“Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching . . . Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:13-16.
Our first section will deal with these words above, which explain our purpose here. First of all, we are to give attention to (which means give close attentiveness until Jesus comes again), the public reading of Scripture. It is imperative that His Word is declared publically. Just as the British Empire publically announces anything with regard to the royal family, so we are to publically state the ideas and orders of the King of Kings.
Next, we are to give close attention to our exhortation. This means to build up, encourage, and so forth. Bible study is also a place where we build up those who are present. We encourage them in the walk of faith.
Then, we are to teach these things. We cannot teach what we have not learned, so it is necessary that this Word first touches us. As the Lord gave a word to one of our Alcoholics Victorious leaders, He said, “You teach and I’ll reach.” We are to be faithful to teach this Word, to explain it, to give enough background so that people will naturally understand its intent. Let the Holy Spirit, the true Teacher, teach you His way.
We are also to take pains with these things (going deeper hurts sometimes), and be absorbed in them (dipped, baptized, enveloped), and then people will see our progress. You see, we are to be changing as well. Sometimes, that is the greatest instruction, a changed life. Pay close attention to your life and to what you are proclaiming. Make sure it is mostly of God and very little of you. Be persistent in all these areas. You will insure, seal salvation for you and your listeners. When we do not take care of who we are and what we say, we stand the threat of having our own light diminished, and this will affect us and those around us.
Our second section deals with the narrative in Ephesians.
The first area is about God’s will. Have you ever come up against someone who had a very strong will, determination? What did it do to your relationship? What does it do, likewise, when we have a firm resistance to God’s design?
Express to the people that God’s will is for these areas: salvation, blessing, usage, etc. God’s will is to give us a future and a hope. It is not to hurt us or to keep us “down”. God is not an oppressor, like many rulers of governments. He does not desire to suppress our needs in order for the higher good. When we seek His will, He will take care of us. It is a loving relationship. Lastly, why should we accept His will above our own? Can we trust His judgment?
Note also that these blessings listed is what God has already done for us, and hence, the way He sees us is through loving eyes. What can you learn about God from the way He looks at you?
Be sure also to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as you read beforehand. God will inspire one portion especially so that You will emphasize it. For instance, the conversation may be surrounded more about forgiveness than the choosing of God. You’ll know when you’ve hit the mark, for people will respond. Always be listening to your spirit about what is appropriate and not so appropriate. You may also want to write down certain words in the passages. . . grace, love, peace, etc., so that the Scriptures do not seem to be overwhelming. Let’s give nuggets to chew on.
In conclusion, NEVER ASSUME that the people understand where you are going with a question or comment. Notice reactions, puzzlement, etc. Do not proceed unless they are with you.