INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Minister’s Public Life
2. The Minister’s Pulpit Life
3. The Minister’s Private Life
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme: “The minister’s life and work.” We will consider three areas of life that will establish; his faithfulness to the work of Christ, and to the church where he labors. We will consider: 1) The Minister’s Public Life; 2) The Minister’s Pulpit Life, and 3) The Minister’s Private Life. The beloved apostle Paul's charge to his son Timothy, regarding these areas of faithfulness and devotion, is contained in these words: “These things command and teach,” 1 Timothy 4:11.
2. First, we will consider the minister’s public life. Paul wrote: “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,” 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul begins this charge to Timothy, by reminding him of the “great apostasy” that is promised, 1 Timothy 4:1-3. He thereafter outlines clear directions to the young evangelist, regarding his public life, and its impact on his ministry of the gospel.
3. Second, we will discuss the minister’s pulpit life. Paul continued: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect, not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” The man of God must devote himself to the study of the Word. He is instructed to give attendance to it in reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine (teaching).
4. Lastly, we will investigate the minister’s private life. Paul concluded: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 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 4:13-14. He is then reminded that he was to first take heed to himself and then to the doctrine. By doing so, it will first save him; and, those also that hear his preaching, and see his godly example. Timothy was to so live, that his life would be a pattern of what he preached and taught to the church. Be thou “an ensample” of thy preaching and teaching! With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE MINISTER’S PUBLIC LIFE
A. Timothy was charged by Paul to: “Let no man despise thy youth; but, he was to be an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, (and) in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12.
1. First, Paul concludes the chapter with an exhortation to Timothy. Timothy is directed by Paul: “To command and teach the things,” that were given unto him.
a. Timothy was to command obedience and dedication to Christ, by the authority of the holy scriptures.
b. Timothy was to teach the saints regarding the profits of the scriptures and godliness; as appose to, “bodily exercise with profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things,”1 Timothy 4:8.
c. Timothy was to remind the church: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation,”1 Timothy 4:9. This phrase is used a lot in Paul’s letters to Timothy.
2. Further, Paul charged his son to conduct himself with gravity and prudence in order to gain respect, notwithstanding his youth: "Let no men despise thy youth;” that is, give no man an occasion to despise you, as a result of foolish behavior.
a. His youth will not be despised if his youthful vanities and follies do not make him despicable and rejected.
b. By guarding his life against youthful lust; he will ultimately gain the respect of the older men and women of the congregation.
c. When they observe that his walk is within the truth of the gospel; that he speaks those things that are “sound doctrine;” and therein behaves with maturity; even the older saints will love and support him, as he follows the “directives of Paul” as he had been taught.
3. Next, Timothy was also to walk, “being an ensample of the believers, in word, in conversation (behavior, manner of life), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12.
4. Finally, Paul charges this young evangelist; something which should be a rallying call unto everyone that preaches Christ. That is, “to be an ensample unto the people of God.” What a blessing a faithful life brings to the church and before the world. It is truly: "A living epistle, known and read of all men,” 2 Corinthians 3:2.
B. Let no man despise thy youth. The remainder of the chapter is personal. Timothy was much younger than Paul, much younger than most of the presbyter; he must have been about thirty-five years old.
1. He was converted about A. D. 46 and was then a young man, quite young, according to the ideas of that age, to be installing and working with the presbyters (eldership). See Titus 1:5.
2. In A. D. 51, Paul had taken him away from home, Acts 16:1-3. I suppose that he must have been twenty at that time. If so, he was from thirty-five to thirty-eight years old at this time.
3. Timothy was Paul’s son in the gospel, 1 Timothy 1:2. In the very same manner; Titus also was a son, “after the common faith,” Titus 1:4. We should look after, and grow young men in the faith; to take on this awesome responsibility of preaching the gospel of Christ. They will have many challenges, but through our guidance and their firmness in the truth; they shall persevere in Christ.
