** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <September 5, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Training for the Promise
• READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9; 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-10; 2 PETER 1:5-11
We train for lots of things in our lives. We might train to play an instrument or train to get a good grade on a test at school or train to win a race. I ran track for two years in high school. I left practice exhausted, but I felt stronger. The physical training was good for me, even on the days when I didn’t feel like moving.
I love Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4, as he writes to the young pastor Timothy. Paul reminds Timothy—and, in doing so, reminds us—that while physical training is of some value, it’s nothing compared to godliness.
No matter how strictly we stick to our workout schedules or to our other training, our muscles, endurance, and skill will eventually fade. But when we train our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ and His life, death, and resurrection, we remember the promises He’s given us for this life and the one to come. And this spiritual training has value that will never pass away.
But how do we train our hearts and minds in Jesus’ promises? First, we have to realize that growth is possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, His Holy Spirit lives in us and transforms us to be more and more like Jesus. He empowers us to pursue godliness instead of sin. But if we do sin, Jesus’ forgiveness still holds true (1 John 2:1).
There’s no picture-perfect workout plan to help us pursue godliness, but God’s Word is filled with instructions on how we can live more like Jesus. In 1 Timothy 4, Paul reminds us to receive God’s creation with thanksgiving. To nourish ourselves on the truths of the faith by diving into God’s Word. To serve those around us. To love those on the outskirts of society.
So let’s train for the promise, knowing God will be with us every step of the way, in the present life and in the life to come. • Becca Wierwille
• What are some things in your life that you spend a lot of time training for? How is that training similar to training for godliness? How is it different?
• Take another look at today’s Bible passages. What examples can you find for ways we can train our hearts and minds to be more like Jesus?
• Who encourages you to pursue godliness in your life, reminding you of the truths of the gospel? Who can you encourage with these same truths?
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 Unlocked.org로 들어가시면 <August 4, 2021>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
When It Is All Too Much
• READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30
There are times in my life when I have hard thing after hard thing stacked on top of one another. I have something stressful going on with my work, and then I have a tense relationship with my family. I am sucked into all the bad news about the world, and then I also have a headache or a backache. Everything combines until it feels impossible to keep moving. In moments like these, I remember that I need to call out to God.
I rely heavily on God’s comfort and guidance when everything in my life is adding up to be too much for me to handle on my own. I am so thankful that He invites me to put all my burdens on Him—not only when I’m overwhelmed but all the time. When I am stressed out or in pain, when I am physically or emotionally tired, He is there with me. God knows what I’m struggling with, and He cares. In fact, He cares so much about me that Jesus came all the way to earth, died, and rose again to save me. The new life Jesus invites me into is one of rest, relying on Him and submitting to His gentle and humble leadership. Because I have put my trust in Him, I know that I am never alone. His Holy Spirit is in me, comforting me and empowering me to follow Jesus. He never leaves my side, and He is waiting to carry my heavy load.
There are good and bad moments in my life, as I am sure there are good and bad moments in your life. It is amazing to me that God stays the same through them all and He is always right there, waiting to help. • Emily Acker
• When you feel like all the things going on in your life add up to be too much for you to carry, remember God doesn’t expect you to be able to handle it all by yourself. What are some practical ways you can make time to come to God in prayer and give your worries over to Him?
• One way God provides help is through other people (Galatians 6:2). Who are some people in your life you can turn to for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (WEB)
