"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Tim. 3:10-11)

If there is one aspect of human life that all agree on, it is that all human beings are different. In other words, there are individual differences among all people. However, there are similarities as well. In our text the apostle Paul enumerates seven characteristics of his "manner of life." They are doctrine (teaching), way of living, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity (love), and patience. These pretty well sum up a person's personality as well as way or manner of living. In Acts 26:1-5 the apostle, in his appearance before King Agrippa, told of his early life as a Jew and Pharisee. This, no doubt affected his life almost completely before his dramatic conversion and salvation as recorded in Acts chapter nine. He was among those who "had a form of godliness but denied the power thereof" as stated in 2 Timothy 3:5. However, the seven virtues mentioned in our text were part of his life as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is more than interesting that he mentions "teaching" first. You see, his early life was influenced by his religious teachings as a Hebrew and as a Pharisee. A person's life is greatly influenced by their early years especially in a certain religion. That is the reason so many religions want children born into their group or at least, at an early age. However, when one is born into God's family, especially at an early age, his or her manner of life is greatly changed. However, they must be taught to really live for the Lord. The teaching of Scripture is extremely important in determining our "manner of life." This "manner of life" can be divided into three areas:

1. Act of living-this is how others see us

2. Way of living-this is our desires and actions that we have within ourselves, whether anyone sees us or not.

3. Manner of living-this involves our purpose and reason for living.

All of these three are closely related and important, but we need to know how to live. That's where the teachings of God's Word plays the vital role. However, each individual is responsible how he or she acts or reacts to the teachings of God's Word. Also, we all need all the help we can get to live the life God desires for us. Paul had to learn before he could say what he did to the Philippians:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13) Paul was faithful in telling his son in the faith, Timothy,

"Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the believer in word, in conversation (manner of life), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)

Also, in order to have a godly "manner of life" we need the help of others, that is, other believers who love the Lord and His Word. These "helps" can and should include:

* Communion
* Companionship
* Comfort

The "Communion" that is really spiritual and Scriptural is wonderfully described in Philippians 2:1-2,

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."

Communion is the sharing of common experiences and interests by Christians. It is having in common, not only the joys, but the sufferings of "others of like precious faith." Companionship is not only sharing, but serving with other believers, and comfort is what we can give to those who suffer as we all do.

Finally, we need to share this manner of life, this way of living, with the lost of this world. This wonderful life can become a selfish life if we are not careful. We must not only share our blessings, we must share our beliefs.