As for You
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
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Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Final Phase
As for You
by J. Randal Matheny
"As for you, always be sober-minded, ..."
2 Timothy 4:5, ESV
Each year I choose a Bible verse to express my
spiritual desires and work objectives. For 2004, I
chose 2 Timothy 4:5. There are four phrases in
this verse. In the next few days, I want to give
attention to each one.
Life in Christ is often a contrast with the life
of those who refuse to hear the truth and follow
their own desires (vv. 3-4). This verse also puts
spiritual character up against such carnal
attitudes.
To be sober-minded or moderate means not to exceed
the limits established by God.
Fairbairn says "it denotes more than we commonly
understand by being sober -- a vigilant, wakeful,
considerate frame of mind, which takes good heed
to what is proceeding around, and with calm and
steady aim pursues its course. It is an
exhortation to maintain the clear perception and
even balance of the mind, so as not to be
entrapped by false appearances, or by undue
excitement turned aside from the onward path of
truth and duty" (Patrick Fairbairn, Commentary on
the Pastoral Epistles, First and Second Timothy,
Titus [Zondervan, 1956], p. 388).
The disciple exercises moderation in everything,
for to give in in one area makes excess easier in
another. This is the key to integrity.
Matters not what the worldly do. When Paul tells
Timothy, "As for you," he means your (and our) way
of life will always go against carnality. Instead
of giving in to desires, we give up to God our
lives, mind, heart, and soul.
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