Moment of Meditation: Devote Yourself (1 Timothy 4:13)

Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,
to preaching and to teaching.
(1 Timothy 4:13)

Devote Yourself

In this simple statement we see the purpose of the congregation. The Scriptures are to be read publicly. That also means someone needs to be there to hear them. A congregation must be present and in the Word.

Preaching is to occur. The Scriptures not only read but explained and applied. Does the preacher need to have them explained and applied to him? Yes, but that occurs in the preparation of the sermon. Does the preacher do that for his own benefit? Yes, but what good is it if just the preacher understands? Where would the Christian Church be if there were no preaching.

But preaching primarily proclaims the truth of the Christian faith. It doesn't allow for questions. Not many preachers allow their sermon to be interrupted because someone in the congregation has a question to ask. There needs to be an outlet for the congregation to grow in their knowledge and have the ability to ask questions to gain the knowledge of the faith.

Be the Church. Be in the worship service to hear God's Word being read and proclaimed. Be in Bible studies where you can be with other Christians learning the faith and all its blessings. Amen.