4. Be thou an example. So should every preacher aspire to be; and, in all the characteristics which are to follow in Paul’s admonition to Timothy. He first addresses Timothy being an ensample in his “public life.” What does the church see; and the world observes as we walk among them and it?
a. To confirm his doctrine by a good example: Be thou an example of the believers. Those who teach by their doctrine must also teach by their life; else they pull down with one hand, what they build up with the other: they must be examples both in word and conversation (living).
b. Their discourse must be edifying, and this will be a good example: their conversation must be strict, and this will be a good example.
c. They must be examples in charity, or love to God and all good men, examples in spirit, that is, in spiritual-mindedness, in spiritual worship,-in faith, that is, in the profession of Christian faith,-and in purity or chastity. Mathew Henry's comments on these verses. We will consider each of these separately, as we move forward in the lesson.
C. Public life. Paul wrote: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12. Timothy, “Be thou an ensample,” the word in Gr., is “typos” i.e., a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning):—en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print. Be thou an example in all things. Notice:
1. In word, in your diligence to study, preach, and speak the word. Be a man of honesty and truth. Be a man of integrity in word and deed!
a. O, isn’t this needed so urgently in the “White House,” in the “Congress” and in the “Courts”? We have a political system out of control! Reckless and without morals. No longer concern for the safety and wellbeing of the nation. Some have lost their moral compass.
b. We need National Leadership, which begins with a truthful explanation of the Nation's current crisis, concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
c. This is a time for unity among parties, to save the lives of people and our Democracy.
d. Christians should pledge their support of any legislation that would help save our children from all random deadly shootings in our school systems. Ministers,
2. In conversation, let your life be an example before and to the church. Walk with integrity and in the truth of the gospel. Paul might be reflecting on Peter, who once, “walked not upright according to the gospel,” Galatians 2:14. He was to walk and work before the church, being a good example in all things; in living; in preaching; in teaching, and in behavior. Notice, however:
a. First, we cannot always control what men say about us; but we can live in such a fashion that their allegations will have no merit. It is not a sin to be young. But, to behave like a child is. Paul cautions him to behave like an adult; and, not like a child in the house of God. He spoke to this earlier in this letter, 1 Timothy 3:14-15.
b. Paul to the Corinthians: “Giving no offense in anything, that the ministry is not blamed,” 2 Corinthians 6:3. Timothy was to walk without offense!
c. Further, Timothy’s life should bear up under any scrutiny or claims against him. This is the same idea Paul had in mind regarding the elders. Consider:
1) The bishop: “A bishop then must be blameless,” 1 Timothy 3:1-2.
2) The elder: “For this cause... ordain elders. If any be blameless: ... for a bishop must be blameless,” Titus 1:5-6.
3) The eldership is not held to a higher standard than the saint. We are all under the same charge of faithfulness in word and living. The saints too: “Must be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as light in the world. Holding forth the word of life,” Philippians 2:15-16; Matthew 5:16.
d. Next, the idea of “blameless” here in Gr., is anegkletos, ä-ne'n-kla-tos, which means to be unaccused, i.e., (by implication) irreproachable:—blameless. His life should be impeccable; without offense.
e. Finally, notice also, that the word “elder” and “bishop” is mentioned in the same paragraph or (context); which mean they are the same person and office.
3. In charity, let your life reflect a sincere and pure love for the Lord, the church, and for those not yet called into Christ, Matthew 22:37-40.
a. It is this kind of love that will draw others unto Christ. When in our living we “lift up Christ, He will draw all men unto Him,” John 12:32.
b. It is this kind of love, which will affirm our relationship to Christ, John 13:34-35.
c. It is this kind of love, that will enable us to become more like Christ, Romans 15:5.
d. It is this kind of love, that will help us to love each other, and be at peace with all men, Romans 12:9-10; Romans 12:18.
4. In spirit, let your emotions and zeal be that which is about the “Father’s business,” Luke 2:49. Have a zeal for the work of Christ. Put some fire in your preaching; as well as, in the life you live before the church and the world.
5. In faith, be an ensample of faith at all times. Timothy: “when things are difficult and trying; be a man of faith.” And, “when things are going well; be a man of thanksgiving.” Let your faith be visible unto all the saints; in every situation.
