ESOCS Devotional 8 November
TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-16 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4: 6 KJV
One of Paul’s reasons for writing to Timothy was to show him how to be a good minister of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 4: 6). The word “Minister” means one who serves.
Paul began by warning Timothy of the false teachings, which have crept into the church, to enable him point the truth of God’s word to the brethren. Just like Timothy, to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, you must teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3). As a result of the heresy being taught, which is already endangering the church, there is need for Christian soldiers to stay on their duty post and warn and instruct members of the church in the pure doctrine of the gospel. A good minister must not keep the truth of the Word of God to himself; rather, he must share this truth about God’s creation being good and sanctified. It is the duty of a good minister to always put the brethren in remembrance of God’s truth, and ensure they are nourished by this truth. The more nourished you become by the word of faith, and of good doctrine, the godlier your life will be (Psalm 119: 9 & 11). The result of being nourished by the word of God is that your joy will be full.
A good minister is engaged in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:10 – 20) and he needs the quality of a good soldier if he is to be victorious. If a minister is to combat the enemy successfully, two weapons are needed and they are faith which is a firm, deep trust in God and in what He is doing, and a good conscience void of offence and he must practice what he preaches.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
Being a good minister requires discipline of regularity, consistency, patience, and endurance, and all that comes by the enabling of the Holy Ghost. This helps you to be able to endure sufferings and reproach for the sake of the kingdom. You are able to live exemplary life in conversation, charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity. You are also able to maximize the gift of God in you for the purpose of the gospel of Christ.
CHALLENGES
- Are you an example of a good minister? How is your conversation and lifestyle?
PRAYER POINT
- Thank God for the ministry. Ask Him to help you in your conversation, charity, faith, and purity in the spirit so that you will be able to become a good minister of Christ Jesus.
FURTHER READING: Job 10:1-12; 12:1-12; 1 Timothy 5:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 8 November
