1 Timothy 4:1-2, 7-9, 15-16 (NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars ... Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy encourages him to remain strong in the gospel faith and it also warns about the dangers of false teachings. While this is a personal letter to Timothy, the truths it contains are valuable for us today. If you have not done so in a while, I encourage you to read chapters 3 and 4 of 1 Timothy. Resist the urge to think this is only advice for Pastors, deacons and teachers. Bring it home to a personal level. How does one live a godly life? How does one train yourself to be godly? I might suggest three areas as a first step:
Train yourself in orthodoxy (i.e., ‘right thinking’)
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Train yourself in orthopraxis (i.e., ‘right doing’)
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Colossians 3:23-24; 4:2 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord ... It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ... Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Titus 3:14 (NIV) Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for the urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Train yourself in ortho-pathos (i.e., ‘right feeling’)
Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Dear Readers, I don’t know about you or where you stand right now, but I know one thing... I have a lot of personal “training” left to accomplish!
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom of your Word. Thank you for its teaching in how to live godly lives that are pleasing to you. Forgive us where we fail, and strengthen our resolve to improve.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional Train Yourself in Orthodoxy, Orthopraxis, and Ortho-pathos appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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