6. In purity, have a life unmixed, and absent of worldly things. Guard your heart against all evil, and be a man of purity in words and actions. The minister must learn how to behave around the membership. Notice:
a. Be careful how you interact with the younger sisters; let your behavior always be with purity and without lustful thinking.
b. Be gentle and respectful to the older sisters; some have lost husbands and the only hug or embrace received during the entire week, are those received from their brothers and sisters in the Lord, Titus 2:3-5.
c. During these times; we must also caution, and be careful how we interact with the brethren. Greet them with brotherly kindness and with charity, Titus 2:2; Titus 2:6. Watch how they show endearment to one another; then, follow that course of behavior. Some brothers are so “homophobic” that they are not inclined to be hugged or embraced by their brethren. Definition: “Homophobic means involving or related to a strong and unreasonable dislike of homosexual people, especially homosexual men.” Thus, any touching or contact will cause suspicion. Reference: COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary, Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers.
d. Remember, all brothers and sisters do not welcome such touching or embrace.
1) Know who you are dealing with before you act fondly towards them.
2) Know also, they who were once such; if now, “in Christ:” “Are washed, are sanctified and are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
e. Peter wrote: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again...forever,” 1 Peter 1:22-23.
f. Paul wrote: “Greet one another with a holy kiss, the churches of Christ salute you,” Romans 16:16.
D. Timothy is being encouraged to first be faithful to Christ; and, then to his study of the scriptures. That he might be able to command the respect of the brethren; and preach the gospel without offense.
1. We are all subject to offense. But, the man of God must remain faithful to his, “calling and election,” while he walks before the church without offense.
2. Paul could ask this of his son; because his life merited that kind of respect and example before Timothy. He asks this of both of his sons in the faith. Notice:
a. Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample,” 1 Timothy 4:12.
b. Titus, “Let no man despise thee,” Titus 2:15. Earlier in chapter 2, he admonished Titus just like he did Timothy:
1) First, “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity. Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you,” Titus 2:7-8. Here is the reason; to silence the contrary part! This kind of life; leaves them no room to condemn your stand or walk in the gospel.
2) Further, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority,” Titus 2:15. Rebuke with the word. At the close of this book, Paul continued.
3) Finally, “This is a faithful saying and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain,” Titus 3:8-9. Also, he wrote:
a) Titus, “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth,” Titus 1:14-16.
b) Titus, however, “Speak the things which become sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1.
E. These things “command and teach,” 1 Timothy 4:11. Timothy is here, “given directions to teach with the authority of the scriptures.” It was said of Jesus when he concluded the Sermon on the Mount: “When Jesus had ended these saying, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes," Matthew 7:28-29. Timothy is commanded to speak with authority, of these things. What things? Notice:
1. First, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” Remind the brethren to so live and walk.
2. Further, “But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thy self rather unto godliness.” Stay away from fables and teachings of men. But rather: “Charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:13.
3. Next, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.”
4. Finally, “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe,” 1 Timothy 4:7-10. Remember to:
a. Keep your trust in the living God, Psalms 118:8-9; Matthew 22:32.
b. Who is the Saviour of all men, Titus 3:4-7.
c. Especially of those that believe, John 3:16; John 5:24.
1) God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
2) Christ is the mediator between God and all men.
3) Christ gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
Let’s consider our next point.
II THE MINISTER’S PULPIT LIFE
A. Second, Timothy was charged by Paul: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands... of the presbytery,” 1 Timothy 4:13.
B. Give attendance to reading. Give your attendance to the reading of the Scriptures yourself, and then unto the congregation. In that age, printed books were unknown; the knowledge of the Scriptures had to be communicated by reading and explanation either by apostolic direction or by the direction of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 14:37; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 15:28.
1. To exhortation, to the doctrine. To instruct, teach and preach “sound doctrine.”
2. Paul’s charge to him to study: "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine, to meditation upon these things,” 1 Timothy 4:13. Though Timothy had extraordinary gifts, he was directed to study. Or, it may be meant of the public reading of the scriptures; he must read and exhort, that is, read and expound, read and press what he read upon them; he must expound it both by way of exhortation and by way of doctrine; he must teach them both what to do and what to believe. Consider:
a. Ministers must teach and command the things that they are themselves taught and commanded to do; they must teach people to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded, Matthew 28:19-20.
b. The best way for the man of God to avoid being despised; or, rejected by the church, is for him to teach and practice the things directed by the Lord.
1) If they are rejected, for not teaching these things, or who, instead of being examples of good to believers.
2) If they act directly contrary to the doctrines they preach; this behavior must immediately be brought to their attention so that it might be corrected.
3) That they may be ensamples of their flock; and in the sight of God.
c. Those ministers that are the best accomplished for their work must yet direct themselves to their study of the scriptures:
1) That they may be improving in their own bible knowledge.
