Slices
Prepare
‘My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God’ (Psalm 84:2). Read Psalm 84 and let your heart cry out for the living God.
Bible passage
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Explore
Paul is urging Timothy to work hard to grow in godliness. How is he to do that? He must ensure his focus is always on the living God, the Saviour (v 10). He must reject false teaching (v 7) and instead speak truths about Jesus to others (v 6). With the help of the Holy Spirit, he must learn to speak well, live well and love well (v 12). He must use the gifts, talents and skills God has given him (v 14). He must not become complacent, instead reviewing his efforts and checking his understanding regularly (v 16).
That sounds like an overwhelming task! Paul acknowledges it won’t be easy, likening it to physical training (v 8). Just like a positive result in our physical fitness will require more than one gym session, training ourselves to be godly (v 10) will require perseverance (v 16). To keep going we need to remember why we’re doing it (v 8) and what benefits we will see (vs 15,16) and we need each other. Our progress will be observed by others (v 15). The continuing work of God in us, resulting in increasing godliness, will be an example and an encouragement to others.
Respond
Who has set an example for you in Christian growth? Give thanks to God for them. Consider taking the time to thank them, letting them know the role they have played in your life.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 12,13; Mark 12
Pray for Scripture Union
Step by Step is a new SU resource telling the big story of the Bible for primary age children, designed to be used in schools in a variety of settings. Please pray that those working in schools will make good use of the resource and that children will see how the Bible speaks today.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
