Heralds Digest

"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day". (2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV) Jesus Christ suffered and died to pay the price for the sin of the world, thereby bringing those who believe in this sacrifice to life from death. Therefore, the shame of Christ's suffering and death is swallowed by the sound of His resurrection. Like Apostle Paul, all who believe in Christ are encouraged not to be ashamed to suffer for the cause of the gospel. Obviously, it is shameful to be deprived of one's right to dignity and respect, especially for righteousness' sake; but no one can prevent the glory of the righteous' crown at the Saviour's feet. Willingness to suffer shame without being ashamed is a sweet-smelling sacrifice.

"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness". (1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV) Fleeing from the love of money and the pursuit of righteousness represents a singular dream with two groups of incompatible and exclusive elements of life. The group that comprises greed, strife, reviling and evil suspicions is clearly anathema to the heart that pursue godliness, righteousness, love, faith, patience, and gentleness. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that Timothy's pursuit does not have to be driven by the possession of the material things. Rather, his possession of God (i.e., being man of God) drives the purpose for living. Pure pursuit simply searches for God and his righteousness, which makes the singular essence of life.

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain". (1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV) Competition for gain in physical, material and financial position naturally whip up resentment among competitors. However, God's grace enables the exchange of resentment with contentment in every relationship, if allowed. Nevertheless, God's plan for every man's promotion in life is irrevocable, if godliness is pursued with contentment. The way to promotion may be choked with thorns, but steadfastness to the end is rewarded with crowns. Therefore, if we cannot prune our ways of thorns without greed or pulling down of others' desire for promotion, allowing those thorns may likely be the best of all decorations on our crown. Godly gain is great - it possesses great satisfaction in God's promises for promotion.

"Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses." (1 Timothy 5:19 NKJV) Experiences with the challenges in all affairs of life, including family, job, business, etc, can only make anyone who is not marred by his previous engagements. Therefore, an elder's judgment is fairly sacred to anyone who care to learn from past experiences. As a young minister with dynamic faith in the word of God, Timothy was warned to be wary of accusation levelled against elders, without verifiable evidence. Elder's honour admits the fact that whatever it takes to survive the wickedness within the system of the world in the past is likely to sustain life against future challenges. Ultimately, elder's experience advantage cannot be bought with the wealth of a novice's sophistication.

"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV) One of the greatest disappointments of today's gospel message is the discouraging lifestyle of its messengers. A minister that cannot take heed to himself cannot take heed to anyone else. Needless to say that a doctrine that cannot impact self cannot penetrate others. Sound doctrine is great but only glorious with sound mind. When we hear "Show me the way of escape only when I can see the evidence of salvation in your character", we might have misplaced the most relevant ministry - " Take heed to yourself ".

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8 NKJV) The impact of the digital invasion on the quality of life today can only be underestimated. Without over-ruling the benefits of the computer age on technological advancement, it is obvious that many evil vices are easily promoted in the absence of sufficient godly engagements of the scientific platform. The truth is that in the midst of all productive physical engagements, careful enrichment of our digital devices with godly contents can turn the tide of invasion to inspiration. Prosperity is measured not by the quantity of life, but by the quality of life - which is the test of spiritual fitness.

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." (1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV) The doctrine of worldliness needs no special instruction manuals. It attaches itself to everyone that operate within its system. But unlike worldliness, godliness is impracticable without the influence of the Spirit of God. The same God who enables a physical act of righteousness, also works within the heart to justify the motives behind the action. Therefore, a form of godliness without the enabling power of the Spirit cannot influence the conducts of the system of this world for righteousness; neither can it attracts the praise of heaven. Only righteous or godly conduct represents a reliable act of godliness.