1 Timothy 4:11–16 (ESV)
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to
teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and
on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
I guess to summarize today’s reading... “watch your tongue and study God’s Word!”
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Paul prepares Timothy to
contend against the “teachings of demons” (v 1). Pastors are to command and teach true doctrine, while condemning doctrine that is false and deceitful. This runs counter to the spirit of the present age, which downplays the importance of true doctrine
and avoids condemning all but the most extreme examples of false doctrine. The doctrines of Scripture are God-given, because He loves us. Each individual doctrine testifies to and supports the most important doctrine of all—that we are saved by grace,
for Christ’s sake, through faith.
I pray: Lord Jesus, bless Your Church with pastors who are wholly devoted to the teaching of Your Word in all its truth and purity, that by Your mighty power,
many souls might be saved. Amen.