As the New Testament book of 1 Timothy draws to a close Paul tells Timothy that just as there are ideas that are falsely called knowledge, there are people who seem to be “experiencing Life” when it is really nothing more than a masquerade. Paul wants Timothy and those in his church to “take hold of that life that is truly life” (1Timothy 6:19). To that end he asks them to consider the content of the letter, lay it alongside their own lives, and use it as a tool for self-evaluation.
Have you gone through a similar process of self-evaluation. Are you truly experiencing Life, or are you simply going through the motions?
What does it mean to Experience Life?
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1. True life is LIFE IN CHRIST.
A. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal savior?
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
B. Are you walking in Christ?
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him. (Colossians 2:6)
2. True life is Life With Others
A. Jesus intended his followers to live in community.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35
B. Life with others means more than being social, it builds upon a mutual relationship with Christ.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess. 5:11)
3. True life is Life Expressed
A. Jesus did not want his disciples to withdraw from the world, but instead to express their new life in the midst of the world.
B. Jesus gave his followers a commission that they are to express their lives in such a way that non-believers take notice and to tell them about what it means to Experience Life.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mathew 28:19-20)
Do you think you are experiencing true life? If not, what would it take to do so?
Are you growing in your relationship with Christ? Are you surrendering to His instruction?
Are you connected in authentic, loving, transformational relationships?
Are you honoring God with all that has been given to you?
Are you taking the message of Christ’s love to a world in need of love?
Are you helping to meet the physical needs of others?
Are you engaged in the life of the church or simply showing up?
