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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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1 Timothy 4:12-14
“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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
Age is irrelevant.
In the sight of God our age is not an issue. Josiah was only 8 years old when he became king (see 2 Kings 22). David was only young when anointed by Samuel (see 1 Samuel 16). Indeed, Samuel himself was a mere child (see 1 Samuel 3). Mary was only a teenager (see Luke 1:26-35). Jesus took a child and placed him in front of His disciples as an example (see Luke 9:46-48). The issue is not so much a matter of maturity as a matter of obedience.
There are many things we seem to take on board later in life. God wants us to be innocent, flexible, responsive, enthusiastic and full of faith. “Old men will dream dreams… and young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28).
Timothy was anointed, set apart and released into his calling. It was not for others to control, criticise, or to be jealous or envious of him. But neither was Timothy to be timid and take a back seat – he was to live in his calling and be released into his anointing. He stood or fell before God, not men.
It’s like that – that is how it is and how it should be. If God has called and set a person apart, then they should be recognised and released into their ministry and allowed to get on with it – especially if the church elders/leaders have ‘commissioned’ them. ‘Our job’ is to encourage and support them, particularly through prayer and encouraging words.
And if it is us, we need to be gracious, respectful and kind. Not arrogant and proud but rather someone who displays a servant heart. Yes, an example “in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
These instructions are good for us all – “devote yourself to the public reading of (the Word) Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” Why is it so few people seem to take their Bibles to church? Answer – we don’t make it necessary. Model it. Get them to read it out aloud regardless of the version. They probably don’t do it at home. Start them off at church. What you do in church is a model for their own ministry.
“Do not neglect your gift”.
Hello, God is speaking to you today (no matter how old you are). “Do not neglect your gift.” He has given you at least one. What are you doing with it? If you don’t know what it is or you are not using it, talk to your Cell/Small Group Leader or Pastor and ask for help in recognising it. Then seek ways to use it for the glory of God and to build His Church. Be released into your ministry.
It is one of the most exciting, fulfilling and challenging experiences you will ever have this side of Heaven.
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