Hi Guys,

Almost finished with 1 Timothy 4. Way to go!

Hope you will enjoy this Bible study.

Here you can find the text I''m reading:

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1 Timothy 4:15, “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.”

Interesting points:
1. In this verse, Paul urges Timothy to do his utmost in applying all the aforementioned points, living transparently and fruitfully in line with the Truth to fulfill God’s calling for his life. His progress or flourishing in the faith will not only be recognizable to all that observe him, but will also serve to distinguish him from the false teachers.

2. Paul’s exhortation emphasizes that righteous living and staying true to the Word – both conscious choices – go hand in hand in spiritual development and cementing a worthwhile testimony and legacy. The example one sets through applying the Word of God in one’s “speech, life, love, faith and purity” (Verse 12) bear witness to God’s truth and are congruent with what is preached and taught to the body of Christ. This provides a stark contrast to the false teachers who teach/preach heresies that have no consequence to spiritual development, their testimony nor provide a firm foundation for a lasting spiritual legacy: a house not built on the solid rock of Truth simply will not stand. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:16 resonate when He warns about false prophets saying, “By their fruit you will recognize them…”

3. The words “Be diligent” is also translated “Practice” in other translations, inferring that we will most likely falter in our application of God’s Word but our commitment propels us forward as we get up, dust off and drive forward. Like the spiritual “training” of Verse 8, transformation takes time, resiliency and commitment but the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives produces results, as described in this verse as “progress”.

Application.
Brothers, this verse addresses our attitude and conscious decision to exert effort/commitment to maturing in our faith. Paul urges for us to “Be diligent” – resolved and hard-working as we study the Word and apply it in our lives and (as we hold each accountable) spur each other along in the faith. Not all will be given the opportunity to preach from the pulpit but each will have the opportunity to testify of our faith in action and words to non-believers, set the example for and hold other believers accountable.

May God find us men who hunger after His Truth, men who diligently apply His Word in our lives and men who bear good fruit, declaring the glory of our Master in what we say and do!