DAY 17: Monday, October 17
TOPIC: Godly Men to Lead Youth
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 4:11-13 Command these things. Teach them. 12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech, behavior, love, faith, and by being sexually pure. 13 Until I arrive, pay attention to public reading, preaching, and teaching.
OBSERVATION: The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Timothy to a young pastor, but his words are not only for pastors (or aspiring pastors). Every man of God should aspire to know and teach what is true about God. What you believe and say about God is one of the most important things about you. Men who speak well in the world are men who first listen well to God in His word. Strive to know Him as thoroughly and deeply as possible – to mediate on his law day and night – and to bear a faithful witness to who He truly is to others.
PRAYER: Father God, we pray that You instill in all men a desire to not only know but also teach what is good and true about You. Give us a hunger to arm ourselves with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17) and to be ready "whenever anyone asks us to speak of our hope" (1 Peter 3:15). Father, give us a willingness to boldly proclaim the goodness and faithfulness that You have revealed in Your word. Thank you for not only hearing the cry of our hearts but also for the answer that is sure to come. Amen!