By Larry W. King
Volume II, Number XXV
September 25, 2009
Get Fully Equipped!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – II Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Timothy was a protégé of the Apostle Paul and his hand-picked favorite to carry on his foundational ministry – establishing and building up the early Christian church throughout Europe and Asia Minor. Timothy was trained and ordained by Paul and served as the Bishop of Ephesus for some 15 years. In his letters to Timothy, Paul addresses him as “my own son in the faith” and “my dearly beloved son”. Like every good father, Paul gives Timothy wise counsel and sage advice for the difficult road ahead. And the road was difficult indeed. History records that Timothy was stoned to death by an angry mob, as he attempted to block a parade of pagan idols through the streets of Ephesus. Timothy’s martyrdom underscores the extent to which he was ‘sold out’ to the Lord. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” – John 15:13 (KJV). Are we equally committed?
The epistles to Timothy are primers on exemplary Christian conduct and a Spiritually-enlightened lifestyle. Foreseeing Timothy’s future as a church leader, Paul gives explicit details on the proper behavior for bishops, priests, deacons and laity. Both letters are relatively short – just six and four chapters, respectively – so I encourage you, dear reader, to take the time to absorb them in their entirety. I guarantee you’ll NOT be disappointed. As he writes to Timothy, Paul hits us 21st-century believers “right between the eyes” with his unique brand of priceless, yet practical prose. Here are three of Paul’s noteworthy points for your consideration:
1) Regardless of age, live in constant integrity. Paul writes, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you” – I Timothy 4:12, 16b (NLT). The 1st-century Christians of Ephesus were watching young Timothy, and your family, friends and colleagues are watching YOU. As the old adage goes, ‘actions speak louder than words’. What are YOUR actions saying about you?
2) Work diligently to be knowledgeable regarding God’s Word. Hear well the wise Apostle’s exhortation to Timothy: “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” – II Timothy 2:15 (AMP). Diligence (i.e. DAILY determination) is certainly a key factor here. We must be constantly hungry for the Word! Have you have taken a “less-than-eager” approach to truly studying the Bible? Who in your circle may depend on your proper understanding and explanation of scripture? Whose blessing or illumination just might be blocked, simply because of your sloth? As we honestly evaluate and examine ourselves, are we not found – at least occasionally – lacking? Need I say more?
3) Preach His Word powerfully – at all times. Paul minces no words with Timothy. “Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching” – II Timothy 4:2 (AMP).
OK. I hear you saying, Larry, most of us are NOT called to preach. Neither are we church-founding Apostles, like Paul, nor martyred Bishops, like Timothy. Cherished reader, I understand that and I couldn’t agree more. I am no more a Saint Paul or Timothy than the man in the moon! However, as followers of The Way, our LIVES – that is, our conversation, our actions and even our thoughts – ARE our sermon. Know beyond all doubt that – once you have decided to walk in the pathway blazed by our Lord, Jesus Christ – folks are watching. They’re watching, and listening, and taking notes … on everything you do.
Thus, the only way we have any hope of living a life which preaches to others is to be FILLED UP with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Like Paul’s words from our text, my prayer for you is that - when it comes to studying and understanding the Bible – you get fully equipped!
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Larry W. King is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Magna cum Laude) and heads the Denver-based music group, Kingdom Kru. He serves as Minister of Music at Faith Community Baptist Church under the leadership of co-pastors Rev. Douglas and Katherine Farley.
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