Train yourself to be Godly
1 Tim 4:7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (NIV)
- Train yourself to be Godly
- Compared to physical training
- Physical training is for this life. But Godly training is for now and later.
- Labor and strive (war, mining, sports, fighting, building, farming, etc.) What do all these things have in common? They all require work!
1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (NIV)
- Obstacles? Always!
- Age
- Gender
- Schooling
- Opportunities
- Money
- Contacts, etc....
- Overcome them?
- Be an example – someone worthy to follow
- In speech
- In life
- In Love
- In Faith
- In purity
- Devote yourself to your gift (Do not neglect your gift)
- Scripture
- Your gift (preaching teaching,etc..)
- Be diligent in these matters – continual progress
- give yourself wholly to them - wholeheartedly
- so that everyone may see your progress – not just internal, but external growth
- Watch your life and doctrine closely – pay attention to details, small things that could lead you off the path that God has for you.
- Persevere in them – never give up.
When God calls you does he give you the passion too?