2 Timothy 2:24-25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

How do you interact with those around you? Are you a shining example of the light of God? When others look at you, do they see the character of Christ? In this passage, Paul is exhorting Timothy to be gentle and not to be quick to get into arguments with others. Instead, Timothy was to be an example and teach others how they were to live their lives.

Do you remember when you drove a car for the first time? You may have watched your parents drive for so many years and you thought it was so easy to do all the right things. However, it was not as easy to obey all the rules and to be aware of all your surroundings. You had to experience driving, it was not enough to simply observe your parents, read the rules, and take a test. Until you had gain practical experience you could not become a proficient driver.

Timothy had been around Paul a lot and Timothy had seen the example of Paul. Because of all the time he was around Paul, Timothy was probably well versed in speaking the ways of God. However, there was one more thing that Paul made sure he instructed Timothy to do over and over again. Paul understood that it was not enough to simply have hung around in the right crowd and to be able to quote all the scriptures with your head; if Timothy did not take the time to live the character of Christ, he would not reach the full potential that God had for him.

You may go to the best church in the world, that does not make you a better person. You may be able to site half of the New Testament, that does not mean that you are walking the walk. Each one of us need to daily examine our life to see if we are living a life that is pleasing to God. Timothy needed to be reminded that it was important that he not only know the doctrine but that he allowed the love of God to change his life.

Peter was a man who was called to serve Jesus. For three years he followed Jesus Christ and understood many deep truths. However, Peter was still more concerned about what others thought of him. Thus when it was pointed out that Peter was with Jesus, Peter denied the fact three times. It was not until Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and he started living his life according to the glory of God that Peter was finally able to make a difference in the world.

We often spend so much time filling our mind with wisdom of the ways of God that we forget to apply the basics to our life. Timothy was told to live at peace with his brothers and that he was to be patient and instruct others in the way that they were to go. This was not an easy task, but it was an important lesson that Timothy needed to apply to his life.

When David was a young man, he did not have the wisdom of years of battle. David did not know how to use a sword and a shield. All David knew was how to trust in God. Because David was more concerned about a right relationship with God, God was able to use him to remove an enemy from the land.

We cannot always anticipate what God is going to do next in our lives. We must learn to be patient and allow God to have HIS perfect way in us. Remember, people cannot see God and so our life may be the only example they have of the character of Christ and HIS love for this world.

Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Paul had just gone through a period of waiting. Paul had been separated from the man whom God had given him to assist him in the vision of being an evangelist. During this time of waiting, Paul was faithful to the Lord, but he was not nearly as active in his evangelistic ministry as he had been in the past when Barnabas or Silas were by his side. Paul understood that he was commissioned to be an evangelist along with Silas and as long as Silas was not with him, it appears that the blessing of the Lord to be in the full time ministry was not with him.

Paul desired to be preaching the gospel all the time but instead he had found himself in Corinth practicing his trade of tent making. While this would not have been Paul’s first choice of what to do with his time, Paul had learned to be content in whatever state God had put him in. Because Paul was content, we find that Paul helped Aquila and Priscilla grow spiritually and they were very helpful in the ministry of the local church.

Paul did not know how God was going to be using Aquila and Priscilla later on in his life. If Paul had insisted in going forward and trying to be very evangelistic while God was telling him to wait, he first would not have experienced the blessings of God in his ministry and he would not have been faithful in working with Aquila and Priscilla.

God had a purpose in making Paul wait. Yes the winning of souls is an important thing, but there was a season in the life of Paul where he needed to win souls and there was a period of time where he needed to wait and disciple the believers whom he already knew.

In this verse, it is clear that God had made known unto Paul that his time of waiting had come to an end. Paul’s time of waiting came to an end when Silas and Timothy arrived on the scene. While we do not know all the reasons why God or Paul felt Paul needed Silas and Timothy, we can surmise that one of the reasons is because these men helped keep Paul accountable for what he said. Furthermore, scripture tells us where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there. Paul may have understood just how important it was for God to be with him when he preached so he desired these men to be beside him.

Just because God has you in a period of waiting, it does not mean that HE has no purpose for your life today. God has a purpose for your life and it is your responsibility to be active in serving HIM. God may be telling you to wait in one area of your life but as was true here in the life of Paul, God may be giving you a green light in a different direction.

If God has given you a vision but has put up a wait sign, do not be discouraged, the period of waiting will soon be over. Patience is just one of the many precious promises of God that belong to us because of our relationship with Him. We often do not seen patience as such a great thing, but it is during the times of patience that we are able to experience God in a way that we never imagined.

Stop focusing all your attention on what you desire but which God has not given to you. Instead, focus your attention on where God has placed you today and what God can do through you today. God will not hide from you when it is time to proceed with the great vision HE has for your life; as such, take your focus off the future and put it on today.

Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Paul and Silas were in Berea and the Jews in Thessalonica came and stirred up some trouble for Paul. As a result, the believers in Berea sent Paul away while Silas and Timothy continued to serve the Lord in Berea. Paul traveled to Athens and once he arrived, he saw a need for his team to preach and so he sent for Silas and Timothy.

Paul desired to preach in Athens but he understood that God had him waiting and watching for a season. Even though Paul would rather be actively serving the Lord by preaching, Paul understood that there was a time that he needed to wait. Paul used this time wisely and he was found in the synagogue and in the markets daily.

Paul understood that God had called him to be an apostle to the Gentiles, but that did not mean that he was always going 100%. Instead, there was a time when Paul needed to stop and observe just how great the harvest was. If Paul was doing what he thought the will of God was, he probably would not have observed just how much bondage the people in the city were in.

In the same way that there were seasons in the life of Paul, so also are seasons in our lives. Paul had a vision, and he saw how the Lord directed him, however, just because he was where the Lord wanted him, that did not mean that he was able to do what the Lord had called him to do. Paul needed to wait for the perfect timing of God.

God has a perfect plan for us. This means that HE will direct us and HE will protect us. However, just because we know what God wants us to do and where HE wants us to do it, it does not mean that it is the perfect timing of God. We need to be patient and wait for the perfect timing of God. By waiting on the perfect timing of God, we can experience an even greater blessing from God.

It is hard to wait when you know what God’s plan is for your life. Nonetheless, just as Paul had to wait, so there will be seasons in our life where God has us to wait. This means that when God shows us it is time to wait, that is what we should do. We should learn to praise God for the time of waiting and follow the example of Paul to make sure that we remain useful to God during the time of waiting.

It is hard to wait when you want to be doing the perfect will of God. However, the perfect will of God must coincide with the perfect timing of God. David was anointed king so thus it was the perfect will of God to be king, but he still needed to wait for the perfect timing of God once Saul had died.

When it becomes clear that God desires you to wait, thank God. We must learn to be content with wherever the Lord puts us. As long as you are looking at what God is not allowing you to do today, Satan will be winning the battle over your mind. Spend the time praising God and allow God to show you what HE would have you to do today.

Even though Paul was not to do what HE wanted to do, God still had a purpose for his life at that time. Paul needed to wait for Silas and Timothy but this time of waiting was not in vain. Paul waited for the perfect timing of God and God was glorified in his life.

Acts 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:

Paul had patiently waited in the city of Corinth for the Lord to allow him to preach the gospel. When Paul reached Corinth, he understood that it was not the perfect timing of the Lord so he made tents while he waited for direction. Once Silas and Timothy arrived, Paul felt pressed by the Holy Ghost that it was time to preach. However, the response of the people was not good and Paul wiped his feet and left.

Paul was obeying the commands of Christ that when they were rejected that they were to wipe their feet of any dust on them and leave a city. Paul had waited all this time for the perfect timing of God and he was disappointed that all he found was opposition. Paul was ready to give up and move to another town.

What Paul apparently did not know was that his preaching had caused some to accept Christ as their personal savior. We know that the chief ruler of the synagogue believed. Paul had seen surface resistance and what he did not know was that God was working in the hearts of men. Paul was ready to give up but God was just beginning.

Paul had been pressed in the spirit to preach the first time, now God spoke to Paul in a vision to clearly present the plan that God had for the city of Corinth. This was not the time to depart; this was the time to press on. This was not the time to quit; it was the time to receive a great harvest.

We must be careful that we do not give up too early. Discouraging things can occur in our lives from time to time but that does not mean that God is not in what we are doing. As Christians, we need to be careful to hear the still small voice of God so that we can fulfill HIS perfect will. Just because we are facing a difficult time, it does not mean that God is not in what we are doing.
David had been anointed king, but he still had to run for his life for approximately 13 years. How many times could David have started to question the anointing of the Lord? How many times could David began to doubt if he would ever live to see the fulfillment of the promises of God. The Bible is full of examples of people who suffered great difficulties as a result of doing the perfect will of God.

