9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labour and strive (suffer reproach NKJV), because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 1 Timothy 4 NIV
Paul laid down his life for the Truth and he urged Timothy to do the same. We may not be apostles but there will be times in our lives when we have the opportunity to stand for the Lord and the Truth of His Word. We need to ask for strength and grace to stand in such times; our faith will become stronger as we take OUR STAND FOR CHRIST. Lord help us to stand for You in the day of testing.
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, BUT SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE BELIEVERS IN SPEECH, IN LIFE/CONDUCT, IN LOVE, IN FAITH AND IN PURITY.
Perhaps Timothy would have allowed older men or stronger characters to take the lead but Paul warned him not to do this. God’s Sovereign Calling on a life must overrule all cultural standards and even our own character preferences. We saw previously that Timothy was a third generation believer, 2 Timothy 1:5, God had prepared him uniquely for the position and he mustn’t give way to senior men in the Church. (Be assured God prepares people for the positions He calls us to stand in)
It’s interesting that the first example Paul urged Timothy to give was in SPEECH. Words are so difficult to control but it seems that they were the first thing people would judge in him and us.
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17
Paul then urged Timothy to give priority to the ministry of the Word;
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 1 Timothy 4
2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6
There are certain things which are a priority for church leaders and they shouldn’t be neglected for lesser matters. Paul reinforced the decision of the Twelve apostles in Jerusalem. In ministry and in work it is important to ‘keep the main thing as the main thing’.
14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given YOU through prophecy (He was told the gift) when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
This was a personal word to Timothy to stir up the gift given to him by the laying on of hands. We should seek to use our personal gifts, given us by God, to strengthen and advance the Kingdom.
15 BE DILIGENT in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. PERSEVERE in them, because if you do, you will SAVE BOTH YOURSELF AND YOUR HEARERS.
Paul reminds Timothy that Serving diligently, would benefit both himself and those for whom he was responsible.
God bless and keep you today.