Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received…—1 Timothy 4:12-14 NLT
This is a good exhortation the Apostle Paul gave to a young Pastor Timothy. It is a good encouragement to those of us who may lead a small group, teach a bible lesson to kids or youth, or are doing one on one follow up with a new believer. Paul outlines how to be effective and influential in leading others to a deeper walk with Jesus.
First of all, we must model what a disciple of Jesus is all about. We have to walk the walk if we are going to talk the talk so to speak. Living out the Word is what qualifies us to minister effectively to others so that we are making an impact for the Kingdom. The God kind of love, overcoming faith and clean living distinguishes us from the world and qualifies us to minister to others. This is not just for preachers but all believers because we are all called to make disciples.
Our primary focus in ministering to others should be the Scriptures. It is overwhelming sometimes with the amount of books I receive from people to read. I spend most of my reading time in the Scriptures, sure there are good reads out there with some good nuggets but lets not forsake the reading of the Scriptures. Be like Apollos in the book of Acts who was mighty in the Scriptures. We all have a ministry of encouragement because we all have the same Holy Spirit and face the same trials in life. Be like Barnabas who was called son of encouragement for his ministry to believers. We all have been called and gifted to serve the body of Christ lets not neglect our gift but let’s put it to use and spend it on someone else like Timothy.
Finish Strong! 