Sermon Cloud

This Sunday, we continue where we left off in 1 Timothy 4:7-16. The reality that each of us needs to take responsibility for our spiritual development needs to be guided by two truths. First, the grace of the gospel is paramount. We are not 'trying harder' to earn God's favor or respect. Second, we are working with a purpose in mind. 'Godliness' in this context is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end.

KIDS SUMMARY:
Our text this morning is 1 Timothy 4:7-16. In it, the apostle Paul is telling his friend Timothy to keep growing spiritually - no one can do it for him! Timothy has to learn more and more about Jesus so that he can do what God wants him to do. Timothy's parents can't do it for him. His friends can't do it for him. Only Timothy can be responsible for Timothy to grow up in Jesus! Now, this does not mean that if Timothy tries really hard to be good that God will be happy with him. God is already happy with Timothy because of what Jesus has already done! We don't work hard spiritually to get something from God, we work hard spiritually because we already have something from God - His love and forgiveness in Jesus!!! Paul also wants Timothy to grow up in Jesus for a reason - God wants to use us! We don't do spiritual things like going to church, reading our bibles, praying to Jesus, forgiving others, confessing our sin just to do them. We do these things because God has given us a job to do. Our job is to tell and to show as many people as possible about how good God is for sending Jesus to rescue us from our sin.

In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

Prescribe and teach these things. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:6-16 (NASB-U)