The Epistle of 1st Timothy
Chapter 4- The Church & Its Ministers

1 Timothy 4:1-16
Introduction

In 1 Timothy 4:9-11 we find the third of "Five Faithful Sayings" recorded in the Pastoral Epistles. This faithful saying has to do with the "Exhorting and Teaching of God’s Word" for the pastor. A "good minister" of the church is one who not only "preaches" the Word, but also "practices" and "progresses" in the Word of God. This chapter of 1 Timothy is one of the most practical chapters of the Bible in regard to pastoring a church. This particular chapter serves as a "handbook" for ministers.

When God called me to the ministry, I was naïve enough to believe that I actually knew something about the Word of God. After many years of seminary and Bible study, it is painfully evident that I have much to learn. However, this serves as a motivation to my personal devotions and study.

As a young boy in high school and a new convert, I was burdened for one of my favorite teachers. I rehearsed my witness to him for days, then I took a Bible tract written by Dr. John R. Rice entitled, "What Must I Do to Be Saved." I asked my teacher if I might have a moment of his time, and he agreed to allow me to talk with him. I presented him the tract, and I said, "I have met a new friend, and I would like for you to meet him too. His name is Jesus Christ." I then asked the teacher if he would care to read the tract that I had given him, and that I would like to speak to him about it later. He agreed to do so. I was so proud of what I had done! I had stood up for the Lord and witness to my teacher. The next week I went to him and asked him if he had read the tract. He told me that he had, so we began to talk about Christ. Before long the teacher confronted me with many questions that I could not answer. As a matter of fact, he quoted more Scripture than I knew. I was so confused and embarrassed by the time we finished our conversation that I went home and fell upon my knees in prayer crying uncontrollably. I felt that I had miserably failed the Lord, and I did not know what to do.

Later the Lord led me to read 2 Timothy 2:15 - "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." The Lord spoke to my heart that day! I knew that I was ashamed of my witness before my teacher that day. It was as if God allowed me to go through that awful, embarrassing experience so that I might better understand this verse. From that time until now, I have not forgotten what a terrible feeling I had when a lost person knew more about the Word of God than I did. Since that time I have purposed in my heart to learn all that I can about God’s Holy Word. I have sought to learn better how to address the questions of others, and I have also found that it is not a disgrace to simply say, "I don’t know, but I will try to find out."

The fourth chapter of 1 Timothy addresses the minister of Jesus Christ. It gives practical instruction for the minister. As we study this chapter, we will find that a "Good Minister" does three things: 1.) Preaches the Word 2.) Practices the Word 3.) Progresses in the Word. May God cause our hearts to burn within us as we examine this important chapter of His Word.

A Good Minister Preaches the Word (1 Timothy 4:1-6)

In both 1 Timothy 4:1-4 and 2 Timothy 4:1-4 Paul addresses the apostasy that will characterize the "latter times." Paul told Timothy that there was a great need to "Preach the Word" because of this departure from the faith. It is not difficult today to find people, churches, and even whole denominations that were once fundamental, Bible-believing, and evangelical, who have departed from truth and now teach heresy.

There are two great dangers within the church today - apathy and apostasy. Apathy is "an unfaithfulness to the faith." Apostasy is "turning from the faith to a lie." Both are extremely prevalent today and there is a great need for preachers to boldly and unashamedly preach the Word without compromise. Paul was exhorting young Timothy to do just that - to preach the Word and to stand fast in the faith amid the pressures and winds of compromise!

There are many today who have forgotten that it is the local church which has been commissioned to do the work of the Lord - to evangelize the lost, to edify the saints, and to make disciples until the Lord returns. Many believers today are more concerned with becoming a part of a "Religious Floor Show" rather than to commit to a fundamental local assembly which strives to follow the Word of God. Christian organizations, televangelists, and authors of books are constantly competing for the tithes and offerings that should be brought into the church. It is the church that has been given the task of going into the world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anyone who is doing this without the authority and support of a local church is not authorized by the Word of God.

In Ephesians 4:11-16 we find that the local church is gifted by God with people are called to teach, preach, and edify the saints. These men and women of God work through and in the local church "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:12-16).

There has never been a time when there has been a greater need to "Preach the Word!" We are living in both the "worst of times" and the "best of times." It is the worst of times because the depravity of man is evident on every hand. Nation is warring against nation; people worshipping false gods; children killing children; parents are becoming more and more irresponsible in rearing their children; the majority of the world has lost all sense of morality and consciousness toward God; and as in the days of Noah and 1 Kings - "every man did that which was right in their own eyes." The philosophy of the world has become, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die!" Even the United States of America, a nation founded on the very principles and precepts of God’s Holy Word, has become literally numb toward God. Apathy and apostasy has overtaken the population in our once God-fearing country.

