1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Introductory Thoughts

Worldly meditation primarily focuses upon clearing the mind and making it devoid of thought. The Bible reveals the opposite process. Today’s passage comes from a more extensive letter that Paul sent to his son in the faith, Timothy. In this letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example to those around him. As a young man, Timothy was instructed not to allow his youth to hinder his service to the Lord. In Paul’s absence, Timothy was to major upon three things: reading, exhortation, and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13). Paul told Timothy to “meditate upon these things” (1 Timothy 4:15), or give himself wholly to them. In doing so, Timothy’s profiting would appear to all.

Devotional thoughts

  •  (For children):We should think on our ways (Psalm 119:59). If we’re not doing what God says, then we should start doing it. If we haven’t obeyed dad and mom (Colossians 3:20), then we should start doing this very thing. Other children may notice our example and follow.
  •  (For everyone):How would Timothy’s meditation lead to others being able to see his profit? How is this connected to Joshua’s meditation leading to success?
  •  Do you give yourself to reading, exhortation, and doctrine? Do you meditate upon these things? Do you find that others profit from your meditation?

Prayer Thoughts

  •  Ask the Lord to help you give yourself to His word.
  • Ask God to use your time of meditation for the benefit of others.

 

SONG: TBD

 

Quotes from the next volume

(VOLUME 3, WEEK 28)

Subject: Resolution (con’t)

When a problem presents itself, man should take the time to seek the cause of the problem. He should do so by willingly taking personal responsibility.

Oftentimes the right solutions do not resolve the problem overnight. Patience is a necessity!

A man who demands a hasty solution to his problems often fails to find God’s solution.