Each day we live, we engage in ministry at home, work, or out in the community. Everyday we add a new chapter to the book of our lives. We’ve experienced that sometimes life can be difficult as we interact with unbelievers in a fallen world. For this reason, Paul edifies a discouraged young Timothy by reminding him to remain diligent in his work because God was still writing his story. These points he makes to Timothy serve as good reminders for us as well.
1. We are all in the ministry. (Eph. 4:11-12)
1 Tim. 1:12-17 “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”
2. Before salvation, people sin because of unbelief, because they are lost.
“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
3. It was God who saved us and transformed our lives, not we ourselves.
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
4. God patiently changes us from within to serve as an example for others so that they might be saved.
“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
5. Our purpose now is to glorify God!
“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
LESSON - We should not be amazed when lost people act lost. Nor should we expect them to change until they are saved. Take the time to reflect upon your story. Remember what it was like before you came to know Christ. Take every opportunity to glorify God before lost people and speak openly about your faith. God will use your life and the transformed lives of other Believers to serve as a catalyst to bring people to Himself. Maybe their names will appear in THE BOOK because of your book.
~Mike
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