In Jeremiah 6:15 the prophet described the nation of Israel by saying, "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not ashamed, neither could they BLUSH…." They same could easily be said of the majority of the world and the United States. There is no one "blushing" any more. Blushing is a reaction to knowing one is wrong. The majority of the world does not know that they are wrong, therefore, there is no blushing! "Preach the Word! Preach the Word!" says Paul to Timothy. May God break the hearts of all preachers who are not doing so with conviction and zeal today.

In 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Paul instructs Timothy why he needs to preach the Word of God. In the "latter times" which meant the time in which both Paul and Timothy lived, there would be a departure from the faith. Some, Paul says, would give heed to "seducing spirits" and "doctrines of devils". The devil is quite able to "seduce" men and women; boys and girls. He has a way of making "heresy" and "false teaching" look right. Today there are many different religions in the world. However, there is still only one way to heaven - Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). These self-proclaimed leaders of cults are deceiving men, women, and children at alarming rates. Every year there are more and more cults being started by men and women who "speak lies with hypocrisy." Those who are turning from the truth to lies are having their "conscience seared with a hot iron." They are literally becoming more and more insensitive to the Truth!

Many have adopted the policy of "no marriage". More and more people around the world are simply "living together" rather than getting married. There is more and more people who are unwilling to make any type of commitment in life. Television shows portray single parents who have never been married as a normal family setting. Other programs attempt to teach that "same sex marriages" is an alternative life style. This, of course, is in direct opposition with the Word of God. God did not ordain the marriage of Adam and Steve; He ordained the marriage of Adam and Eve. Yes, there is a definite need to "Preach the Word" in the day in which we live.

Paul also spoke of those who would forbid the eating of meat as a means of religious ritual. God has changed man’s diet three different times in history. In the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve ate fruit. After the Fall of Mankind they were expelled from the garden. At that time God instituted herbs into man’s diet. Herbs are well-known for fortifying the body against disease. It is interesting that God instituted herbs at this time. Sin would definitely bring disease in the world of man. After the flood, God instituted "meat" into man’s diet. It was not until after the flood do we read about "demons" and "evil spirits" influencing and menacing mankind. Although it is difficult to explain, there seems to be a correlation between the "eating of meat" and "demons". After God casts Satan and hell into the Lake of Fire, and He makes all things new in Revelation 21, man’s diet will once again be what it was in the Garden of Eden - "twelve manner of fruit" (Revelation 22:2).

It can never be overemphasized that all believers should beware of those who come in sheep’s clothing, but are actually ravaging wolves. How can one know what is truth and what is "seducing spirits and doctrines of devils"? One preacher told the story of a man whose son left home to train with the F.B.I. as an agent to detect counterfeiting. After being away from home for six months training, the son finally came home. His father was so proud of his son. When the family was all gathered, the father asked his son, "What can you tell us about counterfeit money?" The son replied, "Nothing." "What do you mean, ‘Nothing’," asked the father. "Didn’t you learn anything while you were gone for these past six months?" The son replied that had learned a great deal while he was gone. "Well, then," said the father, "why can’t you tell us what you learned about counterfeit money?" The son replied, "I didn’t learn anything about counterfeit money. I learned about ‘real money’. I learned so much about real money that if I ever see any counterfeit money, I will recognize it immediately!" This is what more believers need to do - learn more about the Truth, so if they ever come into contact with "seducing spirits and doctrines of devils" they will recognize it is as false teaching immediately.

Paul admonishes Timothy to "put the brethren in remembrance of these things", and says that by so doing, "thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ" (1 Timothy 4:6). Paul’s desire was that Timothy would so feed the sheep in the church of Ephesus that they would flee from such false teaching. He encouraged Timothy to be sound in doctrine and faith. It was no easy task that Paul commissioned young Timothy, but Paul both prayed for and encouraged this young preacher as often as he could.

A Good Minister Practices the Word (1 Timothy 4:7-12)

Paul next instructs Timothy to "refuse (avoid) profane (godless) and old wives’ fables (silly myths). Just as there were in Paul and Timothy’s day, there are also many godless and silly religions in the world today. One would think that people would become more conscientious concerning religion. It does not seem logical that people in 1999 would be so naïve as to worship rats, cows, bugs, rocks, trees, the sun or the moon. However, we know that in India there are many people starving to death, yet the cow is a sacred animal. They believe that their ancestors may be reincarnated in the form of a cow or a rat. They believe that when they die they too will be reincarnated as a cow or a rat. They also believe that when the cow or rat dies, it is reincarnated as a human.