The things of this world can easily discourage you. We are not in a season where people are living in the fear of the Lord. This means, when you are following the perfect will of God that there will be times of discouragement where you may want to just give up.

Paul experienced a death of a vision. He waited and waited for the perfect timing of the Lord and then was discouraged when he saw no fruit. God spoke to Paul a second time and it is when Paul was faithful to continue to serve God despite the initial rejection that Paul finally saw the fruit that he desired.

Discouraging things will occur in your life. If you have a right relationship with God, HE will be able to guide you in the way that you are to go. This means that you cannot afford to allow the things of this world to control you. Instead, you must add temperance to your life and say no to the things of this world so that God can direct, protect, and provide for you. Until you are ready to do the perfect will of God, the things of this world could easily persuade you to do otherwise.

Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Paul was in a period of waiting of his life. Paul understood that he had been sent out by the church as a team with Silas. Silas was still working with Timothy in another town and as such, Paul was waiting for the day to be reunited with Silas and Timothy. In the meantime, Paul was in Corinth and he met Aquila and Priscilla. Paul chose to stay with Aquila and Priscilla because they also were tentmakers.

Paul understood that there are seasons in life. Paul had had times were he was in the full time ministry, and now he was in a period where he had to wait on the perfect timing of the Lord. Since he was not in the full time ministry, this meant he needed to work for his daily substance. However, even while Paul worked on making tents, Paul found opportunities to minister unto God. While making tents may not have been his great calling from God, it was a way that God could meet his needs and open the door for other ministry opportunities.

The job that God has you in today may be more than just a job. God may have some special opportunities for you where you are at today. When was the last time you prayed for God to use you where HE has you today? It is easy to pray that God would open some great door for you in the future, but what about HIS perfect plan for your life where you are at today.

It does not matter what God is having you do today; God has a purpose for your life right where HE has placed you. Are you content right where God has placed you or are you looking for greener pastures? It is easy to claim that you are discontent because you want God to use you more. Nonetheless, Paul was a great missionary who was use to preaching the gospel every day; God had him making tents for a period of time while he waited for something greater.

It is easy to become discontent with where you are at. Joseph was placed by God in a prison to wait for the perfect time where he could ascend to second in command of all Egypt. However, while Joseph was faithful in doing his best in the prison, it did not mean that he did not long to be home with his family. When Joseph interpreted the dreams of the baker and the cup bearer, he requested that he be released from prison. God had a different plan for the life of Joseph and HE made sure Joseph stayed in place until God was able to reveal HIS full plan.

You do not know all that God has in store for you. However, you do know where God has placed you today. Are you faithfully serving HIM where HE has you today? Are you seeking to be a faithful steward with your time, talent, and treasure?

If you are looking at your job as an opportunity to make it rich in this world, you have the wrong perspective. Your purpose on this earth is not to see how much wealth you can accumulate. Instead, your purpose is to see how much heavenly treasure you can accumulate. You cannot only accumulate heavenly treasure if you start saying no to the things of this world and start saying yes to the things of God.

As you focus your attention upon the ministry that God has for you where you are at today, then you can have a proper perspective in life. Temperance requires that you demonstrate self-control so that the things of this world do not control you. As you put the things of God first in your life, your life will take on a whole new meaning as you see God open new doors of ministry.

Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were preaching in Berea. When the Jews heard that Paul was in Berea, they came to Berea to stir up some trouble. Paul left for Athens while Silas and Timothy remained with the Christians in Berea. Once Paul reached Athens, he sends for Silas and Timothy. In this passage we see that while Paul was waiting in Athens for Silas and Timothy to join him, he was watching the city and it grieved him how the city was dedicated to serving the false gods of this world rather than being faithful to the one true God.

What grieves you today? When you look at the world that you live in, do you see the greed and corruption and grieve or do you simply think it is the business world that we live in today and you go about your daily life?

Paul saw that the people of Athens were more concerned about the things of the world then the things of God. Because these people were serving the gods of this world, Paul saw the great need that they had for hearing the Good News. Paul desired to share with them the truth of scripture; he could not sit around and do nothing when he looked at this city given to idolatry.

Does the sin of the world around you cause you to desire to share the truth of scripture? When you see people walking down the path of destruction which leads to hell; are you concerned about their soul? Do you find yourself staying up late praying to God that HE will heal the land and cause this nation to once again do that which is right in the eyes of God?

How can you have a heart for the world around you when your heart is clouded by the things that you possess? If the things of this world control you, when you see the world doing that which is right in their own eyes, you will not be convicted to pray for them as you ought. Why should you be concerned about those around you when they are simply acting in their best interest? You are doing the same thing, so you are definitely not in the position that you can boldly speak into their lives.

Paul was more concerned about the things of God then he was about the things of this world. Yes Paul was human and he had needs; but Paul trusted in the Lord for his direction and provision and as such, he was able to have a heart after the heart of God. When you are more concerned about the things of this world then you are about the things of God, you will never have a burden to reach the lost like Paul had.

You must learn to say no to the things of this world. It is easy to become addicted to the things that the world offers. The world tries to ensnare you by causing you to desire something that it can offer which then crowds out your ability to fully dedicate yourself to the cause of Christ. You must learn to add temperance to your life. This means that when the world offers you its best, you can say no so that God can be number one in your heart and mind.

You will never have a clear vision of the sin around you as long as you are in the same mud puddle as the world. You must abstain from the things of this world so that God can open your eyes to the idolatry of the world. By separating yourself form the world, you position yourself so that God can use you to make a difference. If you want to fit in with the crowds, continue to pursue what the world has to offer; if you want to make a difference, then you must repent.

1 Timothy 4:13 to exhortation

Timothy was a young man who was called by God to preach. However, because of Timothy’s age, there would be many people who would be inclined to ignore the message that Timothy preached. As such, Paul gave Timothy five lessons that he should implement into his life so that his ministry would not be diminished. The first lesson that Timothy was to learn was that he was to be an example to others of the change that happens to one who fully belongs to God. The second lesson that Timothy was to learn was that he was to give attention to three things.

The first thing that Timothy was to give attention to reading the Bible. The second thing that Timothy was to give attention to was exhortation. Timothy was to understand the scriptures so that when he was counseling with people, he could encourage them to do what was right in the eyes of God.

The gift of exhortation is one which every Christian needs to practice. You, at some time will go through some kind of trial that will discourage you. When you go through a trial and desire to give up, it will be good to have someone right beside you who can encourage you in the ways of God. The more trials that you go through, the easier it will be for you to relate to someone else’s trial that they currently face. You can be a comfort to them just as God will bring others into your life to be a comfort to others.

Timothy was instructed to give close attention to exhortation. Everyone likes a little encouragement. If Timothy was quick to give encouragement to others, then when he was preaching, those same people who he had reached out to give encouragement to would be less likely to despise his youth.

Youth tend to be self-centered and thinking only about their own needs. When you are actively in looking for how you can meet the needs of others, others will notice the difference and they will not be so quick to dismiss God’s calling for your life.

If God has called you to do great things for HIM, then you need to start looking for opportunities to minister to others through your words. Be quick to give comfort to one who is down. Be quick to encourage those who you see doing that which is right in the eyes of God. As you look for opportunities to lift others up, you will find that your ministry will grow.

1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading,

Timothy is a young man who has the calling of God to preach. Paul is advising Timothy of five things he needs to do in order to ensure that the message he preaches is heard and not simply discarded because of Timothy’s age. The first thing Timothy was to do was to set an example. The second thing Paul instructed Timothy to do was to give personal attention to three areas of his life in order to improve himself.

The first area that Timothy was to give attendance to was reading. Timothy was to continue to educate himself so that others would not look down on him. When Jesus was 12, we know that Jesus was in the Temple and that the religious leaders were astonished at Jesus’ wisdom. At first, the religious leaders probably were trying to discourage Jesus from talking since we all know that a 12 year old does not know nearly as much as a trained religious leaders. However, because of who he was, by the time Jesus’ parents found him in the temple, the religious leaders were astonished at Jesus.

People are quick to discount youth because of a lack of education. Paul was instructing Timothy to give attention to reading. By taking the time to read, most importantly the scriptures, Timothy would have a better understanding to talk authoritatively to those who God brought to him to minister to. By understanding the law, the prophets, the judges, Timothy could effectively preach to those around him of the evidences that Jesus Christ was the Messiah.

