"Till I come..."

Continuing on our theme of simple instructions from God, here is another one from Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:13(NKJV)

13Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 

In this case Paul is giving instructions to Timothy of what he needs to focus on until Paul can travel to join him but I think it offers us a simple plan of action as well.

Notice that it starts with reading.  Be in the Word daily.  That will help you fulfill the next two steps.

Exhortation, meaning to exhort.  But what exactly does the mean? 

ex·hort

1. to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently.
2. to give urgent advice, recommendations, or warnings.

What should we be exhorting about?  The good news of Jesus Christ.  We need to continue to share our faith.  The more we are in the Word reading, the easier it should be to share our faith. 

Doctrine.  Let's again start with a definition so we are all on the same page. 

doc·trine

1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government: Catholic doctrines; the Monroe Doctrine.

2. something that is taught; teachings collectively: religious doctrine.
3. a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject: the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

If we are in prayer daily and in the Word daily, we are much less likely to be led astray by false doctrine.  Remember that just yesterday in Timothy we read the following:

1 Timothy 4:1(NKJV)

1Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 

We are warned in advance that we will need to be able to discern between correct and false doctrine.  We do that by reading the Word, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit.

How do we get the Holy Spirit?  By accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  If you haven't done that yet, why not do it now.  Just say a simple prayer and ask Jesus to come into your life.  You'll be glad you!