“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” I Corinthians 13:1 The third attribute that Paul advised Timothy to be an example of was “charity.” I am sure we are all familiar with I Corinthians 13. Charity is a pure love that our Saviour Jesus Christ manifests. He commanded us to love one another as He loves us. We manifest pure love when from our hearts we show real concern and compassion for others. Paul also expressed this to Timothy in I Timothy 1:5…
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Ephesians 4:22 “The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” — Dorothy Nevil This week we are looking at I Timothy 4:12 and the advice that Paul gave to Timothy to be a good example to others. Today we will consider the word “conversation.” I am sure many of you have heard the Jewish story of the man who had spread untrue gossip and went to the Rabbi seeking forgiveness. The Rabbi told him to open a pillow and let the feathers fly in the wind, then to go and gather them up again. This was impossible for him to do, thus illustrating how the words we say wound others and cannot be taken back. Let us look at some scriptures that will help us to make sure our conversation is an example to others: Matthew 15:11 “that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:…
“Be thou an example of the believers, in word.” I Timothy 4:12 This week we are looking at this verse in I Timothy where Paul is giving Timothy guidelines for his life, and considering how they can apply to our lives. Perhaps you can remember instances of someone making a promise to you and then not following through on it. It is very disheartening to be anticipating a special treat and then being disappointed. It is far better to not make a promise than to break it. One of the greatest compliments that someone can say about us is that “she is a woman of her word.” If we say yes to helping someone, we will show up on time and be there when they need us. If we have committed to being part of a committee, the rest of the members can be sure that we will do what we promised. Our children know that we will not promise them something that we cannot fulfill. We are all familiar with Proverbs 3l, which describes a woman who fears the Lord. She has committed herself to the Lord, and her family. She chooses to serve them faithfully, fulfilling her promises.…
“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.” I Timothy 4:12 This admonition was written to a young man, Timothy, but I believe that we all can take heed to the guidelines that Paul gave to him for living a life that pleased the Lord. Whether you are a young woman, a mother, or a grandmother, these are qualities that we should apply to our lives. Timothy had a godly mother and grandmother, who had instructed him in the scriptures and Paul…
What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. 1 Samuel 17:31, NIV. I use to think that David presented himself before Saul to fight Goliath. However, the above scripture explains that someone heard what David was saying about the uncircumcised Philistine and reported everything to the King. Saul, being intrigued, sent for David. One of my favorite scriptures about respectability is, “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 20:6, KJV. When in the presence of the King, David does not expound on his prowess, rather he speaks of the power of God. Even though Saul does not see a victory possible by this young man standing before him, he listens as David boldly declares his reliance on the Lord and repulsion toward Goliath. It was evident the Lord was with David. David didn’t have to prove to anyone who he was. Instead, he exalted the power and might of his God and allowed God to open a great door for victory. The enemy wants you to doubt your purpose in the Kingdom of God. However, when you realize the power and authority you have,…
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither?… I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart… And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 1 Samuel 17:28–29. At this juncture of scripture, David has already been anointed to be the next reigning King over Israel. However, he has lived under the radar, caring for his father’s sheep and has been the King’s minstrel when Saul was vexed with an evil spirit. David’s father, Jesse, sent him to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers and the captains of the Israelite army. Forty days have passed and they are not any closer to defeating Goliath, not because they are incapable, but because they tremble with fear. Fear will keep us from fulfilling the will of God and seeing a victory. When David entered the camp there was a division between him and the Israelite army. You see, everyone else saw a giant, but David saw a reproach to the God of Israel. It matters what your perception is. When a giant of a problem stands in…