“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 David was guilty of breaking many of the Ten Commandments. He had coveted, lied, committed fornication, and even murder. When God sent the prophet, Nathan, to confront him with his sin, he no longer tried to cover it but cried out to God in repentance. He acknowledged that he was wrong and pleaded with God for mercy and forgiveness. He realized the need for cleansing and renewal of his spirit. “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy…
“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 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” As we look more closely at this “love” chapter we see how love can be expressed in our lives” Longsuffering – patience with others including our families. Lack of envy – content and thankful for what we have Humble – not boastful or proud of our abilities and talents. Unselfish – putting others before ourselves. Thinketh no evil – not judging others. Not rejoicing over the failures of others – knowing that we are not perfect. Endures all…
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…
“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 saw in him the potential for a successful disciple. As he wrote these two letters to him, he laid down principles for him to follow. He recognized that in answer to prayer, Timothy had received great gifts, which he needed to give heed to and continually stir up. Paul saw that he was enthusiastic and devoted, but often showed signs of timidity. He saw Timothy as his spiritual son and so wrote these letters to encourage him. “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice;…
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,…