Today, we see Paul’s words on training. We are to train for Godliness. Paul does a great job of telling us exactly what that looks like. He tells us to understand that we have been called and gifted by the spirit. But also, we are to examine ourselves and examine our teaching. We have a calling and a gift. But we also need to be held accountable. If we can hold these two things together, we can be trained well in Godliness.

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Good morning, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here with you on this wonderful Tuesday morning as we delve deeper into First Timothy together. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, and I’m excited to continue exploring and studying God’s Word alongside you.

Before we proceed, a quick note: tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. Therefore, we won’t be continuing our usual reflection on Timothy. Instead, we’ll have a special Lenten Ash Wednesday reflection. I look forward to sharing that time with you tomorrow.

Today, let’s turn our attention to 1 Timothy chapter 4, verses 6 through 16. The passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual training and faithful living. Paul provides Timothy with practical advice for his role as a pastor and leader within the church.

Paul urges Timothy to focus on the essential teachings of the Gospel and to avoid distractions and falsehoods. He emphasizes the value of godliness over worldly pursuits, highlighting its significance for both the present life and the life to come.

Timothy is encouraged to set an example for others in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, regardless of his youthfulness. Paul reminds him not to underestimate the impact of his age but to embrace his calling with confidence and humility.

The passage underscores the importance of self-examination and continuous growth. Timothy is urged to remain faithful to his calling and to diligently steward the gifts bestowed upon him. He is reminded to pay close attention to his character and teaching, ensuring alignment with the truth of the Gospel.

As believers, we are called to recognize and develop our unique gifts and calling. We are also challenged to regularly assess our motives, actions, and beliefs, seeking alignment with God’s will. This process of self-examination and spiritual training is crucial for our growth and effectiveness in serving God and others.

In conclusion, let us heed Paul’s advice to Timothy and strive for godliness in all aspects of our lives. May we embrace our calling with confidence, humility, and a commitment to continuous growth. Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to our future reflections on First Timothy. Have a blessed day.