The Dos And Don'ts Of Christian Ministry Series

Pastors today are in danger of accommodating the culture. As Pastor Harry Reeder says, “They want a seat at the table of the culture and so they modify what God’s word says to get that seat at the table.” But that is precisely what ministers must not do. They must boldly and clearly teach Biblical truth.

B. Set a Godly Example (4:12b)

Second, set a Godly example.

Paul wrote in verse 12b, “…but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Paul exhorted Timothy not to let anyone despise him because of his youth. But how does one do that? One way by doing that is by setting the believers “an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” People would then admire his example rather than despise him for his youth. It seems to me that this is what enabled Charles Spurgeon to have such a powerful ministry at such a young age. The apostle Peter also urged elders to do the same thing, “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Both Paul and Peter were following the teaching of Jesus, who set the supreme example of servant-leadership.

Paul urged Timothy to pay attention to his example in the area of “speech” and “conduct,” that is in word and deed, in the way he spoke and in the way he behaved. He was to pay attention to “love,” the pre-eminent Christian virtue, to be shown to all people. He was to exercise “faith,” which could mean either trust in God or it could refer to trustworthiness, or both. And finally, he was to be an example in “purity,” which has to do with self-control in every area of his life.

The great temptation for leaders today—young and old—is to respond to opposition by behaving like those who oppose us. The tendency is to shout louder and be more brash or to become more assertive. However, that is contrary to Paul’s exhortation. I recall a young pastor who was experiencing a great deal of opposition to his ministry. When I heard the kinds of things that were being said in opposition to him, I cringed. I am not sure that I would have responded as my friend did. He said to me that he was committed to them for the long haul and that he would respond to their meanness with kindness and love. Certainly, Paul would have approved of his response in a very difficult situation.

C. Devote Yourself to Biblical Worship (4:13)

Third, devoted yourself to Biblical worship.

Paul wrote in verse 13, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” Here was another way in which Timothy should commend his ministry and gain acceptance for it. Timothy must have a thoroughly Biblical ministry. Timothy’s authority for ministry was not grounded in himself. It was grounded in the authority of God’s word. Timothy was to read God’s word to the people of God. This was done in the synagogues and Timothy was to continue that practice in Christian worship. After reading the word of God, Timothy was to give himself to exhortation and to teaching of that word. There was to be an exposition and an application of the word of God.