As I write this post, I am sitting in my room alone and enjoying the peace and quiet. Many of you have traveled and spent time with family over the Thanksgiving holiday. I find I look forward to the day of cooking and seeing family and friends, and then I truly enjoy being home and alone for a bit. Many of us had the task of cooking a recipe or two, while others mayhave had the task of making the entire thanksgiving meal. To pull off preparing the entire meal and then hosting the meal takes enormous effort and timing. In fact, I saw a person on Instagram had made an entire binder full of every step leading up to the feast. The binder included meals, ingredients needed, table set up, order of food to be laid out, and even a diagram of the grocery store and where the food was located. It was obviously very detailed. Having all the instructions in one place and detailed surely helped the person enjoy the day a bit more as everything had a plan.
This is exactly what we see in the book of 1 Timothy, Paul’s letter to his son in faith, Timothy. Timothy was a young pastor who had been a help to Paul in his work. Paul was more than just a mentor and leader to Timothy, he was like a father to him, and Timothy was like a son to Paul. Throughout this book, Paul encourages Timothy to stand firm, to persevere, and to remain true to his calling. He gives instructions for order and structure in the church.
Our reading for today is 1 Timothy 4,5 &6.
Chapter 4 of 1 Timothy is a warning to observe the times.
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.
1 Timothy 4:1
Paul reminds Timothy that everything is created by God and should be received with thanksgiving. He then encourages Timothy to train to be godly, to devote himself to reading the scripture and preaching and teaching.
1 Timothy 5 gives instructions about how to honor and care for widows and their needs. Paul also gives instructions about elders, and then finishes with practical advice for Timothy.
Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.
1 Timothy 5:3
1 Timothy 6 is a reminder to be content and to pursue godliness. He instructs Timothy to flee from the desire to acquire wealth and pursue righeousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Paul, reminds him to guard carefully what has been entrusted to him.
Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.
1 Timothy 6:20
Just as the lady preparing for a Thanksgiving feast benefitted from having a binder of instructions, how much more can we benefit from having instructions from Paul for how to live. When we follow the instructions, life tends to go much smoother and we face fewer consequences.
God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.
2 Timothy 3:16
Following instructions can simplify tasks, increase effectiveness, eliminate confusion, and save time. When instructions are properly followed, things work well and people work well together. These chapters in 1 Timothy are full of practical instructions for us. When we follow them we will se the effectiveness in our lives.
But, most of all, when we follow God’s instructions, we will be led in the right direction and into a deeper relationship with Christ.