “a threshold, particularly of a temple.” This “threshold” separates the profane from the holy. If we are believers in Christ, we are sacred temples of His Holy Spirit. We have a choice as to what crosses the threshold and finds a place in our temples. Paul exhorts believers to discern a line in conversation that should not be crossed.

Sometimes we have to think of ways to turn away from godless chatter without deeply offending another person or disrespecting someone in authority. Pursuing godliness isn’t always pleasant. Sometimes we are forced to make difficult decisions. He will direct us how to turn away appropriately. If we turn away proudly and self-righteously, we ourselves have crossed an important threshold. Humility is the earmark of God’s genuine servant. Even when we turn away, we should be humble.

I pray that Paul’s life has compelled you to be an active part of God’s agenda. I hope you will never again be satisfied to sit on the sidelines. I pray that you desire for your life to leave footprints someone else could follow straight to Christ. None of these things will happen accidentally or coincidentally. Godliness and effective ministry take attention, but nothing you could pour your energies into will ever have a greater payoff.