Young People's Group

The Challenge to Give Ourselves to the Truths Learnt

by Mitchell Tan
January 27, 2017

MEDITATION IS ONLY THE FIRST STEP

Reflecting on the word of God is a good discipline to learn. This was something taught by the apostle Paul to Timothy.

“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them”
1 Timothy 4:15

It is important for us to reflect over what we have learnt from the Scriptures. And yet we must remember that meditating is only the first step to responding well to the truths taught to us. The second step is to practise them. There is the tendency for some to just ponder over His word and stop there. The challenge for us is to go beyond and vigorously seek to apply what we have learnt to our life.

PRACTISING FULLY THE THINGS WE HAVE LEARNT

“Give yourself entirely to them”
1 Timothy 4:15

The phrase “give yourself entirely” is an idiomatic translation from the Greek. In the Greek, it is actually only one word, which means “to become”. The challenge by Paul to Timothy was to absorb “these things” into his life. His challenge was to become all that had been taught to him.

1. TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUTHS OF THE WORD

Meditating on the word should bring about further understanding of the truth of God’s word. When we understand a truth principle well, it is a bit easier to give ourselves to it.

2. TO INTERNALISE THE TRUTHS IN OUR LIFE

The next thing we need to do is to internalise what we have reflected on. Very often, the truth of God’s word affects only the mind. The challenge is for us to go beyond that. It must also be imbibed and internalised into our life. It is should permeate our mind, our heart, our spirit and our lifestyle.

3. TO MAKE TRUTHS PART OF OUR LIFE

“Give yourself entirely” is meant to be done continuously with obedience. We are to keep working on this with all our heart and strength until the truths are a part of our life. Learning is never just about gaining more knowledge. They are meant to be practised and be made part of our life.

PROGRESS SEEN IN OUR LIFE AND MINISTRY

“That your progress may be evident to all.”
1 Timothy 4:15

What is the purpose in pondering and internalising God’s truths? It is meant to bring about change in our life. When we do our part, the Lord will bring about this work. Definite progress in our life and ministry would be clearly seen by all including non-believers. Whether there is progress or not is dependent on our efforts. As we go for Chinese New Year visits, may our relatives be able to see progress in our faith and life. Let’s seek to be better witnesses for the Lord this year because there is evidential progress. Young people, let’s seek to meditate and “run the course” of His truth till we see even more definite changes in our life and ministry.

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