Introduction: Are you wanting to be used by our Lord? Would you like to “Make a Difference” in someone’s life? What is the key to being used? How can you continue to be a blessing to others? This devotion will explore the answers to those questions.
Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is writing to his son in the Lord, Timothy. Please take note of what he says.
1. Regardless of your age, God wants to use YOU! (1 Tim 4:12) – “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Check out the word “despise.” Do you know what it means? Here is the word: καταφρονέω. It means to dislike, or it can even have to do with scorning or looking down upon. The Lord is saying, do not let anyone look down upon you, Timothy, because of your age or experience. Conversely, he was urged to show others by his lifestyle. In other words, his “walk” and “talk” would be on display for others to see, which should point them to the GRACE of God, the LOVE of Jesus, and the POWER of the Holy Spirit.
Can others see a difference in your lifestyle compared to the world’s lifestyle? Does your life exhibit faith in Jesus, love for the brethren, and a clean lifestyle? If not, what changes need to take place?
2. Regardless of your past, God wants to use YOU! (1 Tim 4:13-14) – “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
What was meant by the phrase “attendance to reading”? In the context of this letter, the phrase ἀνάγνωσις meant recognition. It also had to do with public reading, more specifically the Law and the Prophets in the synagogue or church.
Next, what does “exhortation” mean? Technically, it means to comfort or encourage.
Finally, what does the word “doctrine” mean? It actually means to teach or instruct. A good study for you to do would be to examine all the references to this word “doctrine,” especially when it refers to “sound doctrine.” In other words, there can be unsound or false teaching in contrast to sound teaching. Are you sound in your teaching?
Conclusion: If we are going to use our influence for the glory of the Lord, then we must not only teach the right thing but also live the right life.
Will you take a moment and do a self-evaluation?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
