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Twice in this letter to his understudy, Timothy, Paul recalls the service in which his home church commissioned Timothy for evangelism and pastoring. Luke tells us (in Acts 16:2) that this young man was well thought of by the believers in Lystra, as well as the nearby town of Iconium. The apostle had noted his leadership potential and wanted to capitalize on it.

1 Timothy 1:18-19;1 Timothy 4:11-16

1. Can you, like Timothy, look back to a time when other believers affirmed your gifts and strengths?
2. How does the study of God's Word equip you for, and make you confident in, fighting "the Lord's battles" (1:18)?
3. Does youthfulness by itself disqualify a believer from a leadership role in the Christian community?
4. What qualities more than compensate for a lack of years of experience?
5. What does it take to keep your conscience clear (1:19), "keep a close watch on yourself," and "stay true to what is right" (4:16)?
6. How do you "cling tightly to your faith in Christ" (1:19)?
7. Are you making visible progress (4:15) in your walk with the Lord? Have you thrown yourself into tasks of Christian service?

Ask God for the motivation and perseverance to make visible progress in your Christian life and service. Ask, too, that other mature Christians would confirm your readiness to assume a responsible role.

18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord's battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.

11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 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. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, I want to make a significant contribution to Your kingdom. Please shape me for service.

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