Daily Devotions

1 Timothy

1 Timothy 
Day 
Day 88

"Clearly evident..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:24

BECOMING MORE DISCERNING

One of the most astute and discerning of servants of Christ was certainly the apostle Paul. Through years of experience in serving the Lord and with the help of the Spirit of God, Paul became a very sharp and discerning person. Paul sought to equip Timothy so that he might emerge a discerning minister of the Lord.

“Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment,
but those of some men follow later.
Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident,
and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.”
1 Timothy 5:24-25

1. Powers of observation

a) This ought to be developed.
b) This can be developed with time and with greater experience.
c) This will lead to astuteness in life and ministry.

 

2. “Some men’s sins”

a) These are often “clearly evident”.
b) Judgment is inevitable.
i) Some sins precede judgment.
ii) Some sins follow after.
c) All will become clear to the astute minister of God.

 

3. “The good works of some are clearly evident”

a) Good works are obvious.
b) They are easily recognisable.

 

4. “Those that are otherwise cannot be hidden”

a) This is a reference to bad works.
b) They cannot remain hidden for too long.

 

BY THEIR FRUITS

We are reminded of what the Lord Jesus taught on this subject. May we seek to grow in knowledge and discernment.

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree
bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good
fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
Matthew 7:18-20