it's all I can do to keep the basics of the ministry afloat - have class, nail the monthly activity, mail the birthday cards. we talked about this earlier. but i have GOT to put that weariness aside...because it's not of God. if he's called us to this ministry, y'all, we have to live in that calling, intentionally. daily. #lordhavemercy
enter 2 timothy...again. if you're a youth leader in any capacity: according to Paul's leadership testimony in ministry, this is the "daily driver" your kids should know as intrinsically "you."
but thou has fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 timothy 3:10
DOCTRINE: instruction * learning * teaching
consider philippians 4:8 (whatsoever things are ______) as a map of how to frame your mind daily as you pass on biblical doctrine to these kids. in all things --> show a pattern of good (beautiful, valuable, virtuous - for appearance or use) works. in doctrine --> show [1] uncorruptness (purity), [2] gravity (honesty), [3] sincerity (genuineness) (titus 2:7). abide in the doctrine of Christ - what did he say? what did he do? #searchitout
MANNER OF LIFE: a bringing up * mode of living
we ought to live in all holy conversation and godliness (2 peter 3:11) "from the first day" and "at all seasons" (acts 20:18). much like the senior pastor, because we also are an example to young believers (or non-believers!), we are called to a higher standard of living than the "average" believer. #sorrynotsorry y'all, we have to make EVERY effort to bring these kids to Christ and give NO cause for them to stumble. period. #thatsafactjack
PURPOSE: a setting forth * proposal/intention * showbread
old testament temple showbread was to ALWAYS be in the Lord's presence - "bread of the presence." with purpose of heart, cleave unto the Lord (acts 11:23). we are called to be extremely serious about this (2 corinthians 1:17). guys - purpose. in. your. heart (daniel 1:8). it will NOT come naturally.
FAITH: persuasion * moral conviction * assurance * fidelity * belief
**faith --> virtue --> knowledge --> temperance --> patience --> godliness --> brotherly kindness --> charity**
be an example in the faith (1 timothy 4:12), follow after faith (2 timothy 2:22)...in all things, approve yourself as a minister of God (approve = introduce favorably -- commend to every man's conscience in the sight of God). i.e. IN the hard times
IN much patience, afflictions, necessities, distresses, stripes
IN imprisonments, tumults, labors, watchings, fastings
how is this even possible? not by YOUR might, that's for sure. (speaking of: i dare you to Strong's "virtue" - 2428) #hewillbeyourstrength
BY pureness, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, the Holy Ghost
BY love unfeigned, the word of truth, the power of God
BY armor of righteousness on the right hand & on the left, honor & dishonor, evil report & good report
putting away your flesh, your short-comings, your insecurities to adopt his miracle of love through you:
AS deceivers; and yet true
AS unknown; and yet well-known
AS dying, and, behold, we live
AS chastened, and not killed
AS sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing
AS poor, yet making many rich
AS having nothing, and yet possessing all things
anyone a fan of "numbers" in the Bible? yep. count 'em. SEVEN. perfection.
oh, and did you notice these are SEVEN characteristics listed in 2 timothy 3:10 that we're breaking down here? #mindblown
but i digress...
LONGSUFFERING: forbearance * patience * fortitude - mental/emotional strength in difficulty
lean on Him for mental/emotional strength. i'm certainly not going to pretend this line of work isn't taxing on ALL LEVELS: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. it is. i know. but we ARE able to bring our mind and emotions into submission at ALL times. remember, this is part of the "daily driver" your kids should know as intrinsically "you."
CHARITY: agape * a love-feast * affection
affection - like how you feel about your spouse, your family, your closest ones. that. that is what these kids need from you. a love-feast. not irritation. not judgment. not burn-out. #thisisserious
PATIENCE: cheerful (hopeful) endurance * constancy * continuance (waiting)
are you in it for the long haul...cheerfully? consistently full of hope and joy? if this is where God's called you, so help us, Lord, you need to be. #speakingtomyself
seem impossible some days? i get it. i do. a freebie tip (also from Paul):
now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
romans 15:13
boom. #ijustgaveyoutheanswer you got this.
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