Timothy and Titus Training 101

I Timothy 6, The Message
9-10 But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.

Running Hard
11-12 But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

I was taught as a developing teacher to evaluate, evaluate, evaluate! We were told in college days to evaluate the lesson before you teach it, while your teaching it and after you teach it to see how you could improve you skill at communicating. This point was driven home to me so many times that I cannot walk into any situation without evaluating my surroundings, what I say to people, how I say it, what battles to fight and which ones to let go, how I will approach problems that arise and how I live my life with God and for God. I relate to what Paul is trying to express to young Timothy…RUN hard. SEIZE life eternal. DO what you where called to do. PURSUE the righteous way of being and doing it. Wow, what words of challenge and affirmation, right?

What do we learn?
–Evaluate and take stock of who we are in Christ often.
–Run hard and fast in the faith. Say YES to God. Always.
–Seize eternal life, not the lusts of the world.
–Live the life you embraced when you were first called by God to be and do His purpose and will for you life.
–Embrace the righteous path. It’s narrow, but not hidden.
–Live a life of childlike awe and wonder for the works and ways of God. If we are aware, His Presence is always there. Every day. Look for Him today. I will.

But wait, there’s more!

Paul’s charge to Timothy…and to us!
3-16 I’m charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn’t give an inch: Keep this command to the letter, and don’t slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. He’ll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. He’s the only one death can’t touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He’s never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can’t take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.

17-19 Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.

20-21 And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given! Guard it with your life. Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts. People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith.

Overwhelming grace keep you!

Dear Lord, God of Heaven and Earth…Don’t let us miss the whole point of faith. May overwhelming grace from You be embraced to day and forever, In Jesus Name, Amen!