Daily Devotional--3/5/10

1 Timothy 4:16

¹⁶Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Corinthians 10:31-33

³¹So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ³²Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— ³³even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

• Paul is continuing his emphasis from verse 15. What are the two things that Paul exhorts Timothy to give close attention to?
• What does Paul say would be the result of Timothy's clarity and purity?
• Paul tells Timothy that his personal discipline and focus as a Christian can affect another person't salvation. How is this true and to what degree?

Daily Devotional--3/4/10

1 Timothy 4:15

¹⁵Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

• Progress, not perfection, is the goal. What does Paul say to do that would help Timothy to progress is his calling and use of his gifts?
• There is an exhortation to improve, take care of, study, and practice the use of his gifts. Do you take the use of your gifts that seriously?
• What makes this hard?

Daily Devotional--3/3/10

1 Timothy 4:14

¹⁴Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

• Paul knew that Timothy had some skills and abilities to use for God. He's motivating Timothy to put those gifts to use for the Lord. Say your name and read the first portion of verse 14
• Ask the Lord to clarify what gifts He is asking you to put to use.
• Discuss with some of your friends what they think your gifts might be.

Daily Devotional--3/2/10

1 Timothy 4:13

¹³Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12

¹²For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

• What are the three things that Paul instructs Timothy to be doing?
• What value would the reading of Scripture have for the believing community?
• How do reading the Scripture, exhortation, and teaching relate to each other?
• On a personal level, how can you apply Paul's instruction in your everyday life?

Daily Devotional--3/1/10

1 Timothy 4:12

¹²Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

• Why would Paul encourage Timothy, as a spiritual leader, to resist any criticism of his young age?
• Is it age or something else that Paul says "really matters?"
• Of the charter traits listed in verse 12, which of those would you say you model best? Which one is your weakest?
• Ask the Lord to help you grow in these areas as you model your faith to others.