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the  Preachers  blog

Blogs are posted every Wednesday

True Living by Pastor Dave

9/18/2020

 
“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6: 11-12a
 
1 Timothy 6: 17-21
 
     One of my pastimes for a while was rock climbing. A friend introduced me to the sport and taught me. I had a harness, rope, protection (various pieces of equipment that secured me to the rock face) and climbing shoes, the soles of which were made of the rubber used for aircraft tires, so they really gripped. My major early problem was that I didn't trust this equipment, I wanted to trust myself. I would hold on to the rock with everything I could even considering using my teeth at one point! This tired me quickly and put me at risk on the cliffs; it was false security. It was also a desire for self-control. I had to learn to obey his instruction, to let go and trust the gear to find real freedom and enjoyment in true rock climbing.
 
     In the closing remarks of this letter there are strong words for Timothy. He is to 'command' the rich and 'guard' his faith. Both directives have at their heart warnings against self-sufficiency and arrogance; trusting false foundations. They encourage ‘true life.’ The rich are not to falsely feel superior because of their wealth which in reality gives no lasting hope. Affluence can disappear in an instance and provides no answer to death and eternity. Instead they are to put their hope in God, enjoy the life He has given and bless others with their fortune (vs. 17-18). Timothy is to watch over his faith and responsibilities. He is to avoid self-promotion through 'godless chatter' and false truths which argue a superior knowledge to God (vs.20-21). These commands are given in love so that the recipients may enjoy the life God has given and ensure they have true eternal life (vs. 19). 
 
     This ancient letter is so relevant for us today. It warned the early church against false truths, trusting in foundations other than God and gave practical encouragements to the body of believers. The same issues and principles are at play today in different guises. Self-sufficiency is promoted and explanations other than God are offered. These cause a person to put their trust in themselves, wealth or knowledge to the exclusion of God; life, freedom and true enjoyment are not found in these sources. The sadness here is that God offers exactly this and the path to true living and eternal life. We gain this life by losing ours, trusting Him and being part of the Body of Christ. May we heed the warnings within, follow the encouragements and jump into the loving arms of Almighty God to receive this life. The means for such fulfillment are found in the gift of God recorded in the closing blessing of the letter, grace; may ‘Grace be with you all!’
 
To Ponder: What do you trust before you put your trust in God? What do you need to let go of to enjoy true living in Him; how will you do this?
 
Pray: Almighty God through your Son our Saviour you have opened for us a new and living way into your presence and life eternal. In your grace enable us to fully trust you, follow and obey you, that we may worship you in spirit and in truth. Keep our hearts pure and steadfast. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
 
Praise: O Spirit of the Living God
​Spirit Lead Me by Michael Ketterer & Influence Music
​



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St Aidan’s Anglican Church
274 Campbell Street | Winnipeg, MB R3N 1B5
Phone: 204.489.3390 Email: staidans.churchoffice@gmail.com
  • Home
  • Worship Online
  • The Preachers Blog
  • Bible in a Year
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • The Re-Gathering
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  • Prayer Requests
  • Request Pastoral Care
  • Give
  • Grocery Pick Up
  • Statement of Faith
  • Video Archive
    • 2023 Videos
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    • 2022 Videos
    • 2021 Videos
    • 2020 Videos
  • Sermon Audio Archive
    • 2020 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centered Eternities November 2019
      • The Real Joy of Easter - Holy Week 2019
    • 2018 Sermons
    • 2018 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centred Church Spring 2018
      • A Gospel Shaped Church Fall 2018
    • 2017 Sermon Series >
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
      • The Saviour King Lent 2017
      • The Victorious King Holy Week 2017
      • The Living King Easter 2017
      • The Brother King Fall 2017
      • Worship the King Advent 2017
    • 2016 Sermon Series >
      • Real Obedience Lent 2016
      • Unity of the Church
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
    • 2015 Sermon Series >
      • Real Gifts 2015
      • Real Mission 2015
      • Mission Discerned
    • 2014 Sermon Series >
      • Real Church 2014
      • Real Lives 2014
    • 2013 Sermon Series >
      • Real God 2013
    • Sermon Archive From 2014 - 2017
  • Christianity 101
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  • Bible in a Year
  • The Re-Gathering