April 10th, Friday: 1 Timothy 3 - 4

1 Tim 3

Being a leader of God's people is a serious task.

And no one should accept an office who is not qualified and willing to use that office to help the church.

Watching.

Note the title 'bishop' means overseer, and describes the work of the elder.

It's all outlined in the book of Acts chapter 20.

God's people are like sheep – they need shepherds to watch over them, protect them and lead them.

Pray for your spiritual leaders that they might more and more be what God wants them to be.

Working.

The word 'deacon' means servant.

The deacons assist the elders to carry out the work of the church.

As with the elders, the deacons should be qualified spiritually and set the right example in their homes.

Worshiping.

You know, a church is more than a group of like-minded people who assemble from time to time.

No - the living God is in their midst!

And the truth of God has been deposited with them.

They worship the Son of God who alone is worthy of praise.

Yes - it is a serious thing to be part of a local church.

Let me ask you – do you take it seriously?

1 Tim 4

We are exhorted.

Watch yourself – Satan is at work spreading false doctrine.

He never gives up.

And his ministers are already in the church.

God's servants must preach the truth and fight the devil's lies.

Declaring war may not make us popular, but it will keep us faithful.

We have God's approval.

Exercise yourself.

You see, if believers would put as much effort into the spiritual life as they do their recreation and hobbies – what a difference it would make.

Physical exercise is important, but spiritual exercise is even more essential.

Both discipline and devotion are needed to make a winning athlete and an effective Christian.

So give yourself!

It takes real effort to grow in the Christian life and be successful in Christian service.

God asks for our whole hearted surrender, no matter what the cost.

Ponder these admonitions that Paul wrote to Timothy.

See how they apply in your life.