If you are young and you desire to be used of God, you need to take the time to understand the scriptures. You must take the time to read and know the scriptures so that you can apply the scriptures to everyday problems. Solomon once said that there is nothing new under the son and as such, your understanding of the scriptures will help you be more effective for the kingdom of God.

Give attention to the word of God because the better you know it, the harder it will be for someone to discount your ministry. Give attention to your spiritual education. Your spiritual education will determine just how much God can use you to touch the lives of others.

1 Timothy 4:12 in purity.

Timothy is a young man who has been called by God to preach the gospel. Paul is advising Timothy on the things that he should do so that his message is not ignored by people who think Timothy might be too young to fully understand the deep doctrine of the Christian faith. Paul gives Timothy five things that he must do so as to ensure that no man despised Timothy for his youth.

The first thing that Paul instructed Timothy to do is to be an example to the believers. Timothy was to be an example to the believers in six areas of his life. The first area that Timothy was to be an example is in the words of his mouth. The second area is in his behavior. The third area is in his demonstration of his love for the Lord and his love for his neighbor. The fourth area is in his relationship with the Holy Spirit. The fifth area is in his faith. The six area is in his purity.

Purity begins in the heart. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that if a man even thinks adulterous thoughts, then he is an adulterer. It is a high standard that God has placed upon Christians. We are not only accountable to HIM for our words and actions, but we are also accountable to HIM for our thoughts.

Because of his young age, people were probably watching Timothy very closely to see how he interacted with the young ladies. In fact, Paul tells Timothy that he is supposed to treat the younger women as sisters, with all purity (1 Timothy 5:2). If Timothy did not treat the young ladies as sisters, then people might start wondering if Timothy was using the pulpit to find himself a wife. If Timothy was not first an example of purity to the congregation, his message would quickly be dismissed.

God may want to use you to shine the light to those who need to develop a closer walk with the Lord. These individuals may have a problem with purity. If you are not an example in how to walk in purity, then when you are around these people, you will not be able to help them because they will see your shortcoming in the area of moral purity.

You must learn to remove those things in your life that are hindering you from fully ministering to those around you. Moral sins in your life are one of the biggest things that Satan will try to distract you with so that your effectiveness for God diminishes.

You need to learn what it means to be pure not only in words and actions but also in your thoughts. Pray that God will give you the strength to be an example to others in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 in faith

Timothy is a young man who has the calling of God to preach. Paul is instructing Timothy how to act so as to ensure that his message is not lost on individuals who believe he is too young. Because of Timothy’s age, it would be easy for others to discount him and as such, Paul instructs Timothy on five things that he must do so that no man can despise his youth.

The first thing that Paul instructs Timothy to do is be an example to the believers. Paul specifically gives Timothy 6 areas that he should be an example in. The first area Timothy is to be an example in is in the words that he uses. The second area is in his behavior. The third area is in his love for his fellow man. The fourth area is that he must properly demonstrate being filled with the Holy Spirit. The fifth area that Timothy must be an example in is his faith.

How could Timothy be a pastor and expect others to follow his example in serving Christ if Timothy first did not demonstrate to those around him that he had complete faith in a God that he could not see. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Every day, as a Christian, we are put to the challenge of whether or not we believe that there is a living God who knows our every action, word, and thought.

It takes faith to believe in a God that you cannot see. It takes faith to follow a calling that may result in others ridiculing you. By being a Christian, Timothy was not going to be the most popular person in the city. Timothy was willing to follow the calling of God. Timothy was willing to hear the still small voice and HE was willing to go wherever the Lord led him and do whatever the Lord desired him to do.

By being an example to others of faith that was within him, Timothy was showing to the church what it meant to be a Christian living by faith. When others saw Timothy living by faith, they would be less inclined to discount him because of his age. His spiritual maturity quickly overcame the excuses that others would make of Timothy’s youth.

If you are young and you are called by God to do great things, then you need to work on your spiritual life to make sure you are an example to others of the faith that is within you. Make sure that your faith is not just the faith of your fathers, but is a living faith. You need to have the faith that you are serving a living God. As you are an example to others of what it means to have faith, God will be able to expand your ministry regardless of your age.

1 Timothy 4:12 in spirit

Timothy is a young man that God is using mightily to help build the New Testament church. Paul is advising Timothy of things that he must do in order to assure that the message God has given to him is not discredited by others because of his young age.

Paul gave Timothy five general instructions of what he was supposed to do so that no one would despise his youth. The first thing that Paul told Timothy to do was to be an example. Timothy was to be an example in six different aspects of his life. The first area that Timothy was to be an example was in his words. The second area that Timothy was to be an example was in his behavior. The third area that Timothy was to be an example was in his love for his fellow man. The fourth area that Timothy was to be an example was in spirit.

The word used as spirit in this passage is also used to mean Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the comforter sent by God after Christ returned to heaven. It is the Holy Spirit who is to help guild us in the way were are to go. By the help of the Holy Spirit, a Christian can discern whether they are doing that which is right in the eyes of God or doing that which is right in their own eyes.

Timothy needed to be an example to the believers of living a life full of the Holy Spirit. If Timothy was to be a leader of a New Testament church, then he first needed to demonstrate to others that God was with him and that God was directing his life. How could Timothy expect to lead others in a closer relationship with God if Timothy had already rejected the gift that God had given to him?

If you desire to be used of God, then you need to first be an example to others of how God is a part of you. If people look at you and see the love of God reflecting through your life, then they will know that the message that you are sharing is coming from God. However, if others look at you and fail to see that the Spirit of God fills your life, then they can find many excuses as to why your message will quickly fade and why they do not need to heed the words that you speak.

The Spirit of God needs to control your life. When you speak, it should be the Spirit of God guiding your mouth so that HE receives the glory. If you are not an example to others in living your life under the influences of God’s Spirit, then do not expect others to follow your example.

1 Timothy 4:12 in charity

Paul is teaching Timothy five things that he needs to do in order to ensure that the message that he preached is not dismissed because of his age. The first thing that Paul teaches Timothy that he needs to do is to be an example. Paul gives Timothy six areas that Timothy needs to pay attention to in order to assure that when people looked at him, they did not see just another youth with a lot of energy, but that they saw an individual who had matured.

The first area that Timothy needed to be an example in was in his words. The second area that Timothy needed to be an example in was his conversation, or in other words, his behavior. The third area that Timothy needed to be an example in was in charity. Love is an important thing. Christ commanded us that we are to love the Lord with all our heart and love our neighbor as our selves. If the world saw that Timothy showed genuine love, then even though he might have been a youth, the love of God through Timothy would expand his ministry.

The world needs to see the love of God reflecting in your life. If the world cannot see the love of God shining through you, then why should they believe the message that you preach. Most youths are extremely self-centered. If Timothy acted just like every other young man and simply did not love the Lord with all his heart or love his neighbor as himself, Paul was warning him that people would despise the message that he preached because the world would not see how the message of Christ has changed Timothy.

If you feel God has called you to be used by HIM to reach others, then you need to first look at your own life. You must be the first convert of what you expect God to do to others. If the message has not changed you, why should it change others?

People are willing to follow leaders who have something to offer. While they may choose not to follow a leader who in their mind is young, they will follow a leader who not only talks the talk but that they also walk the walk. The more that others can see how God has changed you, the easier it will be for them to follow your example no matter how young you are?

1 Timothy 4:12 in conversation,

In this passage, Paul is instructing Timothy what to do in order to ensure that his age was not used against him. Timothy was a preacher who while he was called of God, had the problem that he was not very old and as such, he was probably afraid that some people would not take him or the message that God had given to him very seriously.

Paul gave Timothy five things that he needed to do in order to ensure that people did not discredit him simply because of his age. The first thing that Paul instructed Timothy to do is to be an example to the believers. Paul gave Timothy six things that he should be an example in. The first area Timothy was to be an example to his fellow believers was to be in the area of his words. The second area that Timothy was to be an example to his fellow believers was in his conversation.

The Greek word that is translated conversation in this passage has the meaning of behavior. Paul instructed Timothy that when others looked at him, his behavior should be such that others saw the light of God reflecting through Timothy. It was important that Timothy be careful with his mouth what he said, but it was also important that the actions of Timothy conformed to the words that he spoke.

Paul understood that people know you by the words that you speak, but that they know you even better by the walk that you walk. It does not matter how righteous your conversation is, if people see you living like the devil, they will have absolutely no respect for your testimony. Timothy could have been full of many wonderful words, but if the saints saw him living a life that was more like the world than that of Jesus Christ, the saints would use Timothy’s age against him to prove to themselves why they did not need to listen to the new kid on the block.

