1 Timothy 6:11-16
Every garden involves work, water and weeding, and over the years I have had plenty of experience in all three areas. However, the process repeats itself year after year. That process has made me consider what the garden strategically needs to be successful in the coming year. A garden reminds me of what is recorded in 1 Timothy 6 as Paul challenges Timothy to a life of godliness and a ministry that is marked by commitment to Jesus Christ. Paul refers to Timothy as a “man of God” (11) which is the key idea for the following verses. So what does it take to be known as one who is godly? The phrase “man of God” defines Timothy as being set apart from others who hold worldly values; it describes Timothy and his dedication to God; and it directs Timothy on the course he is to continue. If Godliness is something we all should strive for, then how do we become godly? What steps do we take? Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Often we turn that around by seeking to do what we think is right and then asking God’s approval. Proverbs challenges us to display our faith in the LORD through an absolute reliance on Him alone. The first step is a commitment that places and releases our plans into God’s hands. Secondly, through prayer we listen and obediently respond to His answers and watch Him work to make the plans work. Just like a garden will not grow without the sun that God provides, so our lives will not flourish without following God’s direction. We can be committed to growing a garden, but we need God’s work to bring the produce. We need to be personally committed to godly growth, but we also need God’s work to bring His produce in our life.
For More See 1 TIMOTHY
Every garden involves work, water and weeding, and over the years I have had plenty of experience in all three areas. However, the process repeats itself year after year. That process has made me consider what the garden strategically needs to be successful in the coming year. A garden reminds me of what is recorded in 1 Timothy 6 as Paul challenges Timothy to a life of godliness and a ministry that is marked by commitment to Jesus Christ. Paul refers to Timothy as a “man of God” (11) which is the key idea for the following verses. So what does it take to be known as one who is godly? The phrase “man of God” defines Timothy as being set apart from others who hold worldly values; it describes Timothy and his dedication to God; and it directs Timothy on the course he is to continue. If Godliness is something we all should strive for, then how do we become godly? What steps do we take? Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Often we turn that around by seeking to do what we think is right and then asking God’s approval. Proverbs challenges us to display our faith in the LORD through an absolute reliance on Him alone. The first step is a commitment that places and releases our plans into God’s hands. Secondly, through prayer we listen and obediently respond to His answers and watch Him work to make the plans work. Just like a garden will not grow without the sun that God provides, so our lives will not flourish without following God’s direction. We can be committed to growing a garden, but we need God’s work to bring the produce. We need to be personally committed to godly growth, but we also need God’s work to bring His produce in our life.
For More See 1 TIMOTHY
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