There are many other godless and silly religions in the world which have more appeal. Islam, Mormonism, Romanism, Inglasia ni Christo, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientology, and many others deny that Truth and cling to a man-made doctrine. One should heed the words of Paul’s warning recorded in 2 Timothy 3:5, "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." He said in 2 Timothy 3:7 concerning the rationale of people in our day, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." To the Ephesians Paul wrote, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them…" (Ephesians 5:11-16).

In 1 Timothy 4:7 Paul also teaches Timothy and all ministers to "Practice the Word." It is not enough to preach the Word only; ministers must also practice what they preach. Paul continues his exhortation to Timothy by stating that "godliness" is vital to being a "good minister". Obviously, Paul was not a "jogger", or one who spent a great deal of time toning up his physique. Notice what Paul says in verse 8, "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." It is clear that Paul put much emphasis on living holy. There is a myth among many denominations that the Baptist view of "Eternal Security" is simply their belief that they have a "license to sin." Nothing could be farther from the truth! As a matter of fact, many people often mistakenly call this view, "Once in grace; Always in grace." People who make such an absurd comment do not even realize what grace is.

The Word of God teaches that "Grace" is what brings a person to Christ in the first place. Titus 2:11 clearly teaches, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men." It was God’s grace that prompted us and led us to the Lord - "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). It was God’s amazing grace that allowed His only begotten Son to come to earth, manifesting Himself, to die upon an old rugged cross. It was God’s grace that "commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). It was God’s grace that is allows us who were dead in trespasses and sins to be quickened (made alive) - "But God, who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:4-9).

There are many other passages of Scripture that we could look at that teaches the same principle. We are not only saved by grace, but we are also kept by God’s grace. In 2 Timothy 1:12 Paul wrote, "…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep (guard; garrison) that which I have committed unto him against that day." To the Corinthians Paul wrote, "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ. That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:4-9).

Paul emphatically declares in 1 Timothy 4:8 that "godly living" is essential to being a "good minister", and that this godliness is profitable in all things and both in this life and the life to come. It is more important than anything in the world. There are many reasons why godliness, holiness, and righteous living are important. Remember, Paul said that godliness is profitable unto all things; is profitable now; and is profitable in the life to come. First, our testimony is greatly affected by our daily walk. Those that are lost could care less about the Word of God, but they do care about how Christians live! It has been well said, "People will never care how much we know, until they know how much we care." If we live like the devil, then how will people ever listen to what we have to say? If what we have is real, then it should manifest itself in our manner of life, lest we become a stumbling block to those who are lost or babes in Christ. Secondly, it is important for every believer to realize that there is coming a day in which we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) and give an account of our stewardship (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Although a person who has been born-again will not lose his salvation, he or she can lose their reward. Paul states the importance of this when he wrote, "Knowing therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…" (2 Corinthians 5:11). He was speaking to believers concerning the Judgment Seat of Christ, a judgment for Christians only.

In 1 Timothy 4:9-11 we find the third of the Five Faithful Sayings. In this third saying Paul addresses the need for ministers to "practice the Word" because it bears witness that we trust in the living God. How sad when preachers fret and worry about the circumstances of life. How will congregations, let alone the lost, ever learn to trust in Christ when His own ministers do not trust Him? It is God who is our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5), but often ministers are the very worst at not trusting in His ability to supply their needs. This is part of the message that Paul exhorted Timothy to preach, and it should still be preached from the pulpits today! Let us all pray that God will help us as ministers to be faithful to both proclaim and practice His Word.

Paul declares a very important principle in 1 Timothy 4:10. He states that "the living God is the Savior of ALL men, specially of those that believe." What does he mean, "specially of those that believe"? There are many who teach the false doctrine of "limited atonement". These people state that Christ died only for the "elect", and that all others are doomed to die and spend eternity separated from God. This is one of those "doctrines of devils" that Paul mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1. Nothing could be farther from the truth! In 1 John 2:2 we read that "Christ is the propitiation of our sins, and not ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." The word "propitiation" means that which "satisfies God’s righteousness and justice." God can not allow sin to go unpunished (Romans 6:23). Death is still the wages of sin, but Christ took our penalty for sin and bore it upon Himself nailing it to the Cross (Colossians 2:13-15). This is the very reason that Christ came to earth in the likeness of sinful mankind, yet without sin. He came to die as our Substitute (1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:8). Everyone who comes to Christ in faith believing will be saved. For this reason Paul said that God is the Savior of ALL men. Whosoever will may still come and find forgiveness and salvation. However, regardless whether or not a person comes to Christ, He still is their Savior. There is no other means of salvation (Acts 4:12). Let us consider an illustration. If a man was drowning in a lake, and another man threw a float to him, most likely the man who was drowning would reach out and gladly take it. One would say that the float saved the man from drowning. However, if the man refused to take the float and drowned, would that change the fact that the float was still his only hope? The float was the man’s savior, but he chose not to accept it. The same is true of any who rejects Jesus Christ. He is the only Savior of men, and if one rejects His grace, then they will ultimately die and spend eternity in a lake of fire separated from God which is the second death (John 3:18; Revelation 20:11-15). Therefore, Paul’s statement that the "living God is the Savior of all men, specially to them that believe," can be easily understood.

