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Introduction

The apostle Paul wrote this epistle to his faithful assistant pastor in the church of Ephesus, in a time where false teachings and doctrines were sweeping over the land. In the first couple of verses he admonishes Timothy to teach and train the believers in the right doctrine and to protect their faith from the influence of false teachers. However Timothy had a challenge. He had to practice some principals in his own life so that others will listen to him and thereby he can defend the church from heretics more effectively.

How was he supposed to do that?

Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

1. In speech and life, 1 Timothy 4:11-12

The minister's life should be a living sermon

Many believe that Timothy was a shy and timid person. Definitely confronting false teachers was not his cup of tea. But in verse 11 Paul tells his protégé to command and teach everything mentioned from verses 1 Timothy 4:1-10. Now when Paul uses the word "command" he is actually referring to the authority Timothy has received in Christ, to teach and preach the word of God and train the brethren in the word of God. So that they will be safe from false teachers.

Also Paul tells Timothy,

"Do not let any one look down at you because you are young…"

Probably Timothy was 35 years old when this epistle was written. He was a young Pastor that God used in a mighty way. But it is natural for some believers to trample such young leaders on account of their age. Paul charges him to not to be a victim of believers with such attitudes.

However Timothy cannot use his authority in Christ and the authority of the scriptures against these issues unless he practice what he preach. It's the same story with each one of us. There is a one question I always ask myself every time I write a new sermon for this blog or when preparing to preach in the Sunday service. "Am I going to preach a principal that is not found in my own life? Am I writing a sermon on a principal that I have never practiced ?"

I must tell you that our actions speak much louder than what we preach. People could easily forget what they hear. But they never forget when a preacher sins.

2. In faith and purity, 1 Timothy 4:12

Faith and purity for the most part, are inner attitudes and beliefs. The reference is not to moral and sexual purity as such, but to that purity of heart and mind which is set upon seeking and doing the will of God. Thus faith and purity are closely linked and have a great deal to do with the setting of one's mind and will on God.

So how can you set an example to others in your faith. Here the apostle is actually speaking about how do you demonstrate your faith and belief in times of trouble? For example how do I interact with my co-workers when I am deeply worried about a project that I could not finish on time. Do I shout at my co-workers out of frustration? Do I let the situation to control me?

3. In love, 1 Timothy 4:12

Love is mentioned here for it is the bond that ties the outer and inner life together. Love always involves whole of life. Outward expressions of love that are not rooted in inner love quickly wither and die as insincerities. Inner love that is not expressed by open giving and caring turns to self adulation and decay. The love of Christ is intensely personal. It is also intensely public. It simply does not exist one way without the other.

4. Timothy had to engage in three activities as a pastor, 1 Timothy 4:13

Public reading of scripture

Public reading of scripture is a very vital part of the church worship. But this is not to be done in a casual way like some are doing today. Instead St. Paul means who ever reads the scripture should pay close attention to it. He should prepare himself with the conviction of the word prior to going and reading the word of God in public worship, and must pray those who are listening will be convicted as well.

Preaching and teaching

Timothy is to preach and teach the word of God at all times. So that he can convince the believers of the right doctrine and keep them from going astray. Paul encourages Timothy to fulfill his task to the flock as the shepherd appointed by God.

Research has proved that more Christians are joining cult groups today due to the lack of teaching and preaching God's word in the local church. This could happen in two ways. 1. When people see their Pastor not teaching the word of God thoroughly they go in search of better pasture and thereby fall victim to cults. 2. People who are not thorough with the word becomes easy targets of cult teachings.

5. Timothy should use the gift God has given him, 1 Timothy 4:14

Bible does not say what is the gift that God gave to Timothy. But Paul writes to convince Timothy to use the gift he has received from God. Actually Timothy cannot decide whether or not he would use his gift. Because the Holy Spirit when he gives a gift to some one the intention is to develop the person with the gift, but to develop the church through the person who has the gift.

Likewise God calls all of the young ministers today to identify their gift and to use it for the glory of God.

6. Timothy had to be diligent in the above mentioned matters 1 Timothy 4:15-16

The apostle Paul says be diligent in the above matters and give yourself wholly unto them… they have to become a part of the life of the Christian minister. As we do these things salvation comes both to us and to those who hear from us.

Now we must understand that there is a great danger of neglecting our own salvation in our commitment to the salvation of others. If we emphasize the aspect of salvation best known as wholeness, this is demonstrably evident. The stories abound of those who, intensely involved in serving others, burn out or destroy themselves. It need not be either/or but we who serve must learn to say "no" enough to sustain our own wholeness.

Conclusion

So let us remember as ministers of God,

1. Our life should be a living sermon
2. We should set and example to others in our faith, purity and love
3. We must preach and teach our believers while we read scripture in public meetings
4. We have to utilize our gifts for the betterment of the body of Christ
5. We have to be diligent and take care of our spiritual life also while caring for the sheep.