Author: Wick

Ah yes, on to 1 Timothy Chapter 4.  Another great chapter, with a couple of my favorite verses.  I’m sure most of you will have heard this first one, it’s HUGE in Youth Ministry, and it’s meaning/power is just as strong.

¹²Don’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.

My youth pastor gave that verse to me several times, and I’ve tried to pass it on to a few, and I’m sure will be passing it on throughout my life.  You can do a TON, no matter what your age, for Christ.  You may not be able to smoke, drink, get married, get a tattoo, vote, or join the Army…but you can help further the cause of ETERNITY.  I’d say that’s a pretty important ability.  On earth as it is in Heaven.

My second fav. verse from this chapter would have to be:

⁸For 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.

HA – there you go, all u buff athletes and physical trainers.  I may not be the strongest/fastest/whatever-est…but I love Jesus.  hehe.  All kidding aside, it is important to always remember the eternal life that you’re building/growing/nurturing.  It’s much more important than taking your Vitamin C.  And fellas – it’s what women really want anyways…take it from me, look who I married!!!:) 

Anyways, God bless you all…keep readin’, and be excited….God is speaking to you!  Everything you touch, taste, smell, hear, and see….this is a language of God…worship Him with your senses today.  Word ’em up.

On to Chapter 3, Paul is talking to Timothy about Bishops and Deacons, AKA – Leaders in the church.  It’s a rocky subject at times, who should be allowed to serve in what positions.  Especially in Youth Ministry.  Volunteers?  Worship band members?  Guest Speakers?  Sponsors?  Leadership team members? ETC?? 

⁶He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil

In Chapter 3 there are some great guidelines to follow, and qualities to look for in a Christian Leader.  But should they be followed always 100%?  Does someone who wants to help out in the church need to be at a certain place spiritually?  Do we measure their relationship with God before allowing them a place to serve?  I think a lot of churches operate this way.  There are positives and negatives to this view.  Others would say that anyone can serve, and attempt to mold and grow that person towards God as they offer themselves in service.  Which is a better view?  Most of the time, I would probably side with the latter opinion.  But then again, I don’t have a teenager.  I would imagine some parents wouldn’t want certain people working with their teenager, even if the church is planning on “molding and growing” them.  So what do we do?  Pray.  One day at a time.  One person at a time. One relationship at a time.  Living in community.  Always taking a stand on the side of Grace, Mercy, Love, but also Justice. Lord help us.

²Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, selfcontrolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money

In any case, it’s a great chapter to remember as we prepare daily for the ministry God has in store for us.  To strive towards these characteristics, but overall….to strive to Love God, and live in and towards that Love.

To Think on 1 Timothy thus far:

1:15 – “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.

And today’s:

2:8 – “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

            Think, Pray, Worship, Breathe…