DEMONSTRATING TRUTH WORKS

DEMONSTRATING TRUTH WORKS

Monday, February 19, 2018

        Jonah chapters 1-4

       1Timothy [GW] 4:10-15 [Paul exhorting Timothy] Certainly, we work hard and struggle to live a godly life, because we place our confidence in the living God. He is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Insist on these things and teach them. Don't let anyone look down on you for being young. Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers. Until I get there, concentrate on reading Scripture in worship, giving encouraging messages, and teaching people.

Don't neglect the gift which you received through prophecy when the spiritual leaders placed their hands on you to ordain you. Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress.

       2Timothy 2:1-2 [Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy] My child, find your source of strength in the

kindness of Christ Jesus. You've heard my message, and it's been confirmed by many witnesses. Entrust

this message to faithful individuals who will be competent to teach others.

  Jonah was an angry resentful believer resisting the will of God for the people of Niniveh. Under severe duress, with great reluctance he delivered God’s Truth. Those hearing repented. Was it because of Jonah’s eloquence and friendly orations? Not at all, for regardless of whom or how delivered “… the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” (MKJV Heb.4:12-13; also note 1Cor.2:4)

  This is not however to say demeanor doesn’t matter in or relationship with the Lord. It does.

  Several years ago on Facebook Keith Jenkins shared something that addresses the need for mature Christian demeanor for those who tell the Good News. It was, as with Paul to young Timothy, written by an older pastor to a new young pastor. Here it is as spoken to my heart.

1.       Let God speak to me through His Book.

2.       Lead by precept and example.

3.       Have a thick skin.

4.       Have a tender heart.

5.       Be teachable.

6.       Strong backbone matters.

7.       Be of diplomatic manner.

8.       Be willing to be corrected.

9.       Have and show reverent respect for the things of God.

10.   Recognize my inadequacies and deny them not.

  Need we officially be a pastor on staff in a church for this list to matter for us before God? I think not. For “After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies.” (CEV 2Cor.5:10)  EBB4