1 Timothy 4:9-16
Q.1. What truth was Timothy to embrace, in order to ensure that he was not side-tracked by other lofty causes? – (1 Tim.4:9-10)
There may well be many worthy causes in the world, but Paul urged Timothy to keep Christ and the Gospel central to his ministry – 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labour and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of believers (1 Tim.4:9-10).
Q.2. How should a minister of the Gospel produce godliness amongst his people? What assistance has God provided to achieve this goal? – (1 Tim.4:11-14)
Paul’s challenge was for Timothy to help the people to mature in godliness. How could he do this? He was to read the Scriptures publicly, to teach and exhort the Truth, even as God had gifted him to do (1 Tim.4:11-13). Timothy was instructed to remember his call and commission, given by the elders of the church ((1 Tim.4:14 c.f. 2 Tim.1:6). We may lack age and maturity but it is hard for people to disagree when we focus on teaching from the Scriptures (c.f. 2 Tim.3:15-17). To further encourage Timothy, Paul charged him to work on his example as a young believer and to resist being pressured by the opinions of mere men – Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe (1 Tim.4:12).
Q.3. Why is great care and concentration required in order to develop Christlikeness? Why is this instruction easily overlooked? – (1 Tim.4:15-16)
There is a constant danger that we get caught up with the mechanics of the ministry, and consider it to just be a profession, rather than see it as a calling from God. Paul emphasized the importance of a growing private life of devotion to Christ – Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you (1 Tim.4:16). Just as it takes discipline to look after your body, it also requires pain, discipline, and perseverance, in order to bridge the gap between what we profess, and how we live (1 Tim.4:15 c.f. 1 Tim.4:7-8). However, this is fully worthwhile.