If you are young and you desire to do great things for God, then you must ensure that you are not acting like all the other young people your age. The world may condone certain youthful activities, but if you are going to step up to the plate and allow God to work through you to draw them into a more closer relationship with God, then your life must be an example. Your actions must be such that the world cannot point at you and say that you are just an immature youth who still needs to learn the lessons of life. When your behavior is that of a mature adult and you come preaching a powerful message given to you by God, then God will use you to do many wonderful things.

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word,

Paul is writing this letter to Timothy. Timothy may be a young man but he has the calling of God upon his life. However, Timothy cannot afford for people to not pay attention to the message that God has given to him and as such, Paul is giving Timothy several things that he needs to do in order to ensure that his listeners do not refuse to listen to him because they think that he is not mature enough yet.

Paul gives Timothy five things that he must do so as to ensure that the message that he is preaching is heard and accepted. If Timothy is not heard, the church will suffer. The first step that Timothy must do in order to gain the trust of a more mature audience is that he must be an example. Paul gives Timothy six areas that Timothy must be an example to early New Testament Church. By being an example in these areas, the older adults would see that Timothy is not acting like a youth and thus because he was acting in a more mature manner, they would be more inclined to listen to his message.

Paul teaches Timothy that he first needs to be an example in word. This means that Timothy must be bold in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Timothy is speaking with others, the words of Christ should not be far from his lips. If Timothy were to simply act like a youth, then his mouth would not be full of the truth of Scripture. If Timothy’s regular conversation did not match what he was preaching at church, the congregation would say that Timothy’s actions and words do not match and thus Timothy would lose a lot of credence.

Timothy could not afford to talk like a youth. If he was going to be an example to the Church as to what it meant to be a Christian, then Timothy had to change and he had to allow Christ to first change his mouth. The more truth that came out of his mouth, the more those around him would see Christ in him.

If you are a young man or woman who desires to be used of God to do great things, then you must first show to those around you that God has changed you. You can talk all you want about all the things you desire to do, but if you do not allow Christ to change you, the world will see you as just another youth that has great visions but does not have what it takes to put them into action.

All around you, young people are using swear words in their daily conversation. If you allow your vocabulary to be just like theirs, how can you expect God to use you to lead many to HIM? You must be an example to the world and that example starts with your language. If you sound like the world, why would the world want to change and accept the gift of Salvation? If the words of your mouth are glorifying to God, then the world can see the difference and they will see the love of God reflecting through you.

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth;

Paul is speaking to Timothy and shows him how he is supposed to act despite his young age. Many people look down on youth as immature and inexperienced but Paul desired to give Timothy some direction so that he would know how to act so as to not only obtain the attention of his elders but to also be effective for the Lord.

Paul tells Timothy that it is up to him to take control over what others think of him. Paul gives Timothy five things that he must do in order to ensure that others do not heed his voice just because of his age and inexperience. The five things that Timothy was commanded to make a part of his life are as follows: be an example, give attendance, neglect not his talents, meditate, and closely monitor his own life.

Before we get into the five things that Paul commanded Timothy to do we first must look at the proceeding verse in which Paul tells Timothy that he is suppose to command and teach. Paul understood the principle that you do not know something until you can teach it. Thus, it was not only important that Timothy apply these five elements to his life, but that he also needed to teach them to others.

The first thing that Timothy was commanded to do was to be an example to others. Paul told Timothy to be an example in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity. Timothy was to be different. He was not to live his life as other individuals his same age. Instead, Timothy was to demonstrate his faith in everything he did. By being different, others took notice that there was something different about him.

Paul told Timothy to be an example in word. This means that he could not talk as everyone else talked. Timothy had to watch his mouth and he had to make sure that the words that he spoke were glorifying to God. Paul told Timothy to be an example in conversation. The word conversation here can be interpreted behavior. This means that Paul was telling Timothy to not only watch the words that he spoke, but to also ensure that his actions were in accordance to the principle of God.

The next two areas that Paul told Timothy to be an example in was in charity and spirit. Timothy was to be an example to others of loving his neighbor as himself. As Timothy loved the Lord and loved his neighbor, others would see in him a Christ like spirit that would draw others to the love of God.

Timothy was also told to be an example in faith and purity. Others needed to see in Timothy that he not only could talk the talk but that his walk was alive. Even though Timothy was young, his faith should be matured and he should be helping others grow in faith. Timothy could not afford to allow moral sin to destroy his reputation. If Timothy was doing what was right in his own eyes, it would not have mattered how much he was an example unto others, his moral violations would cause others to instantly despise his youth and not hold him in high regard.

The second thing that Timothy was commanded to do in order to ensure that others would not despise his youth was that he was to give attendance. Paul gave Timothy three things that he was to give attendance to. Timothy was to give attendance to reading, exhortation, and doctrine.

Paul wanted Timothy to spend time reading the word of God. The more time Timothy spent reading the word of God, the more knowledgeable that he would become. Timothy was also supposed to listen to the exhortation to others. This means that he was to heed the advice of his elders and he was to combine it with his reading so that God could lead him in the way he was to go.

Timothy was also to pay attention to doctrine. The word doctrine here is also the word for instruction. Paul was one of many instructors in the life of Timothy and Timothy was not to forsake the wise instruction of Paul. Just because Timothy found himself in a position of authority, this did not mean that he was not to seek the wise counsel of those who God had placed as an authority in his life.

The third thing that Timothy was commanded to do in order to ensure that others would not despise his youth was that he was to not neglect the gifts given to him. God had given Timothy certain talents that were the results of others laying their hands upon him and praying for him. God had a special purpose in his life, and Timothy was instructed to not forsake those things that God had given to him, but that he was to exploit the gifts of God.

God gives us certain talents for a reason. We are not to be ashamed of these talents but are to use them for the furtherance of HIS kingdom. Rather than run away from our talents in some false appearance of humility, we should embrace them and allow God to work through them to open up the doors so that he is glorified.

The fourth thing that Timothy was commanded to do in order to ensure that others would not despise his youth was that he was to meditate. Meditation is the act of taking what you know and applying it to your life. Meditation also requires further study. It means that you go deeper into the word to make sure you fully understand what God is trying to tell you out of the passage.

In Psalms 1, David mentions the man who meditates day and night. One of the blessings of the man who meditates is that all that he does will prosper. Paul teaches Timothy the same principle. One of the blessings that Timothy will receive by meditating upon the Bible and giving himself fully to it is that God will make sure that everyone can see the prospering.

The fifth thing that Timothy was commanded to do in order to ensure that others would not despise his youth was that he was to take heed of his life. Paul understood that Satan is a deceptive individual and he loves to catch us off guard. If Timothy would be vigilant in ensuring that he was maintaining his walk with God, then it would be harder for Satan to cause him to slip and soil his reputation.

Imagine you are walking on a path late at night. If you wonder off the path, you could easy be lost and may have to wait for others to come and rescue you. Thus, it would behoove you to ensure that you do not wonder off of the path. This means that you are quick to heed the correction of others. It also means that you allow God to open your eyes so that you can see your weaknesses and how HE can make you better.

Timothy was given a blueprint of what he should do in order to ensure that God was able to use him. God is looking for those who are willing to be used of HIM. Why wait until you are old to start serving the Lord. Instead, start serving the Lord today. If you desire that the Lord use you now, you will need to follow the five steps that Paul instructed Timothy in. Timothy was to be an example, he was to be a learner, he was to use his talents, he was to meditate, and he was to closely examine his own life. By doing these things, Timothy could have a dynamic ministry now and he would not have to wait until others thought he was mature enough to serve God.

Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Understanding the will of God means you wait when God desires you to wait and you proceed when God gives you the green light. In this passage, we see that Paul understood the timing of God. Paul had been called to preach the gospel of Jesus, but that did not mean he preached when he wanted and where he wanted. Instead, Paul had discretion and he allowed the spirit to guide him as to when and where God desired him to preach.

You would think it foolish for a farmer to plant wheat in field A, but to spend all his time watering field B in which nothing was planted. The farmer knows that his crop is in A, and as such, he should be directing his workers to take care of the crop in field A. If the workers pay attention to the farmer, they will spend their time where their labors will bring the most fruit. However, if the workers simply did what they wanted, when they wanted to, they might spend time working on field B in which nothing exists.

God knows who is ready to hear the gospel. God knows whose heart is ready for a seed to be planted. Just because you witness to someone, it does not mean that they will be saved on the spot. However, the fruit of your witnessing will greatly increase if you are sharing with those whom God desires you share with. If you are witnessing using your own strength, then you will be frustrated, because you might be spending a lot of time in a field that is not ready to hear the truth God has for them.

