1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15 (KJV)
¹²Let 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. ¹³Till I come, GIVE ATTENDANCE TO READING, to EXHORTATION, to DOCTRINE. ¹⁵MEDITATE upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; THAT THY PROFITING MAY APPEAR TO ALL.
¹²Let 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.
This verse is telling Timothy that no one should belittle him, because he is still young, and how he could prevent that.
He should be an example to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, and in holy living.
This was not only a good advice to Timothy, it is a good advice to each of us as well. And when you are still young, your youth will not be despised, if you keep yourself from worldly vanities and follies.
Those who teach people the doctrines of the Christ, be it by spoken word, or by writing, must also teach the same, by the way they are living.
• Not only what they say or write, but also their discourse must be edifying;
• Their conversation must not only be holy inside the fellowship of believers, but also outside such a fellowship.
• They must be examples of the love to God; and live a Christ-like life.
• And they must be examples of spiritual-mindedness.
Ministers must mind these things as their work and business.
¹³Till I come, GIVE ATTENDANCE TO READING, to EXHORTATION, to DOCTRINE. ¹⁵MEDITATE upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; THAT THY PROFITING MAY APPEAR TO ALL.
These two verses advise Timothy and us to give attention to the reading of the holy Writings, to comforting the saints, and to teaching. And while taking care of these things, to give ourself to the assembly with all our heart, so that all may see how you go forward in faith and knowledge.
By this your profiting and growth will appear in all things, as well as to all persons; This is the way to profit in knowledge and grace, and also to profit others.
The doctrine of a minister of Christ must be
• SCRIPTURAL,
• CLEAR,
• EVANGELICAL,
• and PRACTICAL;
▪︎ WELL STATED,
▪︎ WELL EXPLAINED,
▪︎ WELL DEFENDED,
▪︎ and as an EXAMPLE, applied in his own life.
These duties leave no room for
• wordly pleasures,
• trifling visits,
• or idle conversation,
• and but little for what is mere amusement.
My wishes for you are that you may
▪︎ have the grace, to be enabled, to let your profiting appear unto all men;
▪︎ seek to experience the power of the Gospel, in your own soul,
▪︎ and bring forth worthy fruits in your life.
About Author
