Young People's Group

The Challenge to Observe “These Things”

by Mitchell Tan
March 03, 2017

GETTING DOWN TO PRACTISING “THESE THINGS”

In 1 Timothy, the Greek word “tauta” had been translated into English as “these things”. It has been used by Paul to refer to the body of truth and principles taught by him to his spiritual son. Young Timothy was to meditate on “these things” and to give himself fully to them (1 Timothy 4:15). He was to vigorously command and teach them (1 Timothy 4:11). Another challenge from Paul to Timothy was for him to get down to observing “these things” correctly.

“I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.”
1 Timothy 5:21

How do we seek to practise “these things” the way the Lord wants us to?

1. WITH CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE HEAVENLY HOST

Paul charged Timothy to be deeply conscious of the heavenly host looking down on him.

A. GOD

The Lord God is the eternal King who is immortal and invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). He sits on His throne and rules from the heavens above. He is an omniscient God who is also our Saviour (1 Timothy 2:3). He is everywhere and able to see everything that we do. Psalm 139:1-6 speaks of the omniscience of God. Let’s be conscious of a living God who sees and knows all things

B. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Lord Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of the throne of God. He is our Mediator between God and us (1 Timothy 2:5). Like God, He also is omniscient. He knows everything about us. He is the Lord over our lives.

C. THE ELECT ANGELS

These chosen angels are the mighty ones that do the Lord God’s bidding. They are the ones sent by the Lord to walk to and fro throughout of the earth (Zechariah 1:10-11). They can observe what is happening on the earth. Let’s be conscious of the heavenly host looking down on us.

2. WITH DILIGENCE IN PRACTISING “THESE THINGS”

A. KEEPING THEM

Our part is to keep these things and to be vigilant in observing them.

B. DOING THEM

The challenge is to get down to doing them and to continue to do so.

3. WITHOUT PARTIALITY AND PREJUDICE

God knows our heart when we practise these things. It is important that we do not show any prejudice and partiality as we seek to serve the Lord and to take care of people. We are accountable to the Lord God and the Lord Jesus. Let’s seek to be pure in heart and fair as we seek to practise these truths. Let’s ensure that we do them the way the Lord wants us to.

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