Morning Moments

Read carefully 1 Timothy 1: 15-18

3. Remember You Purpose 1:16-17
Our purpose is to glorify God - end of story! But the question is "how" do we glorify God? Jesus said in this is my Father glorifed that you bear much fruit.

Then there is the question - what is fruit? The Scripture says that the fruit of the righteousn is a tree of life, and that he who wins souls is wise - THAT'S FRUIT. Paul said, the FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and temperance - THAT is FRUIT!

a. To Reflect His Presence 16
He is the SUN (Son) and we are the reflectors of the son. As each star differs in glory, so we differ, but when we all shine together, we brighten the dark sky. We are mere reflectors of the glory of God. The Holy Spirit conforms us to the IMAGE of His SON.

1) His Mercy for Ministry
Paul spoke of this before - we have no ministry without mercy. We are not ministers of hurt, but of healing. We must be very careful to give to others what we want and need for ourselves. Do not take up an offense, but show mercy.

2) His Patience for Perseverance
"Ye have need of patience," we are told by our Lord. The only problem is that patience comes by tribulation and tribulation teaches us to wait on God. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. "Wait, I say, on the Lord."

b. To Resound His Praises 17
God inhabits the praise of His people. He is worthy of our praise. When we praise someone, we extol them, lift them up, give honor to them. When we praise the Lord, it is not merely a casual "Praise the Lord," but a focus upon His name, His nature, and the needs He meets in our lives.

B. Produces Good Sons Conformity in Character 1:18

I love my sons - when they say things they heard me say years ago; when they put into practice what we taught them when they were younger; when they make decisions based upon eternal principles, they make me very proud of them. They are good sons. THAT is how God feels when we practice the principles of His Word; when He hears us share the Word; when we demonstrate our conformity to His character.

1. Receptive of the Teaching "charge"
They hymnwriter says, "We have a charge to keep." It is true, but if we are to teach others we are to be open to teaching ourselves. It is too easy for those who know a little Bible to be intimidaters, rather than imitators. Receive what God gives you and put it into practice, then charge others to do the same.

2. Respectful of the Teacher "son"
One interesting characteristic of too many students is that they "think" they know more than the teacher. They may indeed, but it is not the spirit of haughtiness God honors, but the spirit of humility. Teach, but be willing to be taught - and respect those whom God has chosen to teach you.

3. Responsible for the Truth "prophecies"
the authoritative declaration made by the presbytery of the fitness for ministry of one whom they are ordaining. Elders are an important part of God's economy. The very term indicates age. Resist this if you will but elders need to be elder for with maturity in Christ there is wisdom and understanding that is often absent in youth. It is generally believed that Timothy was in his thirties, so you may be an adult, but still need teaching from elders.