04.09.06 Bulletin Article -- Our Level of Commitment

I’m sure many of you have heard the difference between the relationship of the chicken and the pig to breakfast: the chicken is only involved, while the pig is committed. Both the chicken and the pig give something to be a part of breakfast. However, the pig gives himself completely to the cause.

What term characterizes our relationship to Christ and His church? Are we just involved? That means we do stuff. We’re here when we’re supposed to be here. We give something. Or are we fully committed? Not only are we here when we’re supposed to be here, but we’ve given everything to the most important cause on earth.

Paul emphasized Timothy’s level of commitment when he penned the letter we know of as 1 Timothy. In 4:13, Paul says, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” There are several things of interest in this specific verse and in the broader passage in which it is found. I want us to notice what Paul says about Timothy’s devotion to the public service as a gospel preacher.

The word translated “devote yourself” is the Greek word prosecho. It is used moderately in the New Testament (24 times). Paul’s usage of the word is interesting though. He only uses the word in 1 Timothy and Titus. Let’s briefly notice how the word is used in its various contexts:

· “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4, prosecho underlined).
· “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain” (1 Timothy 3:8, prosecho underlined).
· “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,” (1 Timothy 4:1, prosecho underlined).
· “This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth” (Titus 1:13-14, prosecho underlined).

To summarize these usages, Paul uses the term prosecho five times in his letters; four of the five times are used in a negative sense. Three of those four negative uses are specifically talking about false teachers. We can’t know for sure, but it seems Paul’s instruction to Timothy in our original verse (1 Timothy 4:13) is to be as devoted as his spiritual and doctrinal enemies. Timothy is to be as devoted as those false teachers, but to a different standard: the true Word of God.

Applying this to our lives today, are we as the New Testament church as devoted to the truth as denominations are to their errors? Are we as a congregation at Midway as devoted to proclaiming the Truth as some congregations are to changing it? Do we reach as deep into our pocketbooks as do organizations and groups promoting worldly principles? We have the potential, the revealed Word, and the motivation. We don’t have any acceptable excuses. Let’s make sure we’ve given everything over to the work of the Lord.

May God bless us as we use our commitment to His glory.