God waited until Silas and Timothy showed up to assist Paul before he released Paul to testify that Jesus was the Christ. Paul was letting his light shine in the community by going to the synagogue. However, he waited until God gave him the go ahead before he started sharing the truth that was in his heart.

Think of a young girl who desires to be married. She spends her time playing with her dolls and talking about the day that she is married. However, just because she has the desire to be married, it does not mean that she is ready to be married. The young girl needs to mature before she is ready to make a commitment for the rest of her life. It is easy for the young girls parents to see that their daughter is not ready for marriage.

You are too close to your life. It is hard for you to make the right decision based solely upon your own understanding. Your view of the world is tainted by your perspective. You need the guidance of God to help direct your steps. You must learn to seek the perfect will of God so that you do not act rashly or outside the perfect timing of God. This means that you must spend time getting to know God better so that you can do what HE desires according to HIS perfect timing.

What good will your life do if you are doing the right thing at the wrong time. You will be frustrated that your effectiveness for God seems to produce no results. It is good to be a doer of the word, but you still must do it in HIS timing. In order to understand the timing of God, you must spend time listening to HIM. Just because you know the will of God, it does not mean that the time is now that you should be doing that will. Just because you think it is a good time to do the will of God, it does not mean that it is the perfect timing of God. Take time to seek God and HE will direct your steps. Allow God to guide- you every step of the way.

Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Paul left Athens and went to minister in Corinth. Silas and Timothy were still in Berea ministering to the people there. Because he did not have the accountability and help of Silas and Timothy, Paul was not as active in his missionary work. He still went to the synagogue every sabbath and persuaded the Jews and the Greek. When Silas and Timothy showed up, he was pressed in the spirit, and testified that Jesus was Christ.

While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy to arrive, he found a husband and wife team of Aquila and Priscilla whom he lived with. Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers and Paul practiced the trade of tentmaker with them. Paul, the great missionary understood the trade of tent making and while he was waiting for his God given partners who assisted him in his missionary work to return, he earned a living. However, Paul did more than just earn a living. It is clear that Paul must have been discipling Aquila and Priscilla. After Paul left we see them ministering to others and discipling them.

Paul understood that until Silas and Timothy arrived, he was not to be as active in his missionary work. Yes, he still went to church and he still shared the gospel, but he understood that God had given him Silas as his partner for this particular missionary journey. When Jesus had sent out the disciples to preach the gospel, he sent them out in groups of two. When Paul took a journey, he always traveled with another person. Since Paul was separated from his team, he understood that he needed to wait for the rest of his team before he continued.

There are times in your life where you know what the will of God is for you, but you must wait. This was one of those times in the life of Paul. Paul knew that he was called to be a missionary, but he needed to wait for his partner that God had given to him. Because Paul was in a period of waiting, he remained productive by working a trade, tentmaking.

God has given you a ministry. Do you know what it is? If you know what it is, do you know whom God has brought into your life in order to fulfill that purpose? Just because you know what job you need to do for God, it does not mean that you have the green light to do it right now. You must understand that there are times in your life where you must wait on God. There are times where you must work and do other ministry work while you wait for the perfect timing of God to do that which HE has shown you HE desires you to do.

It takes knowledge of the ways of God to not only know the will of God but also HIS timing. You do not automatically find out the will or timing of God just because you proclaim to be a Christian. Instead, you must spend time seeking God so that you can find HIS perfect will. As you draw closer to God, you will learn HIS will and more importantly HIS timing.

Be careful that you are not a lone ranger in your pursuit of the will of God. While there are some who God called to work on their own like John the Baptist; even Jesus made sure that HE had disciples around HIM to help HIM in HIS ministry. Jesus did not need the accountability, but HE had it anyways. Remember, where two or more are gathered in HIS name, HE is with you. Whatever ministry God has called you to, how much more effective will it be if you do it with those who are also called to the same ministry. Wait on the perfect timing of God.

Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

Paul had recently left the church in Jerusalem where he argued that circumcision was not necessary in order to be saved. When Paul reached Lystra, he came across Timothy who was a disciple who was well reported by the Christians in that area. The father of Timothy was a Greek but his mother was a Jew. Timothy did not need to be circumcised in order to be saved, but Paul still chose to circumcise Timothy.

Paul did not circumcise Timothy so that he was saved; Timothy was already a disciple serving the Lord. Because the father of Timothy was a Greek, the Jews in the community knew that Timothy was not circumcised and as such, they tended to think less highly of him. Paul out of discretion had Timothy circumcised so as to help Timothy remove all stumbling blocks to his public ministry. The gentiles did not seem to care whether or not he was circumcised, but the Jews, especially since he was half Jew, did have a hard time believing the spirituality of Timothy since he did not follow the basic teaching of a Jew that you must be circumcised.

Paul could have spent years preaching to the Jews about the fact that there was no need for circumcision, but instead, Paul recognized that by circumcising Timothy, it would free Timothy to have a more effective ministry. It was more important that Timothy remove all obstacles then it was to stick fast to a doctrine. Out of love, Paul had Timothy circumcised. It would not pay to be right and see many refuse to hear the truth of the gospel. Instead, Paul was training Timothy to love those whom he was called to serve and to be willing to lay down his personal rights so that the gospel of Jesus Christ might be spread.

There are times in our Christian lives that we must stand alone upon our convictions and there are times when we need to demonstrate love one to another and put others first so that our listener is not distracted and is able to fully hear our message. Daniel is an example of one who had to stand alone for his convictions. Daniel and his three friends refused to eat the meat of the king and God blessed them for their stand and they were mightily used of God. Daniel could have said that he was in a foreign land and as such, he needed to do what everyone else did. He no longer was in Israel. However, by the wisdom of God, Daniel understood that he was to make a stand and God blessed him.

As a Christian, you will often face difficult decisions like Daniel and Paul. Do you stand by your convictions or do you demonstrate love to those whom you have been called to serve so that the gospel of Jesus Christ can be easily shared. By your own strength, you cannot properly make this decision. Instead, it is going to require that you understand the will of God for your life. If you do not take the time to understand the ways of God, how can you expect to have the full blessing of God upon your life as you daily walk in HIS perfect will? The Christian walk is not easy, and it is full of difficult decisions in which only a knowledge of the ways of God will enable you to do the right thing in the right way.

You must take the time to add to your life knowledge of the ways of God. The closer your relationship is with God, the easier it will be for you to discern how God desires you to interact with the world around you. Draw nigh unto God and HE will draw nigh unto you. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and HE will ensure that you know the way you are to go.

I Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

The Greek word that is translated science in this passage is the same Greek word that Peter used in 2 Peter that was translated knowledge. At this time in history, there were many who were pretenders of knowledge; they pretended that the things they espoused were true because they were educated, but this knowledge was empty, and it was not of God.

In today’s society, something similar is going on. We see many people in the name of science claiming that the earth evolved. Those who teach the theory of evolution sound like they know what they are talking about, until they are in a debate with an individual who is able to show the great errors in thinking of evolution. There are many who blindly believe the theory of evolution just because of how it is taught.

In this passage, Paul is warning Timothy to stay away from false knowledge. Paul desires Timothy to concentrate on those things that are true. Timothy is to add knowledge of the ways of God to his life. It would be real easy to be caught up in the false teachings of the day, claiming that one was learning these false teachings so that they could properly debunk them and bring many to a saving knowledge of Christ.

When a banker is learning how to recognize a counterfeit dollar, they do not give the banker a million different variations of counterfeit dollars and tell them to study the counterfeit. Instead, they give the banker a good dollar and make the banker study that dollar till they know its feel and its every feature. Now when a banker sees a counterfeit, they should recognize it because it is different from the true dollar.

God has given you the truth. HE has given you the Bible. There are many false teachers and doctrines out in this world today, but rather than taking the time to study all the teachings and thus increase your knowledge in things that are not pleasing to God; you must spend your time studying the truth of scripture. As you fill your life with the knowledge of the ways of God, God will be able to give you the wisdom to debunk the false knowledge that is propounded by the world today.

Be careful about what knowledge you fill your life with. God can open and shut many doors based upon what you hold as most important in your life. If you decide to put the things of this world first in your life; why should you expect to see the blessings of God upon your life? If you follow Paul’s advice to Timothy and avoid obtaining false knowledge and instead keep the truth of God in your heart; you will be in a position that you will hear God’s still small voice. When you know what is important to God and you do it; God will be able to bless you.

You need to add knowledge of the ways of God, not knowledge of those who desire to reduce God’s influence upon their lives and the world. As a Christian, understanding who God is and what HE is doing in your life is more important than filling your head with knowledge that will only puff up and cause you to second guess your relationship with God. This does not mean that the Bible is the only book that you study, but it does mean that you must be careful about the ideals of men in order to cross examine them with scripture to ensure that you are not led astray. Cross examine everything you learn with the scriptures so that God will be pleased with you.

Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Paul had already been taking the time to preach in the synagogue every Sabbath. However, now that help had arrived in Corinth, God opened the door for Paul to go do what Paul desired to do, preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. God understood that the people in Corinth were ready to hear the truth, but he had Paul wait until help arrived.

Why God waited to press upon Paul that he could now preach the gospel is not known. However, what is known is that God’s perfect timing corresponded with Paul receiving help. It could be God did not want Paul to work on his own because God did not want Paul to become proud in how God was working through him. It could be that God knew the harvest would be abundant and that Paul could not handle the harvest on his own. Whatever the reason, God caused Paul to go through a period of waiting before HE released Paul to fulfill God’s purpose for his life.

You could imagine Paul’s prayers prior to Silas and Timothy’s arrival – Lord, it is your will that I preach the gospel, YOU have commissioned me to be your servant, it is the desire of my heart to preach the truth of YOUR Word to these individuals who are lost and bound for hell. Lord, I desire to be used of YOU. Open the door for me to preach.

Waiting is never easy, especially when you understand what God’s direction is for you. Jesus understood what HIS Father’s business was yet HE had to wait until HE was 30 years old. Waiting on God’s perfect timing is never easy but it is necessary if you really desire to please God. God’s work done in your timing will not produce the results you would have received had you waited for God’s timing.

Because Paul understood what God’s will was for his life, he was ready to proceed with God’s will as soon as God let him know the timing was right. Paul’s desire was to do the will of God and as such, he put himself in the position that he could hear the still small voice of God and instantly react. Paul had his mind upon the things of God; he was simply waiting for God to speak.

You may already understand God’s will for your life but you might be waiting for God to release you to do HIS will. If that is you, it is extremely important that you learn to add virtue to your life. You need to learn to put on the mind of Christ and to think upon those things that are pleasing to God so that when God’s timing is perfect, you will be prepared to hear and obey. Imagine a soldier who knows the battle is imminent. This solider would not be very wise if he was not spending his time preparing his mind, body and equipment.

When you find yourself waiting for God to reveal HIS perfect timing, you need to take the time to draw closer to God. Take the time to add virtue in your life. Waiting is never easy, especially when you know what God desires you to do. However, waiting gives you the opportunity to properly prepare yourself, it gives you the time to ensure that your heart and mind are right before God. Allow God to have HIS perfect work in you by waiting for HIS perfect will to be completed in HIS perfect timing. Be a good soldier by adding virtue in your life. Change your mindset to be thinking upon the things of God.

Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Paul left Athens and came to Corinth. He was still waiting for Silas and Timothy to arrive from Macedonia. While he waited, Paul stayed with Aquila and Priscilla and worked with them as a tentmaker. Paul was called to be a great missionary yet he was willing to do manual labor. Paul’s calling to be a missionary did not cause him to become proud and refuse to do manual labor. Instead, Paul was willing to humble himself to earn wages while he waited for the Silas and Timothy to come.

However, just because Paul was doing manual labor, this does not mean that he put aside spiritual things. Paul went to the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded the Jews and the Greek. Paul may not have had a large focus on being God’s missionary to Corinth, but he was not going to stop sharing the Good News of God’s gift of Salvation.

Paul understood that even though he was called to be a missionary, there would be periods of time were God desired that he wait. This was one of those times that Paul had to wait until God gave him the green light to go into his fulltime work of being a missionary. While Paul did not have the green light to fully minister unto this community, Paul remained faithful to God and shared the truth of what God had done with those who God placed within his area of influence.

You know that Paul would have preferred to be preaching the gospel and disciplining the new converts in the way they were to go rather then doing manual labor in mending tents. Yet, Paul understood the importance of being in the center of God’s will and doing things in accordance with HIS� timing. God was going to release Paul to fully share the truth with this community, but in the meantime, Paul had to wait for God to send him help.

Because Paul had added virtue to his life, Paul was thinking upon the things of God. Paul was seeking the Lord and waiting on the Lord to show him when to go and when to wait. Paul’s change of mindset allowed him to humble himself and wait while the Lord brought to him those who could help him fulfill his ministry. Because Paul had the mind of Christ, while he waited, he made himself productive in working with Aquila and Priscilla not only manually but also on a spiritual level. Because Paul was thinking upon the things of God, he put himself in a position where he could still serve God while he waited for God to release him to fulfill the thing that God had called him to do.

God’s timing is always perfect. In order to properly hear God’s timing, you need to have a close relationship with God so that you can hear HIS still small voice. By adding virtue to your life, you will be thinking upon those things that God desires you to think upon. Your relationship will be closer and you will be able to carefully follow God’s will. It does not matter what your calling has been, there will be times where God desires that you wait. You need to be alert to the voice of God so that you can stop when God tells you to stop and go when he releases you to your calling. By applying virtue to your life, you will be in the position like Paul were he was able to humble himself and do manual labor because he understood that God’s timing was not perfect yet. Virtue will give you the strength to wait when you have the desire to fulfill God’s direction for your life.

Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Paul, Silas and Timothy were traveling city to city preaching the good news of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. It became their desire to go and preach in Asia, nonetheless, God forbid them from going to Asia. No reason is given; all they knew was that God shut that door.

Paul desired to preach the gospel. What better desire to have then that. However, even though the desire of Paul’s heart was to preach the gospel, it was not the will of God for Paul to go to Asia at this time. God thus shut this door by very clearly speaking to them and letting them know that they were not to go. Paul probably wrestled with God on this issue. You could imagine him praying the Psalm of David, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Paul probably reminded God of how HE was called to be a missionary to the Gentiles. However, the most important thing is that Paul obeyed God and did not go into Asia until God permitted him.

What are the desires of your heart? Just because the desires of your heart are scriptural and follow God’s plan for your life, it does not mean that you will obtain the desires of your heart immediately. God has a perfect plan for your life and sometimes HE desires that you learn to wait for the desires of your heart before HE gives it to you. God’s timing is always perfect.

When God does not give you the desire of your heart right away, do not turn to scripture and start finding reasons why God must give you your desires in your timing. Instead, demonstrate the condition laid out by David which to learn to delight in the Lord. Do not delight yourself in the Lord simply to receive the desires of your heart. Instead, because God has not given you the desires of your heart, you need to learn to delight in God so that you fully understand HIS purpose and direction for your life. Do not think that just because you are now spending more time with God that now HE must give you what you want. Instead, your focus must be upon HIM and learning HIS purpose regardless of what you desire to do.

Imagine a teenager who desires his parents to give him a car. He asks his parents for the car but they say no. He could sit in front of his parents and tell them all the reasons why they would be benefited by giving him a car but until he takes the time to learn his parent’s reasons why they do not give him a car, he will be simply butting his head against a wall. What if his parents feel he is not mature enough to handle the responsibility? By taking the time to learn why his parent’s denied his request and then changing, he will be in a better position to actually receive his request.

Your relationship with God is very important. The closer your relationship with God, the better you will be at hearing HIS voice. By adding virtue to your life, now your mind is upon doing God’s will. However, just because you desire to do something, it does not mean that God is going to give it to you immediately. Instead, your focus must be upon hearing God’s direction for your life today. The more you seek to do that which is right in God’s eyes, the better position you will be for God to give you the desires of your heart.

Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him: and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

Paul desired that Timothy assist him in the ministry. However, before Timothy was permitted to serve, Paul circumcised Timothy. This is the same Paul who went to Jerusalem and argued vigorously that circumcision was not necessary among the Gentiles. Paul however choose to have Timothy circumcised because he did not desire that there be any obstacle in Timothy’s ministry.

Paul did not circumcise Timothy so that he was saved. Paul circumcised Timothy so that Timothy could minister to the Jews. The Jews in the area knew that Timothy’s father was a Greek and thus one of the first questions asked by the Jews would be whether he was circumcised and not regarding the testimony of Jesus’ saving grace.

One of the most important things to do if you want to be an effective communicator is to remove all obstacles within your power that might decrease your audiences’ attention to your words. Paul understood this principle and thus circumcised Timothy. Timothy had a heart for God. He desired to serve God by serving Paul. Paul thus worked with Timothy to assist him by removing tangible things that would hinder his ability to serve the Lord.

Is there anything in your life that people can take the wrong way that could possibly hinder your ability to serve the Lord? The item itself may not be wrong and does not have to be a sin in order for it to hinder to fully serve God. If you truly desire to serve the Lord, you will not desire to have anything in your lives that could be a stumbling block for your listener. As such, you should be willing to change your appearance or behavior to conform with others expectations if doing so will not be a sin and will increase your ability to serve God.

