The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 13 November 2019 – A MODEL FOR BELIEVERS
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TOPIC: A MODEL FOR BELIEVERS
READ: 1 TIMOTHY 4:6-16
6. If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
7. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
8. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
9. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
11. These things command and teach.
12. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
15. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
16. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
THE MESSAGE:
Just he did to Timothy in our text today, Apostle Paul is charging all Christians to be models in their society, Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). The essence of Christianity is transformation. God desires to work in us so that we change increasingly into the likeness of Christ. The purpose is that through us, He will influence and transform the world. The Scriptures encourage believers, In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you (Titus 2:7-8). Paul wants every believer who lives in this present age to be a role model in character, in speech, in integrity and in purity of heart.
As role models, we are to heed this command of the Lord, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Mathew 5:16). A model believer must have sound Christian experience of conversion (2 Corinthians 5:17 & Revelation 3:20). The conversion experience is the foundation for anyone who wants to influence others positively. It is when the heart is purified and the Adamic nature is uprooted that a believer can easily live an exemplary life (1 Peter 1:15-16). Through his good works and deeds, he enables those around him to taste the love of God and continue in the faith.
PRAYER: O Lord, help me to shine as a light in the world, in Jesus mighty Name. Amen
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