72
We have a good example of the New Man in a man whom Paul considered to be a beloved son in the gospel, Timothy. 1 Cor. 4:17 Timothy, whose name means, dear to God. His attributes would certainly make him, to be dear to the Lord. He was a young man who was faithful in the Lord. He was sincere in his faith and without hypocrisy. 2 Tim. 1:5 He was also a young man who had been taught the scriptures from the time that he was a child. 2 Tim. 3:15 As a spiritual father, Paul was instructing him in the ways of the Lord. In his second letter to Timothy he presented a fourfold exhortation to him. 2 Tim. 2:15.
STUDY. The object, the subject of study was to be the Word of the Lord. Buy the truth and sell it not. Prov. 23:23 Divine truth is an imperative to every Christian, and more importantly to every Minister and Teacher. The exhortation of the Lord Jesus was to study the scriptures. They are the way of eternal life and give witness of the Lord Jesus. John 5:39 The formal education of Jesus was sadly lacking causing the people of that day to marvel at the wisdom and the teaching with which Jesus confronted them. John 7:15 Jesus was a man of strong doctrine and was bold in declaring it for He knew it to originate from His Father. John 7:16-18 There is a Biblical example established for us by the church at Berea. They did not reject or accept everything they heard but retired to their homes and searched the scriptures daily, confirming the teaching which they were receiving. They were a noble people, a people of high rank and desirous of knowing the truth, they received it gladly. Acts 17:11.
APPROVED, unto the Lord. If He places His approval on a person we can know that they are speaking truth. Approval, is something which is constantly sought after, probably more so than anything else in this life. Who’s approval would we more desire than that of the Lord. The manner of life demonstrated in the New Man will do wonders in achieving the acceptation of the Lord and the approval of men. The manifestation of the kingdom of God in him, the righteousness, peace and the joy of the Lord will assure him of divine acceptance, that is being well pleasing in His sight. Not only are we then made to be well, received of the Lord, but with the approval of men also. Most people will value a person who is living for Christ. Rom. 14:17-18.