Paul could have allowed Timothy to be right and remain uncircumcised. However, because circumcising Timothy would not be a sin and would increase his ability to have a more receptive audience, Timothy put aside his pride in being right so that God would be able to use him. Timothy understood the principle of loving your neighbor as yourself meant that he would have to do things so that his audiences could listen to God’s message without distraction.

If you are hung up in your pride and in being right, you have not put on the mind of Christ and are not demonstrating that you have applied virtue to your life. Virtue has no room for pride. Virtue requires that you think on those things that are praiseworthy to God. It is not praiseworthy to live a life for God but not be very affective because there is something in your life that causes people to be distracted.

When virtue is in your life, sharing the message God has given you is the most important thing. You desire to think upon the things of God, not on how your rights are being violated because someone has a misconstrued perception of what is proper. Change your perspective; it is no longer about you. Instead, your life is about how you can best reflect the light of God so that the world looks at you and sees the Creator.

II Timothy 3:14-15 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Paul is instructing Timothy to not forsake the spiritual education that he received. Timothy had been well instructed in the faith between his mother, his grandmother and Paul. Timothy knew the truth and had been assured that God is alive and powerful. Timothy not only knew what the scriptures said, but he had observed several individual actually live the faith.

When Timothy was young, he was instructed in the way that he was to go, and now that he is older and a little more mature, Paul is reminding him not to depart from the way. Timothy had learned many important lessons that God was now using to open the doors of ministry. Timothy had learned the lessons and Paul was reminding him not to forget that which he had learned.

There are many things that you learn throughout your life. If you were a child and you burned your hand on the stove, hopefully you learned a lesson not to put your hand where it could be burned again. If you broke a leg jumping off a roof, hopefully you would be much more prudent to ensure that you did not break a leg again in a similar manner. Life has a way of teaching us lessons. We all have a tendency to make mistakes; the question is whether we are going to learn from lives lessons or whether we are going to continue to make the same mistakes and experience the same consequences.

Life is a learning experience, however, one can learn things that are not glorifying to God. Just because you have learned something, it does not make it right. A young child not raised properly could learn to lie, cheat and steal. Paul would not be encouraging Timothy to continue in the way if that was the lessons that Timothy had learned as a child. Timothy had a proper education and it was proper for him to remember those things and do them.

Just as Timothy was educated from a child from the scriptures, so too should you make the Bible be the focal point of your education. You must learn to take the time to study the scriptures and ensure that God’s word is well hidden in your heart. There are many questions that you will face in your life that God does not have a clear cut “thou shalt not” answer. Instead, you must learn to hear the still small voice of God and learn to allow HIS’ Spirit to direct your life. The more time you spend in the scriptures, the better equipped you will be to live for God through faith.

Continue in the things that you have learned from God. The lessons of faith that God has given you; do not forsake them. Instead keep those testimonies on your lips and be quick to share with others how God has directed, corrected, protected, and provided for you. As you recite to others the power of God, it will give you strength to face the next lesson of faith that God would like to teach you. Your education with God will never end. Instead, your faith should continue to grow every day. Continue to learn the ways of God and do not forsake the lessons that God has given you.

II Timothy 3:10-11 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Timothy had been with Paul for a period of time and as such, Timothy was well associated with the life of Paul. Timothy understood what Paul preached, he knew the way Paul lived, and he understood God’s purpose for Paul’s life. Timothy had seen Paul demonstrate his faith. He had seen Paul demonstrate longsuffering, charity and patience. Timothy had seen the spiritual fruit that Paul produced because of his righteous living, but Timothy also understood that because of Paul’s doctrine and because of his faith, that Paul was persecuted and afflicted. Paul desired that Timothy understand that he was able to endure great persecution because the Lord was with him and the Lord delivered him.

In II Corinthians 11, Paul lists some of the persecution and affliction that he faced as a result of his desire to pursue God’s perfect will for his life. Five times Paul received 39 stripes, three times he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned, and three times he was shipwrecked. Paul suffered much to ensure that the gospel of Jesus Christ was spread around the world. Paul was able to do many great things for God, but Paul had to trust the Lord as he encountered many great persecutions. Because Paul understood just how God was faithful and just, Paul saw first hand how the Lord protected and delivered him from the hands of those who desired to do him harm.

Because Paul was pursuing God’s purpose for his life, Satan desired to distract him from that purpose. You understand by studying the life of Job that Satan cannot persecute you absent God’s permission. God knew that Paul had the faith necessary to endure many persecutions and afflictions and as such, he gave Satan more leeway with Paul. However, Satan did not win and God was glorified through the life of Paul. God was willing to allow Paul to suffer much so that God’s name was glorified through the suffering of Paul.

You must remember that as you pursue the things of God, you draw closer to HIM. However, the more you draw nearer to God, the more Satan desires to attack you and draw you away. You have seen the Lord deliver you from smaller trials, how much more is God willing and able to show himself strong to deliver you from even larger trials. Do not yield to the temptation that Satan is putting your way. God desires to do great things through you, but HE needs you to overcome the persecution and afflictions that this world will throw your way as you pursue the things of God. God has a purpose for you and God is faithful to fulfill your faith and deliver you.

Timothy knew Paul by what he said and how he acted, but most importantly, Timothy knew that God was with Paul. People will see your actions, they will hear your words, but the question is for you today, does the world see you and know that God has a special plan for your life? As you pursue the purposes of God, your faith and love should grow. You should learn to wait on God and allow HIM to open doors for you in HIS timing. Your life should be like a proper cut diamond that properly reflects the light of God. Your life should not be all about yourself, but your life must be all about the Creator. Put your trust in HIM and watch how HE delivers you and rewards your faith.

II Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Timothy was instructed that he could not be like every other young man. Timothy was to have different goals for his life. Timothy was not to subject himself to the lusts of the world as others did. Instead, Timothy was to fill his time pursuing righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with those who have a pure heart.

Timothy was not to be like everyone else. Just because everyone else does it, it does not make it right. It is not easy going against the grain, to stand-alone for the cause of Christ, but that is exactly what Paul was asking Timothy to do. Paul was asking Timothy to be an example among the believers by avoiding those sins that plagued young men at that tie. Timothy was to flee, to get away from, to have no part of these sins. Timothy was to set his life apart for the Lord.

However, when you do not do what everyone else is doing, it does create a vacuum of time in your life that others do not have to worry about. What was Timothy to do with his time now that he was having no part of youthful lusts? Timothy was instructed to flee lusts but to associate himself with those who have a pure heart. What was he to do with those who had a pure heart? Timothy was instructed to pursue the things of God.

It is harder to yield to the lusts of the world when you are by yourself; that is probably why Paul desired that Timothy pursue the things of God with someone who has a pure heart. Timothy would have a better chance to flee lusts since he had accountability with another individual to pursue the things of God.

Timothy was instructed to pursue the righteousness of God. He was to live his life in a manner that God would approve of his life, not because of who Timothy was, but because of who God was in the life of Timothy. Timothy was instructed to pursue faith. This means that he should be striving to live each day of his life drawing closer to God and hearing the Lord’s voice and seeking ways that he could obey the Lord. Then upon seeing the Lord’s provision, protection and direction, Timothy and his accountability partner would be in a position to see their faith grow as they shared their testimonies.

Timothy was instructed to pursue love. He was to learn to love the Lord with all his heart and to love his neighbor as himself. By filling his life full of love for others, he would not have time to pursue the lusts of this world. Timothy was instructed to pursue peace. This means that Timothy was to learn to develop a tranquil state of his soul and to learn to be content with whatever God brings his way.

Satan does not want you to follow after the things of God. Instead, he desires that you waste your time with the things of this world. This means that he will try to distract you from the things of God by filling up your life with things that just eat up your time. Find an individual who is seeking the Lord and spend your time with them pursuing God. Together you will be in a position that enables you to avoid the entrapments of this world and will give you the strength to pursue the things of God. Together you can learn to put others before yourself. Together you can learn to increase your faith.

II Timothy 2:17-18 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Hymenaeus and Philetus were examples that Paul used to illustrate the importance to Timothy of following two important principles in the Christian life. Because these two men did not follow these two important principles, they caused some individuals to lose their faith. God in heaven sees everything, and these individuals will be judged for every thought, action, and deed that was committed here on this earth. You do not desire to be judged by God for causing an individual to lose their faith.