2) That they might better present the word of God.
3) That their growth in preaching and teaching might be fully known to the congregation.
4) Therefore, they are to give attendance to reading, exhortation, to doctrine.
d. The man of God must take time to commune with God; to “dig a little deeper” into His word, and present it with a newfound admiration and excitement.
1) When he grows, the church will also grow.
2) If, the church is not growing; it is contributed directly to the teachers and ministers.
3) They themselves are not, “growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 3:18.
3. To study the scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:15-17. The minister’s value and work in the church; will consist entirely in his study and soundness in the delivery of the word. Timothy from an early age read and studied the word. Yet, in the word:
a. He is charged to study to shew himself approved unto God: “A workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15.
b. He is charged: “To preach the word; being instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
c. He is warned: “For the time will come they will not endure sound doctrine.”
d. He is directed: “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions.”
e. He is told: “To do the work of an evangelist.”
f. He is admonished: “To make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
Brethren, these are also our charges; and, call to study the Holy Scriptures!
4. The minister and evangelist must study to read the text, and explain the text; so that he might give the congregation an understanding of the text. Notice:
a. Nehemiah’s reading: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense (thereof), and caused them (the people) to understand the reading,” Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 28:23.
b. Jesus’ reading: “And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place it was written: The Spirit of the Lord...And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister...And he began to say unto them: This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears,” Luke 4:16-21. Notice, Jesus:
1) Opened the book.
2) Read distinctly from it.
3) Gave the people understanding.
4) Made an application to the text.
c. Illustrate the text for clarity, Luke 8:4-15.
1) Those by the “wayside... are they.”
2) Those on “the rocks... are they.”
3) Those which fell “among thorns... are they.”
4) Those that fell on the “good grounds... are they.”
d. Quoting the scripture: “Better to quote a few scriptures, and expound upon them a plenty; than to quote a plenty of scriptures, and expounded upon them only a little,” REF. Don’t just quote the scripture; expound upon the scriptures!
e. Jesus, demonstrated the "art of preaching," during his personal ministry.
NOTE: Illustrate: Ministers that won’t stay planted (moving every two years).
C. Neglect not the gift. The allusion is to some kind of special spiritual gifts given to Timothy, to fit him for the duties as an evangelist. These were given, and were essential, in that first century. Consider with me:
1. First, “Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” He charges him to beware of negligence. Neglect not the gift that is in thee. The gifts of God will wither if they be neglected.
a. The office of the ministry is a gift; it is the gift of Christ; given after that he had ascended on high. He gave gifts unto men: “He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,” Ephesians 4:8; Ephesians 4:11.
b. These offices and officers; were gifts given to the church by Christ himself.
c. Illustrate: The offices and officers, gift to the church, Ephesians 4:11-12.
d. Ministers should not neglect the gift(s) bestowed upon them, whether by gift we speak to the office of the ministry; or, the skills/talents granted for our work in this office; neither of these should be neglected. Nor should we be “slothful in business; but, fervent in spirit; serving the Lord,” Romans 12:11. Notice:
1) All are granted individual “gifts of God” for the ministry, Romans 12:6-8.
2) Remember, the Lord's “giving of talents,” Matthew 25:14-30. One servant neglected to use his talent wisely. His talent was later taken from him, given to another; and, he was cast into outer darkness.
3) Illustrate: Jesus parable of the talents, 5, 2 and 1.
2. Next, “The gift was given thee by prophecy.” It may be understood either of the office to which he was advanced, or of his qualifications for that office; if of the former, it was ordination in an ordinary way; if of the latter, it was extraordinary. It seems to be the former, for it was by, “the laying on of hands.”
3. Lastly, “With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery,” 1 Timothy 4:13. Here we can view the scriptural-way of ordination: it was by the laying on of hands, and the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
a. Timothy was ordained by men for his office. The presbytery laid their hands upon Timothy. This was a formal union and agreement for his work among them.
b. Paul’s lying on of hands. This was an “extraordinary gift” given to him by the laying on of Paul's hands. We are not told what that gift was, however. I am incline to believe it had to do with his understanding of the scripture, or the "gift of wisdom and knowledge,” 1 Corinthians 12:8. Paul wrote of him: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through (the) faith which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 3:15.
c. Both the presbytery and Paul had invested in Timothy’s office of the ministry by the laying on of the hands.
