A Saving Lifestyle by Pastor Dave

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
1 Timothy 4: 15-16
 
1 Timothy 4: 6-16
 
     Paul continues on from his warnings against false teaching. He implores Timothy to live, speak and act in a certain way to bless others, the Church and indeed himself. Whilst Paul is addressing Timothy personally there is much in this instruction that can be applied to our lives today. Today we face false teaching and conspiracy theories, we also face challenging times. The fabric of society and community cohesion is easily stretched if not broken in times of confusion and disagreement; at the minimum cracks can appear. In my previous occupation ‘community tension indicators’ were applied in a professional manner to identify early warning signs of trouble ahead. As I look at our society today, listen to folk and consider the news outlets I see such indicators being flagged. So, in this situation what can we do, how can our lives and God’s Church make a difference? We can:
 

1. Warn one another vs.6; against false teaching and encourage each other to hold to the truth of Jesus Christ
2. Train ourselves vs.7-9; in godliness. In effect we are to work to be disciples and imitators of the Lord Jesus
3. Put our hope in God vs.10; who is our Saviour. We are to put real effort into our new life, striving in Jesus for His Kingdom
4. Conduct ourselves in love, faith and purity vs. 11-13; our lives being an example to others. In doing so we are to share the truth of Christ and not allow others to dismiss us because of perceived weaknesses; our strength and truth comes from God
5. Devote ourselves to God’s Word and teaching vs. 13-14; as we considered on Sunday this is most effective within the Body of Christ as a collective community. Studying together (or at least focusing on the same truths) and exercising our gifts in the Church is a powerful witness; it is also God’s will for us

 
     The concluding encouragements are for us to be diligent and committed to this life and witness (vs. 15-16). We are to watch how we live to ensure it is in obedience to God and be sure to understand the truth so that it really is our foundation. Perseverance in this ensures our salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Our witness may also help others be saved (note that the others are described as hearers – our life needs to be explained by the spoken word of Christ’s Gospel, Romans 10: 14). Let us live a saving lifestyle for God’s glory and the blessing of our society.
 
To Ponder: If a stranger visited our Church or met with you personally would they know and see Jesus Christ? How might you ‘train yourself in godliness,’ to help with this life of love and witness?
 
Pray: O Lord, our God, you have given to us the glorious gospel of our risen Savior and Master: Grant that as we joyfully receive the good news for ourselves, so we may gratefully share it with others, and ever give glory to you, by whose grace alone we are what we are: through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
Praise: Salvation Belongs to our God
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc4j4gde9aE
Way Maker
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29IxnsqOkmQ