The
Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith
and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars
have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth.
They will tell you not to get married. They’ll tell you not to eat this or that
food—perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving
by believers who know better! Everything God created is good, and to be
received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word
and our prayers make every item in creation holy.
You’ve
been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now
pass on this counsel to the [followers of Jesus], and you’ll be a good servant
of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise
daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are
useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today
and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown
ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior
of all men and women, especially believers.
Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you
down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by
demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture,
giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when
the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and
in use.
Cultivate
these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature
right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your
teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you
will experience salvation.
THINK
BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.
[Quote from 1 Timothy 4, The Message (MSG) in bracket mine. Copyright
© 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]
No comments:
Post a Comment