D. Prophecy. As it is in the case of the Holy Spirit at Antioch; which said to the prophets: "Separate for me Paul and Barnabas." No doubt, a similar revelation was given to the presbytery; or a divine directive by God unto Paul: “That Timothy was to be set apart,” and that he has been called to the work of an evangelist, Ephesians 4:11.
1. Though there was a prophecy in the case of Timothy (the gift was given by prophecy), yet this was accompanied by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, that is, a number of presbyters; the office was conveyed to him this way; and I should think here is a sufficient warrant for ordination by presbyters, since it does not appear that Paul was concerned in Timothy's ordination.
2. Timothy like Titus, both were left with growing churches, to establish leadership. It is likely that Timothy, “laid his hands upon the presbytery”; to ordain them to their office of leadership.
3. In like fashion, the presbytery, “laid their hands upon Timothy” to enjoin his service unto the church at Ephesus. I see nothing miraculous in the “lying on of hands” by the Presbytery; but, more of their commitment and fellowship to his office with the church.
E. With the laying on of the hands. He was ordained in the usual way, and at the ordination the Spirit conferred upon him spiritual gifts. It must be borne in mind that evangelists had no New Testament to guide them; and hence, needed special gifts of the Spirit to direct their work.
1. This first occurred, as a result of the “laying on of hands” by the Apostle Paul, 2 Timothy 1:6. It is true, extraordinary gifts were conferred on him by the laying on of the apostle's hands, as it please God and the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 2:1-4.
2. The presbytery (eldership), “laid their hands upon Timothy.” This was a practice of the New Testament church’s apostolic office and eldership.
3. This formal announcement and agreement of commitment to Timothy; invoked the monetary and spiritual support of this eldership for his work. An eldership that: “Lay hands on its ministers or missionaries;” will never be guilty of suspending their support, under any hardship, locally or while they are laboring on the mission field abroad. Notice:
a. This is a shameful practice; and demonstrates a lack of faith in such an eldership, that God is: “Able to supply all their needs,” Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
b. How easy it is for some elders to explain their suspension or reduction of support; because the contribution has fallen. Get on your knees and cry out to God, for his help; for the things you stand in need.
c. We MUST NEVER be guilty of sending a family to the mission field; or, hiring a new minister: only to tell them later, the congregation can no longer contribute to their support, or, their support must be reduced. These are not men of faith!
d. Illustrate: Floydada Church of Christ; reducing the support of a minister.
4. Timothy often times was called upon by Paul; to travel to distant locations, in support of the church. This accord of work and fellowship; meant the church would contribute to his work among them; and to his evangelism among other congregations. Consider this “pattern:”
a. The church at Philippi supported the Apostle Paul’s work:
1) In the beginning of his work: “As always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy; for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,” Philippians 1:4-5.
2) In his continuing work: “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity,” Philippians 4:15-16.
b. Church at Corinth directed to support Timothy on his travels: “Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren,” 1 Corinthians 16:10-11.
c. Paul sent Timothy to Philippi, Philippians 2:19-24.
d. Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-6.
5. This pattern of travel and support was prevalent in the first century. These ministers of God, who went throughout the world; assisting other churches, were supported by the church, in their “coming and going.” This was the New Testament pattern for the support of the ministers and evangelists.
6. Paul reminded the church at Corinth; and us today: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” 1 Corinthians 9:14. The church today, should be committed to this example of faith; so much so, as to the teaching of taking up the “contribution on the first day of the week,” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Let’s consider now, our last point in this lesson.
III THE MINISTER’S PRIVATE LIFE
A. Finally, Timothy was charged by Paul to: “Meditate upon these things; give himself wholly to them; that his profiting (growth) may appear to all,” 1 Timothy 4:15. If the minister is not growing; he is not studying and meditating on the word.
1. Having this work committed to him, he must give himself wholly to it: "Be wholly committed in these things that thy profiting may appear unto all men.”
2. The minister must be completely devoted to these things. He must mind them as his principal work and profession of life: “Give thy self wholly to them.”
3. By such devotion; his profiting (growth) will appear to the entire church; as well as, to all others that will hear him.
