S) "13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."
1 Timothy 4:13-16 (NIV)
O) My number one goal as a husband and parent, is for my wife and children to make it to heaven. This passage is addressed to Timothy, as a young pastor needing encouragement to lead his congregation, but all of the principles in it apply directly to leading a family, also. Public reading of Scripture and exhortation and teaching are crucial in raising children. While the evidence of progress isn't necessarily motivation with family, it's still important to focus a lot of attention and energy to these things. The last verse is crucial, though. No one will respect a leader who doesn't do what they, themselves, are saying. The old, "Do as I say, not as I do" statement never flies with kids.
A) There's a bit of a laundry list of things to do in this passage. I think the issue of integrity, as mentioned in verse 16, is already a priority for me. It's still important to check myself often, but that's not necessarily a change to make, just a reminder to keep on... Not neglecting my spiritual gifts as a father, is a somewhat new notion to me. I need to approach parenting with the same sort of preparation, prayer, and participation that I do every other ministry. While my kids may never see my progress as a father, I'm sure Kristin will. I may never know who else may be encouraged or inspired by my progress, either, so I need to ensure that I'm making progress. The biggest application of this passage will come through verse 13. I need to organize a way to hold Bible studies, home worship, and prayer with my kids. It needs to be regular, consistent, and serious (even if it's scaled down for the kids at this age). I'm going to work this out with Kristin tonight.
P) Father, thank You for equiping me for marriage and parenthood. I don't want to neglect my giftings or responsibilities, Lord. Holy Spirit, reveal to me an effective way to minister to my family as a whole, and to minister to my family individually. The most important thing is to ensure their salvation, God, so help me be an effective leader for them, pointing them toward the cross of Your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) There's a bit of a laundry list of things to do in this passage. I think the issue of integrity, as mentioned in verse 16, is already a priority for me. It's still important to check myself often, but that's not necessarily a change to make, just a reminder to keep on... Not neglecting my spiritual gifts as a father, is a somewhat new notion to me. I need to approach parenting with the same sort of preparation, prayer, and participation that I do every other ministry. While my kids may never see my progress as a father, I'm sure Kristin will. I may never know who else may be encouraged or inspired by my progress, either, so I need to ensure that I'm making progress. The biggest application of this passage will come through verse 13. I need to organize a way to hold Bible studies, home worship, and prayer with my kids. It needs to be regular, consistent, and serious (even if it's scaled down for the kids at this age). I'm going to work this out with Kristin tonight.
P) Father, thank You for equiping me for marriage and parenthood. I don't want to neglect my giftings or responsibilities, Lord. Holy Spirit, reveal to me an effective way to minister to my family as a whole, and to minister to my family individually. The most important thing is to ensure their salvation, God, so help me be an effective leader for them, pointing them toward the cross of Your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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