WALKIN' AND TALKIN'

1 Timothy 4: 6 – 16


I've heard the phrase about walking the walk and talking the talk so many times that I sometimes wish that I would never hear it again. But, then I think about the truth of what we are saying and hope that I can live it out every day.
God calls us to talk about His good news, and to live out changed lives as an example of the redeeming power of Jesus.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

It has been said that a bowler who joins a league at his local lanes practices until he can hit the 7 – 10 split. But, a pro bowler practices until he can hit that split every time without thinking about it.
In the same way, we have to move beyond the changing of our lives so that we reflect that change in everything that we do.

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Like I said a year or so ago, “Salvation ain't for wimps.” This means that we have to have the confidence, the ability, and the willingness to really live out a changed life. We are to present to people with our lives the teachings of God's word.