READ: 1 Timothy 4:10-16
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach.
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.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
KEY THOUGHT:
Staying true to faithfulness means that you exercise the gifts that God has given you for the truth of the gospel. With that in mind, what have you done recently for the gospel’s sake? Sometimes we get comfortable in performing service in church and then leaving that service at the door when we leave. However, faithful service continues in the home, the school, the workplace, and the community. A faithful servant is one that lives out their faith in every setting as an example. When that kind of faithfulness is realized, no one can despise you, whether you’re young or old in your Christian walk. Stay true to faithfulness by living your faith consistently everywhere and all of the time.
CONSIDER:
- What are some reasons non-Christians despise some Christians in general?
- Why do many people consider the church to be “full of hypocrites?”
- What can you do to live faithfully in every life setting?
APPLICATION:
Be an example of faithfulness for those in the church and out.