4. The minister must grow in grace and knowledge; and in his skills in preaching and teaching the word of the Lord.
B. Meditate upon, etc. Rather, let these things be given thy special care. Give thyself wholly to them. The preacher must commit heart and soul in his work of study and preaching; in order to bring many into the kingdom of God. Notice:
1. The minister must be long in meditation. He must consider beforehand what he should preach; and study the text to bring out those “pearls of great price,” Matthew 13:45-46.
2. He must set aside time for study and self-examination to inspire the church in his teaching and preaching.
3. He must meditate on the great trust committed unto him; on the worth and value of souls of men and women; and, on the judgment, where all must give an account of themselves unto God. Notice:
a. Preaching should include the promise of life after death:
1) First, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” Hebrews 9:27.
2) Further, “For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all the living,” Job 30:23.
3) Next, “Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass,” Job 14:5.
4) Finally, Paul said on Mars hill: “And (he) hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not for from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring,” Acts 17:26-29.
b. Preaching should remind all men regarding the judgment:
1) First, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences,” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
2) Further, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us; shall give an account of himself to God,” Romans 14:10-12.
3) Finally, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, we will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them,” Acts 17:30-33; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
4) Illustrate: The resurrection of the dead:
a) The teaching of Jesus, John 5:28-29; John 11:24-26.
b) The preaching of Paul, Acts 23:6-8; Acts 24:15.
c. Preaching should convict the hearers of their sins and iniquities:
1) First, “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee,” Acts 24:24-25.
2) Further, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” Acts 26:28.
3) Finally, “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus whom I preach unto you, is Christ,” Acts 17:2-3.
C. Private life. Finally, Timothy: “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 4:16.
1. Timothy was charged to:
a. One, “Take heed unto himself, and unto the doctrine;” give care to your own life and to the “sound teaching” given unto you.
b. Two: “Continue in them:” by following my example and that of other faithful men in our company.
c. Three: “For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” Timothy is reminded of the tremendous responsibility of his life and work. It will not only save him; but his example of faithfulness: "will also save them that hear him (those that hear thee)," 1 Timothy 4:16.
2. Elders were charged to: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood,” Acts 20:28-32.
3. Members must take heed: “To the doctrine, if they desire to be saved.”
D. Take heed unto thy self. This is the special duty of every minister. Let him watch himself first of all. Paul presses Timothy to this very caution: "Take heed to thyself and to the doctrine, consider what thou preach; continue in them, in the truths that thou hast received; and this will be the way to save thyself, and those that hear thee." The best way to answer both these ends is to take heed to ourselves, and then to others.
E. And unto the doctrine. Timothy’s training and study would yield great fruits. Continue in them: for in doing this:
1. That shalt both save thy self. Timothy was engaged in saving souls, which makes it a good work. He was to take care in this ministry, first: "Save thyself,” 1 Timothy 4:16. Solomon wrote: “He that winneth souls is wise,” Proverbs 11:30.
2. Then, he by his preaching and godly life, can be instrumental in saving those that hear (believe and obey) him.
3. I would suggest, that many will be saved more so by our lives; then by our messages.
4. I shudder to think on the other hand; that many will be lost not from rejecting the message we preached; but, because of our ungodly lives and practices, that was contrary to the message we proclaim. Heaven, forbid that this should be so. Paul wrote: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway,” 1 Corinthians 9:27. As I move to a conclusion, I would lIke first to acknowledge Mathew Henry's work on this text....
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Minister’s Public Life
2. The Minister’s Pulpit Life
3. The Minister’s Private Life
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the minister’s public life. Paul wrote: “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,” 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul begins this charge to Timothy, by reminding him of the “great apostasy” that is promised, 1 Timothy 4:1-3. He thereafter, outlines clear directions to the young evangelist, regarding his public life, and its impact on his ministry of the gospel.
2. Second, we discussed the minister’s pulpit life. Paul continued: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” The man of God must devote himself to study of the Word. He is instructed to give attendance to it in reading, to exhortation and to doctrine (teaching).
3. Lastly, we investigated the minister’s private life. Paul concluded: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 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 4:13-14. He is then reminded that he was to first take heed to himself and then to the doctrine. By doing so, it will first save him; and, those also that hear his preaching; and see his godly example. Timothy was to so live, that his life would be a pattern of what he preached and taught to the church. Be thou “an ensample” of thy preaching and teaching!
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, i.e., H. B. R. C. B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
