Devote Yourself to Teaching

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Devote Yourself to Teaching

Date: Aug. 23, 2023

Passage

1 Timothy 4:6-16 (ESV)

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 4:7

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;

Paul charges Timothy to teach the believers the word of God carefully. The church was led astray by false teachers who taught them to deny themselves physically by not eating certain foods and not marrying. Paul teaches that though physical discipline has some merit, real spiritual training that builds people up in the word of God is of more value. Bible study requires commitment and discipline to come to the word of God regularly to read it, study it, and grow in the word. This training has great value in this life and the life to come. The ministry of the word is worth our labor to bring salvation to all people who are lost and dying.

At the same time, Timothy faces a tough battle to restore the church due to his youth. The other leaders and false teachers in the church in Ephesus are older, richer, and more successful. Still, he must not let anyone look down on him. By devoting himself to Bible teaching and persevering as a role model in his personal life, Timothy could win over believers and in the battle against false teaching.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, help me to devote myself to Bible teaching and living according to your word. Help me to challenge the culture with your truth.

One Word: One Word: Devote yourself to teaching the word

Fallen Babylon

Revelation 18:1-24

Key Verse: 18:4

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,

  “Come out of her, my people,
    lest you take part in her sins,
  lest you share in her plagues;

Today's Question

What does the third commandment require?

See answer and references