1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
1 Timothy is a letter from the Apostle Paul to a young pastor, Timothy. He is encouraging him and challenging him to keep going, to persist in learning and teaching while paying attention to how he is living his life. It is a good message not only for pastors but for all of us. Whether we realize it or not, we are teaching others.
Many have probably made New Years resolutions to read through the Bible or to commit more time to God in devotions and prayers. They will need encouragement and to be challenged at times to keep going, to persevere and push through. Doing so will be rewarding and keep us from things that may lead us, and we may never know the results of the lessons be taught to us and through us.
In a sermon on this passage, John Piper writes, "When Jonathan Edwards was just 19 he made the following resolution that I think every pastor should make: "Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, so that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same." This is but the pastoral resolve to obey 2 Peter 3:18, "Grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
The mind set to persevere certainly paid dividends for Jonathan Edwards, who knows what God will accomplish through those who have a similar mindset to persevere, to "stay true" (NLT) in studying and teaching His Word.
In Christ,
Mike
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
1 Timothy 4:15-16 New Living Translation (NLT)
15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
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