Today you should read: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Paul starts this chapter by informing Timothy that some people will leave the faith because they listen to the false teachings that turn them away from things that God says are good.
Paul then tells Timothy to “put these things before the brothers” (verse 6). He follows it up with a word of encouragement to Timothy and urging him to train for godliness (verse 7). I think the next part is very fitting for this time of year where everybody is making their New Year’s resolutions to get fit and go to the gym more. In verse 8 Paul says, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way.” So he says that being physically healthy has some importance, but spiritual health is much more valuable because it has value now and after this physical body dies (end of verse 8). This is the reason that we should work on our relationship with God just as hard as we work on our 2020 weight loss goals.
This next part is the place that I really want to sit on for a minute because it’s something that you see Paul talk about multiple times in his writings. It’s the idea that our words and deeds matter. Paul tells Timothy to, “ Command and teach these things” (verse 11). He then follows it up not with words to tell them, or a sermon outline, or a prayer for him to recite, but instead tells him to “set the believers an example” (verse 12). He then ends this chapter by saying, “Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (verse 16). It would be easy for one to say, “God will forgive me so it doesn’t matter what I do as long as I ask for forgiveness.” Only part of this statement is true. Jesus did die to forgive us of our sins, and when we ask for forgiveness he gives it (See 1 John 1:9), but it is wrong to say that this means that our actions are meaningless. We should be an example of God’s love for others to see. If your actions do not reflect Jesus, then maybe your New Year’s resolution should be to strengthen your relationship with God.
By: Jacob Kerr — West Campus Pastoral Ministry Apprentice: Worship and Students
One of our goals as a church this year is that our people would be praying everyday. To help you be accountable, use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.
JumpstartCPC.com 
I’m so excited to be praying along side you ever day! Remember – how God leads you – but do it every day – in dedicated, focused time with Him. I’m praying for you this morning as you begin this journey. Sign up for the reminder text by texting @cpclex to 81010. Over 100 of us already are! Have a blessed and wonderful day! TIM
Sorry… Remember to pray how God leads you – but do it every day….
Without going into too much detail, a couple years ago I was struggling with helping my daughter trust the Lord. I was praying that God would reveal himself to my daughter.
A little while later my daughter began praying for something I knew couldn’t happen. She was adamant about praying for it. I tried to explain that God does not always answer prayers by giving us what we ask for and encouraged her to accept what she wanted would not happen. To my amazement God did answer her prayer…and by doing so He answered my prayer that He reveal himself to my daughter.
God is good. He’s in control and can do the impossible.
Love this Greg.
Thanks for your insight on this section of scripture, Jacob. You are following Timothy’s counsel and “setting an example.”
I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions because, by February I’ve failed… but yesterday I committed to pray every day this year (and, God willing, beyond). Prayers for my endeavor are appreciated.
Thank you to Pastor Tim and all the staff at CPC for being our examples. May you be blessed this year.
Communing with God is such a wonderful thing. It’s those times when I feel closest to Him and most fulfilled. Through prayer, surrender and trust I have seen amazing healing in my family, to God be the glory!
I try to make time for just Him everyday, but I must confess that life sometimes overwhelms me and takes over. I am committing that this year will be different. With God’s help I will carve out time just for Him everyday, as if my life depended on it, which it does spiritually.
Thank you Tim for being so dedicated and uncompromised in the leadership of your flock.