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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. Click here to read the rest of, Sermon: Actions speak louder than words: 1 Timothy 4:11-16