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LEARN & GROW
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Week of September 6, 2009
KEY VERSE
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." (1 Timothy 4:12-13)
CENTRAL TRUTH
God's servants should set a confident example and remain focused on His Word.
DEVOTION
Young people are sometimes criticized for being inexperienced and for lacking focus. The truth is that everyone can be inexperienced and lack focus in some things at some times. Confidence in the Lord and keen focus on His Word are necessary, not just for God's leaders, but for all believers. Paul's letter to the young Timothy is filled with practical advice as he pastors God's church in Ephesus in the face of false teachers. Paul gives Timothy two commands: (1) be a confident example in conduct; (2) remain focused on the public ministry of God's Word. As the Lord once told Joshua, "Be strong and courageous," so should Timothy rely on God's strength, not his own. Have you ever been in a place where you felt you were over your head, unconfident, challenged beyond your abilities? God often allows us to be in such situations so that He can show Himself to be our strength and provision. Our confidence should be based, not on our own abilities, but on His. It's faith in God's leading and providing that allows us to have such confidence. Such trust in God should be seen in how we talk, act, love, trust and display purity. In other words, how we live before others is a clear indication that we have confident faith, not in our own abilities, but in God. When you feel like you are challenged beyond your abilities, ask yourself, "Am I trusting in God to lead and provide, or am I leaning on my own understanding and abilities?" Actively look for where God is stretching you in faith. Being confident in the Lord is not the full picture. We must also remain focused on His Word as our guide. We can be completely confident while going in the wrong direction! God directs us by faith, not sight. Have you ever felt confident in a decision, only to find later it's the wrong way? Timothy is instructed to remain focused on the Word of God, which keeps His confidence and godly life on track and always in the right direction.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Why do you think that our faith in God is seen in how we talk, act, love, trust and display purity?
- Where is God asking you to trust Him and challenging your faith right now?
- How does daily Bible reading (as opposed to sporadic reading) give you a keener focus on God's direction?
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