Paul the
apostle knew there were false teachers who would influence people who
belonged to the church in Ephesus. After naming their wicked
characteristics, he wrote, “they shall
proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men,
as theirs also was.” In
chapter three and verse ten of this final letter to Timothy who was
Paul's “dearly beloved son”,
Paul listed a few of his personal traits which were in contrast to
the heretics he just named. We read:
But you
have fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose,
faith, long-suffering, charity, patience,
The
verse begins, “But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of
life,...” Paul began with the word, “But” which
means “moreover, since, on account of , and” “you have fully
known” or “followed after, accompanied, been present with,
and understood faithfully” “my doctrine” which refers to
“teaching, instructions and precepts”. Paul added, “manner
of life” or “leading, conduct, training, education,
discipline and course of living”. Not only was Timothy familiar
with the teachings and precepts that Paul lived by, but he also saw
Paul live his life according to those principles.
The
verse continues, “...purpose,
faith, long-suffering, charity, patience,” Paul
continued with the word, “purpose” which
is “the setting forth of a thing and placing it in view”. He
added, “faith” or
“the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler
of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through
Christ”. He went on to write, “long-suffering” which
means “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, forbearance
and perseverance” and listed “charity” which is the
Greek word “agape” and means “affection, good will,
benevolence, brotherly love and unconditional love”. Finally Paul
wrote, “patience” or “steadfastness, constancy,
endurance and steadfast waiting for something”. Paul knew,
“purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity” and “patience”
were necessary to carry him through his life and be an inspiration to
Timothy as well.
While we think
about Paul's words, let us go back over his list again and examine if
our lives not only adhere to the concepts, but are actually lived
according to them. Are we filled with “doctrine” and a
“manner of living” that is accordance with God's ways? Do
we have “purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity” and
“patience” as characteristics that no only we buy others
see manifested by us? May the Lord Jesus help us not only identify
any of these areas where we may be weak, but may He strengthen them
so we not only will live according to their high esteem, but also
manifest them so others will know we belong to Jesus Christ.
Next
time Paul shares more of his characteristics, so read ahead, and we
shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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