THE EXTERNAL CHARGE
Practice the Word of God
You are charged to present yourself before the Word of God that it may, through the power of the Holy Spirit, change you. Paul instructs in Ephesians chapter 5- that Christ cleanses us by “in the washing of water by the Word.” I would, therefore, challenge you with Paul’s words to Timothy to be, “…6- If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
7- But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8- For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:6-8) Further, Paul exhorts that you “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
In truth, this external charge is the work of God in response to your genuine submission to the pursuit of Him through His Word. As the man of God accepts the charge to practice the Word of God the out-working is pictured in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. “1- This saying is trustworthy: “
This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Do you accept this external charge to practice the Word of God?
