Bible Verse of The Day – 4-12-24

1 Timothy 4:16 (NKJV) 16 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.

Throughout the body of Christ there are different interpretations of salvation and what it entails.

Faith in Christ is at the center of all the various ideas. But beyond that central focal point, things can get a bit murky. Hence, the many different denominations we see.

One of the areas where doctrines differ is how salvation actually plays out in the life of a believer.

But the verse above speaks precisely to this topic, spelling it out for us so there can be no doubts.

As Paul wrote to Timothy, he exhorted Timothy to be sure to do many different things in his ministry to the body of Christ.

In verse 16 above, he tells Timothy to take heed to himself and the doctrine. What does that mean?

Here is another translation that makes the message much clearer.

1 Timothy 4:16 (NLT) 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

From this we can see that Paul is encouraging Timothy to pay close attention to his actions and his teaching, being sure to stay true to what he has been taught, and what he knows is right.

Why is this important for him to do?

For the sake of his salvation and the salvation of others.

You see, Paul was stating that salvation is not a one-off experience. It is intended to be a lifelong walk.

It does not consist of a simple prayer spoken, a short walk down an aisle, or a conversion experience without our life showing fruit from that experience.

Jesus said, “go and sin no more” to the woman who had been caught in adultery (John 8:11).

And the foundational teaching of leaving our sinful ways behind as evidence of God’s hand on our lives is taught throughout the rest of the New Testament.

So, let us do as Paul instructed Timothy to do, taking heed to our actions and what God’s word instructs us regarding living sanctified lives, that we may show God at work in us and be an example that others may see, with the hope that it may also lead to their salvation.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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