1 Timothy 4:11-16
The teaching at the beginning of this chapter can be alarming: false doctrine would attack the church (vs 1-5), because of this Timothy and those with him who were faithful would need to be exercised in godliness and look for eternal reward (vs 6-10).
Sometimes after heavy teaching like this, it’s nice to be reminded of what you can do to make a difference. Paul gives this instruction to Timothy now and I think it’s something that will be a comfort and challenge to all who are seeking to be faithful to God in our day.
Don’t Forget the Bad Stuff… But Teach the Good
“These things command and teach.” 1 Timothy 4:11
The word “command” in verse 11 means to pass on a message. Timothy was to pass on what Paul had told him to the churches at Ephesus. He was to teach them about these things.
The message includes the “bad news” about heresy making its way into the church. It also included the “good news” about how to stay spiritually fit. Timothy would need to pass on and teach all of this.
We can get tunnel vision in how we teach others. There was a time when my Sunday school class heard a variation of the same lesson every week. (Some probably think that they do now.) Another Sunday school worker very tactfully brought this to my attention. It wasn’t anything very dramatic, but my students needed to be instructed from all of what the Bible teaches.
This tunnel vision can happen when we get very narrowly focused on one issue to the exclusion of others.
While we need to be careful to caution others of the pitfalls of the false teaching around us in the world, we CAN’T do it to the exclusion of teaching what is right from scripture.
Be an Example, be Consistent
“12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:12–13
In carrying out Paul’s requests Timothy couldn’t get focused on his own “shortcomings.” He was young, but he could be an example in what he said (word), in how he lived (conversation), in love (charity), in walking in the Spirit (spirit), in faith, and in purity.
He could be consistent in reading God’s word, encouraging the church, and teaching them in God’s way. (More on each of these in a previous post)
Being a consistent example is the most important part of teaching others. How you and I respond to our natural obstacles, live our day-to-day lives, and consistently grow in God’s word will speak volumes to those we are teaching.
Walk with God
“14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:14–16
Timothy would need the gift God had given him as a pastor. This would only be used to its full potential as he walked closely with God.
He would need to meditate on the things Paul had written him, think them over, contemplate how an application could be made in his own life and in the lives of those he served.
As Timothy walked with God he would be in a position to help others walk with God and see many saved.
Believer, you are gifted for the work God has called you to do. Don’t neglect that gift. Walk with God to make the most of it. Meditate of God’s word to be able to know how an application can be made, then pay close attention as you teach. Many lives can be touched for God.
Your Turn
Whatever heavy news, good news, or other you are facing the steps Paul gave to Timothy are true for you and how you can go on in ministering for God.
Teach God’s word.
Be an Example, be consistent.
Walk with God.
Let me know in the comments below… How do you handle getting bad news?
What examples has God given you in consistency in serving Him?
