Steps to Fortify My Faith

In review of 1 Timothy 4:7b it says, “Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit”

Bottom Line:

Don’t waste your time with worthless things, instead learn to keep yourself spiritually fit.

What this means to me:

I am to not waste my time my time and energy in worthless talk, arguments or endeavors. Rather I should invest myself in the exercise and disciple of keeping spiritually fit and learning to be godly.

Today's verse comes from the last half of 1 Timothy 4, in which Paul is instructing Timothy on being a good servant of Jesus Christ. He tells him that we are to explain what we know and are nourished by, to others. We are not to waste our time with arguing over godless ideas or old wives' tales. Instead, we are to train ourselves to be godly, as our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all.

To be used by God, I should work on continually fortifying my faith.

Today’s verse in 1 Timothy 4:7b says, “Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit” (TLB).

I have to admit that I do not wake up each day thinking, “I get to exercise today!”.  However, I have been taught that I need both physical and spiritual exercise.  This exercise should be done to get the most benefit out of the effort put into it.

There are four habits that I’m learning that will help me fortify my faith:

First, study the Word (Bible.) I need to study the Bible personally, because I can’t depend on somebody else’s study to fortify my faith. It's something I need to do on my own.

His word tells me that, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT). God’s Word is the “Get Ready” manual for life. If I want to get ready to be used by Him, I’ve got to study His Word.

Secondly , read Christian books. Proverbs 19:8 says, “Do yourself a favor and learn all you can” (TEV). I can learn a lot more when I read books that help me grow spiritually.

Third, write out my testimony. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have” (NCV). Just like nobody else can study for me, nobody else can tell my story. There are four basic parts to a testimony: what my life was like before I came to Christ, how I realized I needed Christ in my life, how I committed my life to Christ, and what my life is like now.

Lastly, join a small group. The Word says to , “Encourage each other and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11a NLT). My faith will be fortified with regular contact with others in my small group. It’s a place to share your life with and who will support me as I grow in faith.

Practicing these four habits will be a great way to help me stay spiritually fit so that I’m ready for God use.