Sound Mindedness

Hear, my son, and accept my sayings,

And the years of your life will be many

I have instructed you in the way of [skillful and godly] wisdom;

I have led you in upright paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open];

And when you run, you will not stumble.

Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.

Guard her, for she is your life.

Do not enter the path of the wicked,

And do not go the way of evil men. (Proverbs 4:10-14) What does

the LORD your God require of you, but

to fear the LORD your God

to walk in all his ways,

to love Him, to serve the LORD your God

with all your heart and with all your soul...

(Deuteronomy 10:12) I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher [of this good news regarding salvation].This is why I suffer as I do. Still, I am not ashamed; for I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day [when I stand before Him]. which are in Christ Jesus. Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. (2Timothy 1:11-12,14) Keep and follow the pattern of sound teaching (doctrine) which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (2Timithy 1:13) As followers of Christ reflecting the humility, self-sacrifice, and compassion of Christ for others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility. (Phillippians 2:5) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. (2Timothy 1:7)