The first principle of godly Christian living is study. You are to study the word of God. Study the word of God so that God is pleased with you. Study the word of God so that you will not be ashamed. Study the word of God so that you can properly interpret its meanings and so as to not be led astray by those who use the word for their own selfish purposes. Satan used the word of God in an attempt to cause Jesus to sin, what makes you think that you are higher then Jesus that Satan will not try to twist the words of God to cause you to error.

Paul understood that Timothy needed to spend time studying the word. If you do not study the word, you are not going to understand its significance for your life today. The word of God can speak to you today to give you direction and hope. You will not find your way to a new location absent asking directions or looking at a map. People can easily misdirect you when they give you directions, so the way to best ensure you reach your destination will be to look at the map. So likewise, you must study God’s word first. There is nothing wrong with you learning the truth by hearing a great teaching, but even the Christian’s in Berea did not fully accept the words of Paul until they had the opportunity to study the word of God on their own.

The second principle of godly Christian living is to abstain. You are to put away from your life profane and vain babblings. This means that you should not be partaking in any activity that is contrary to the principles of holiness that are espoused in the word of God. If there is an activity that is going to be even perceived as profane, you are to have nothing to do with it.

In addition, you are to avoid fruitless discussions. Too often, you will see Christians eagerly enter into debates with another over some subject that will not draw them closer to God. They debate for debate sake. They are not seeking the truth, but they are talking because they desire to be perceived to be extremely intelligent. Instead of entering these fruitless discussions that could have a dangerous consequences to someone’s faith, you should instead focus on building a fellow believers faith by sharing your testimony.

You do not desire to be judged by God as having led someone astray in the faith. As such, you must be diligent to study the word of God. You must avoid those activities and conversations that will cause others to look at you and do the same thing but result in their losing the faith. You are accountable to God. Ensure that you never have to hear that you caused a weaker brother or sister in the faith to stumble.

II Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Timothy had spent a lot of time with Paul and had heard Paul teach many things. Timothy had been properly educated in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now Timothy was no longer the student but he was the teacher. He had been taught and now it was time for him to teach. All Timothy had to do was teach those things that had already been taught to him by Paul.

However, Paul did not desire that Timothy just teach anyone the doctrines of the faith. Timothy was to seek out faithful men to teach so that when they were taught, they themselves would go out and teach. Paul had been careful in selecting Timothy as a student in whom he could impart the doctrine of the faith. Paul did not desire to waste his time teaching those who would be hearers of the word only. Just as Paul sought out individuals who would teach what was taught to them, so too Timothy was to teach those who would propagate the gospel.

There are those in the church who are hearers of the word only and are not doers. They sit there and are spiritual sponges soaking up everything you give them. However, they are soaking it up for their own benefit and they are not making an effort to teach others the things of God. Paul instructed Timothy to first seek out the men who had demonstrated their faithfulness so that the effort that he expended in teaching would not be in vain.

You are to be concerned with the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You have heard the parable of the sower and you understand that the seed that was thrown in the proper place was very productive whereas the seed that was not thrown onto the prepared ground produced no results. Paul shared the gospel with those who were unsaved. However, he did not give the unsaved everything he knew about the gospel. If he did, he would have been casting his pearls before swine.

You need to learn discretion to properly determine whom you can share what to. If you have a faithful brother or sister in Christ, then be faithful and share with them the deeper things of God. You must discern your listener’s spiritual maturity and give them the words that they are able to hear and understand. The things that God teaches you through your meditations should most likely only be shared with those who have proven themselves faithful and whom will take the words that you share with them and use them to encourage others to draw closer to the Lord.

You need to be very careful what you say and to whom you say it. Yes, you should be looking for those who are unsaved and should be leading them to the Lord. But to the unsaved, you should not be getting into doctrinal disputes over. Instead, to the unsaved, give the simple message of the gospel. If God has given you spiritual meat from HIS word, then share that with those who are spiritually mature, not to show your spiritual maturity but so the kingdom of heaven is glorified. Just as Paul found faithful men to teach so too must you seek out faithful believers to teach. You are not hear on this earth just to win souls to Christ, but you also should be seeking ways to encourage believers to grow spiritually.

II Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

The word “sound” in this verse means uncorrupted, true in doctrine. Paul is telling Timothy that he needs to grab a hold of the truth that he had been taught. Timothy was not to allow strange doctrine to control his life, but instead he was to focus on those things that he had been taught that he knew to be true.

By faith Paul had taught Timothy good doctrine. Because of the love that Paul had for the Lord, he had dedicated time into the life of Timothy to prepare him for the ministry that Timothy was now involved with. Paul did not desire that Timothy forsake the doctrine that he was taught, but instead, desired Timothy to preserve the doctrine and abide in it.

Paul understood that he had trained Timothy in the way he should go, and he was now encouraging Timothy not to stray from that path. Paul knew that Timothy would face many trials and temptations that were designed of the enemy to cause him to forsake his first love. Paul desired that Timothy remember his firm foundation and constantly abide on that foundation regardless of what the enemy threw at him.

Paul had modeled to Timothy a life filled with faith and love. A balanced Christian life that permitted others to see that Paul was serving a living God, but done in such a way that unsaved individuals understood that they were important to Paul and that he cared for them. Paul understood that his love for the Lord and his love for his neighbor were important elements that enabled him to demonstrate his faith.

God has blessed you by allowing you to have a copy of HIS words. HIS words are true and they are alive today. Any time you have a question, you are able to turn to God and receive direction. When God speaks to you, you need to hold fast to those words of truth for you know that Satan is going to do everything possible to cause you to stray from the words that God has given to you.

Those words spoken to you by God are for you to assist you in having the faith to weather the storm. Those words spoken to you by God are designed to increase your love of God. Just because you are facing a storm, it does not mean that God’s words for your life are not true and right. The bigger the storm in your life, the more you need to hold on to the words that HE has given to you.

Too many Christians have the problem that when their life does not go according to their plan, they start to throw a pity party. Rather then being bold and focusing upon the things God has done for them and thanking God for their trials, they look at the present and allow themselves to be discouraged and lose focus upon the things of God.

Paul reminded Timothy to hold fast to good doctrine and apply it to his life. Paul knew that Timothy had the truth just like you have the truth. You have the tools necessary to weather the trial that you are now facing. You need to hold onto the truth and understand that you are to live your life through this storm so that God can be glorified and magnified through your life. Be available to be used of God even during the storm. God has given you the truth, hold fast, do not let go, and use the truth to encourage your walk.

II Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

In this verse Paul is commenting on the sincerity of Timothy’s faith. Paul reminds Timothy that both his grandmother and his mother demonstrated this same sincerity. Paul has seen the evidence that the faith of Timothy’s grandmother and mother has been passed on to Timothy. Timothy not only talked the talk, but he also walked the walk.

Timothy was a third generation Christian. He had grown up in the church learning the things of God. Timothy had seen the sincerity of his mother and grandmother’s faith and he too desired to live his life for the Lord. Timothy embraced the faith with the same fervor that his mother and grandmother. God was able to use Timothy to do many great things. Timothy was not just serving the God of his grandmother and mother, but Timothy had developed his own personal relationship with God.

Lois and Eunice had the faith and they were able to do something that every Christian parent and grandparent desire to do; they were able to pass the faith to the next generation. People do not think twice about passing certain genetic tendencies from one generation to the next. It is expected that your child is going to have a lot of the same physical features as you possess. If you are athletic, it is almost expected that your children will be athletic. However, when it comes to passing the faith from one generation to the next, too many Christian grandparents and parents wonder what happened that the faith did not transcend generations.

The problem lies in the fact that children know their parents and they see the sincerity of their parents faith. If a child’s parents are not sincere in the faith, the child does not see that religion has anything to offer them except a bunch of rules of thou shalt not. However, Timothy was raised seeing a sincere faith. Timothy saw that the faith of his grandmother and mother was real. He had seen them not only say that they were Christians but he had seen God provide, direct, and protect them. Because Timothy saw a living faith, Timothy had no reason to rebel from the faith because he was serving a living God that took care of their every need.

If children do not see a living and sincere faith in you, then why should they desire to follow their parents in the faith? What incentive do they have for following what they perceive as a dead religion? Jesus told you that if you caused a child to stumble that it would be better for you that you were killed. You have an obligation to the next generation that you live your life in such a way that no one can point a finger at you and say that the lack of sincerity of your faith is the reason why they stumbled in the faith.

You serve a living God. You are not a robot; you are a human with a soul. Church is not to be a ritual where you simply go through the motions of doing what you think is right. God desires to see you serving HIM as Lois and Eunice did. God desires to see a sincere faith demonstrated by you so that when the world looks at you, they know that there is something different about you. The next generation is looking at the sincerity of your faith and wondering if your faith is worth following.