My attempts at fixing things around the house usually lead to paying someone else to undo the damage I caused while trying to fix the original problem. But recently I successfully repaired a home appliance by watching a YouTube video where a person demonstrated step by step how to do it.
Paul was a powerful example to his young protégé Timothy who traveled with him and watched him in action. From prison in Rome, Paul wrote, You . . . know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings (2 Timothy 3:1011). In addition, he urged Timothy to continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures (vv. 1415).
Pauls life demonstrated the necessity of building our lives on the bedrock of Gods Word. He reminded Timothy that the Bible is the powerful, God-given source that we need to teach and to demonstrate to others who want to be Christ-followers.
As we thank the Lord for the people who helped us grow in faith, we are challenged to follow their example of living out the truth as we teach and encourage others.
Thats the power of demonstration.
INSIGHT
Through the life-giving Word of God people learn of the saving work of Christ and His ability to transform our sinful heart into a righteous one (2 Timothy 3:1417). The Bible is God-breathed and the fountainhead of spiritual healing. Its life-giving properties make it useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (v. 16). The purpose of this divine revelation is to make us complete, equipping us to live godly and productive lives.
How can you teach and encourage others to build their lives on Gods Word?