November 01 2026

Sunday, November 1

“A Life That Makes a Difference”

1 Timothy 4:15–16

Welcome to Pastor's Chat! Today, we're concluding our study of 1 Timothy chapter 4. And I must tell you, these final two verses are especially meaningful to me personally. You see, and I hesitate to mention it, but today happens to be my 75th birthday! And as I reflect upon three-quarters of a century of life, including more than fifty years in pastoral ministry, I'm reminded of just how faithful and gracious the Lord has been to me. Now, I certainly don't know how many more years the Lord may give me here on earth. But one thing I do know. As long as He gives me life and opportunity, I want to continue serving Him! And that's really the heart of the passage we're studying today.

Listen to what Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:15: "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all." Now, what a wonderful challenge Paul gives to young Timothy! He tells him to meditate upon the things he's been taught and to give himself entirely to them. In other words, Timothy wasn't simply supposed to know God's Word intellectually. He was to devote his life to putting those truths into practice. And notice the purpose. "That your progress may be evident to all."

Now, that's an interesting statement! Paul expected Timothy to continue growing spiritually. Even though Timothy was already serving as a spiritual leader, there was still room for growth in his life. And I believe that's something every Christian needs to remember. We never reach a point in this life where we've learned everything there is to know about the Lord! No matter how many years we've been saved, there's always more to discover in God's Word. There's always room to grow in faith, love, patience, wisdom, and godliness. And I can certainly testify to that!

You know, when I first began preaching as a young man, I thought I understood a great deal about the Bible. But after more than fifty years of studying, preaching, and teaching the Scriptures, I've come to realize just how much there still is to learn. And that's one of the things I love about God's Word. You can read a passage you've studied dozens of times, and the Holy Spirit can help you see something you've never noticed before. The Word of God truly is living and powerful!

Now, notice something else in verse 15. Paul says that Timothy's spiritual progress should be evident to others. In other words, people should be able to recognize that he's growing in his relationship with the Lord. And that's a wonderful goal for every Christian. Not simply to grow older, but to grow spiritually! You know, growing older is something that happens naturally. But growing spiritually requires a willingness to continue learning, obeying, and walking with the Lord. And that's something I hope to keep doing for as long as God gives me breath.

Now, listen to verse 16: "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them..." What a tremendous statement! Paul reminds Timothy that he must pay attention to two things. His life and his teaching. And both are extremely important. You see, it's possible for someone to know sound doctrine and yet fail to live according to that doctrine. But it's also possible for someone to be sincere in their conduct while being seriously mistaken in what they believe. And Paul wanted Timothy to understand that both his character and his teaching mattered. We must be faithful to the truth, and we must live the truth!

Now, Paul concludes verse 16 by explaining that Timothy's perseverance in these things would have saving significance for both himself and those who heard him. Paul wasn't suggesting that Timothy could earn his salvation through good works or save others through his own power. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. But God uses faithful teaching and godly living to bring people to the knowledge of salvation and to strengthen believers in their faith. And what a tremendous responsibility that is!

You know, as I look back over my years of ministry, some of my greatest blessings have come from hearing people share how the Lord used something I said or did to encourage them in their Christian walk. And sometimes those conversations come many years after the original experience. In fact, one of the things I've especially enjoyed in recent years is preparing these daily Pastor's Chats. What began as a simple opportunity to continue sharing God's Word in retirement has become a wonderful blessing in my own life. And occasionally, someone will approach me and tell me they've been watching or reading these Chats, even though I had no idea they were following along. And when they tell me that God's Word has encouraged them or helped them begin their day with their thoughts focused upon the Lord, my heart is deeply grateful. Because that's what it's all about! Not recognition. Not popularity. But the privilege of helping someone draw closer to Jesus Christ. And as I celebrate my 75th birthday today, I can think of no greater desire than to continue doing exactly that.

So let me leave you with this challenge. Whatever your age, don't stop growing, don't stop serving, and don't stop making a difference for Jesus Christ! God still has opportunities for you to serve Him. And as long as He gives us life, we can continue pointing others to our wonderful Savior.

Let's pray together. Our gracious Heavenly Father, today my heart is filled with gratitude for Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for the gift of life and for the countless blessings You've given me through these seventy-five years. Thank You for my precious family, for the wonderful people You've brought into my life, and for the privilege of serving You through so many years of ministry. Father, I recognize that every good thing in my life has come from Your gracious hand. And whatever may lie ahead, I want my remaining days to be lived for Your honor and glory. Lord, I pray for everyone listening today. Whatever their age or circumstances, help them to continue growing in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. Give us hearts that remain teachable, spirits that remain humble, and lives that remain faithful to Your Word. Help us never to become weary in well-doing. And Father, may we use whatever time You give us to encourage others, share the gospel, and make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us. Thank You most of all for the wonderful promise of everlasting life through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may we continue serving You faithfully until that wonderful day when we see our Savior face to face. For it's in His precious and wonderful name we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!