I Timothy 4

In the midst of a world where hypocrisy and the lies of satan are more valued than the truth, Paul tells Timothy and us - "pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (v. 16)

What things? These truths:

That "everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." (v4-5)

That we are "nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine" ( v6)

That when we discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness we will find it is "profitable for all things" ( v8)

That we fix "our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers" (v 10)

That we should show ourselves examples of those who believe in our "speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity".

That we should give attention to reading the Word, to  " the exhortation and teaching" of the Word.  (v13)

Paul urges Timothy to be "absorbed " in these things.

The world is absorbed in "fables" , but we are to be absorbed in the Truth. 
The world believes that it can save itself by following a list of do's and don'ts... but we know that salvation only comes through grace, by faith in Jesus Christ. 
The world believes that physical discipline will make us successful, but we know that it is spiritual discipline that more necessary, for it is our eternal welfare that is more important.
The world fixes its hope on works, money, politicians, etc. but we fix our hope on the LIVING GOD!
The world's speech is crude, corrupt, and full of evil... our speech is to be gentle, pure, and good. 
The world's conduct is superstitious, fearful, and frightening... our conduct must be righteous and loving. 
The world's love is selfish and self-serving,  our love must be selfless and authentic. 
The world's faith is in itself,  but our faith is in our Savior. 
The world does not know or care about purity, but we are made pure, by His love, for Jesus gave Himself up for us, to sanctify us, having "cleansed us by the washing of water with the Word"

It is the Word of God, the Truth, that makes the difference between salvation and destruction.
Paul is teaching us to be grateful for all God has given us, to give our full attention to the Word, to place our focus on what is going on inside ourselves - on godliness - more than on the outside. We can then become examples to others and perhaps lead them to salvation through Jesus too.

Father in heaven, I fix my hope on You. You alone are God.  You alone have the Words of life.  Lead me in the way of Truth, and let be absorbed in all that You have revealed. Keep me on Your narrow way and away from the temptations that the world might offer. May I ever be an example of faith to those I meet, to bring praise and glory to Your Name.  I pray this in the precious Name of Jesus, amen.