Realizing Potential

New Years is that time where everyone makes resolutions.

In this new year as a church, our goal is going to be on realizing our potential.

As we look at this coming year, I want us to consider 1 Timothy 4:6-16 and the words that Paul has for Timothy.

I think from his words we can see what Paul was commanding Timothy to do. From this, we can see principles that will encourage us today. And from there, we can see how we can apply that in this new year.

1 Timothy 4:6–16 ESV

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. 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. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Realize Your Potential

Being Trained in words of faith and good doctrine, that you have followed.

It is important that we learn the right things.

It is important that we put them into practice.

Nothing to do with, irreverent, silly myths, instead train yourself for godliness.

It is easy to get caught up on the fringes of what is going on.

Focus on being like Christ.

Physical training has some value, godliness is of value in every way; this life and life to come.

New years resolutions for fitness are good! They have some value.

It is far more important to to seek to to be godly.

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

When people actually reach a goal that they set. It leaves and impression on people.

Weight loss - how did you do that!

Learn a language - say something!

Travel the world - Let me see pictures!

Get a promotion - That is so awesome!

When we practice these things, when we immerser ourselves in them, our growth in Christ should leave just as much as an impression.

Application

This year, find some tangible ways to grow in your faith.

Daily Prayer/Devotional Time.

Tracking Prayer Requests and Answers

Reading Trustworthy Christian Books.

Memorizing Scripture.

David Platt. Romans 1-8 recited!

Realizing Our Potential

Command and teach these things.

Timothy was in a place of leadership within the churches he served.

Any people that hold such positions should follow his example in commanding and teaching these things to the church body for its benefit.

Let no one despise you for your youth.

Timothy was young, but Paul did not want that to stop him.

In general, age or other similar situations should not be a deterrent from serving as God calls.

Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

Through our actions and the growth we experience individually we should set an example for one another.

Public reading of Scripture, Exhortation, to teaching.

Scripture convicts.

We proclaim its truth to help each other along.

We teach each other.

Application

Commit to being more involved in the body of Christ.

Serving in some way: nursery, children’s church, greeting people, youth, anywhere!

Accountability

Be willing to hold others accountable and be accountable to others.

Seeking out those who should be in church.

This is a combination of the first two applications

Proclaiming Their Potential

We are called to share the good news of Jesus with the world.

We need to tell people of their potential to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.

Application

Gospel Conversations

Learning new methods of evangelism