Finally, in 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul instructs young Timothy to "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." The word "despise" literally means "to look down upon". Paul teaches that "age is no measurement of maturity." There are many new converts who would have to backslide in order to fellowship with other believers who have been saved for many years. It is sad that often people, after having been saved, lose their zeal and "burning of heart" as Christians. What causes this? They fail to progress in their faith. They become slothful, and they learn to be content with mediocrity. One preacher said that many "sit, soak, and sour in their pews."

Paul encourages young Timothy not to be intimidated by older saints who are less mature. Since God calls men into the ministry, men who are called should do as commanded and "Preach the Word!" Timothy’s practice of what he preached would be used of God to convict men’s hearts, and cause them to repent. Paul tells Timothy to be an example. How could he be such an example? Paul mentions five (5) different areas.

First, Timothy was to be an example in word. Timothy’s speech, as well as all believers’ speech, should be characterized by that which edifies (builds up) only. It is a terrible tragedy to hear believers speak ill of other people, especially in the audience of unbelievers. A kind word of encouragement or a small compliment to another does a great deal of good. How does your speech affect others? Does it lead people down the path of righteousness or down the road of waywardness?

Secondly, he was to be an example in conversation. The word "conversation" means "manner of living or conduct". Does your conduct provide an example of Christ, or is your life style one characterized by worldliness and covetousness? Does your conduct reflect a heart that has been changed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God? Does your conduct cause others to desire to become a Christian? Often our conduct speaks so loudly that others cannot hear what we are saying!

Thirdly, Paul instructs Timothy to be an example in charity. Charity means "love". There is no other attribute in the Christian life more important than love. Many times in the Word of God we are instructed to "love one another"; "love thy neighbor"; "have fervent love one for another". Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35). It is clear that Christ loved the world so much that He willingly died so that the world might have life. When believers do not love each other, then the love of Christ is not manifested in their lives? Unbelievers know little about our doctrine, but they do know about us! We need to both love the brethren, as well as the lost. It is this love that will have an impact upon a lost and sinful world.

Fourthly, Timothy was to be an example in spirit. The definition of this word is debated by many scholars. The most likely meaning is "enthusiasm". How sad that the world has enthusiasm for many things far less important as eternal life, but many Christians are less enthusiastic and joyous! The enthusiasm or spirit of Timothy was to bear witness of Jesus Christ. His demeanor should be such that it would cause him to be "peculiar". People who are peculiar attract others. Do not mistake peculiar with being odd or weird. Odd and weird people repel others. It is the peculiarity of believers who walk in the Spirit that cause the lost to stand up and notice. Does your life cause others to want to know what it is that causes you to remain steadfast during the trials of life, or do you react badly whenever a storm comes your way? Trusting Christ should be a natural response of those who are born-again. Christ has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us, so why worry?

Fifthly, Paul told Timothy to be an example in faith. Timothy’s faith would be used of God the Holy Spirit to draw others into a personal relationship with Christ. Some people never read the Word of God, but they will read you daily. If you are a person of faith, then that faithfulness will be a great witness to both the saved and the lost. New converts need good role models in the church. Just as infants and small children learn by imitation, so do young believers. Whether positive or negative, our faith will have an impact upon others! How faithful are you in attending services at your local church? How faithful are you in supporting the pastor? How faithful are you in helping those in need? How faithful are you in singing in the choir? How faithful are you in giving? There are many ways in which our faithfulness is seen by others. Let us constantly be aware that our testimony of faith does influence others one way or another.

Sixthly, Paul instructed Timothy to be an example in purity. This may be last on the list, but it is certainly not least! Purity is an outward expression of an inward change. It carries with it the idea of the "motive for conduct". How we talk, walk, or squawk reflects our heart. Purity is not just for those who came across the Atlantic Ocean seeking a new home and religious freedom. Purity is that which should characterize every believer’s life. It is not something that occurs overnight, nor does it occur in a week or two. Purity is something that progresses daily in the Christian walk. As we grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, we learn to become more like Christ. As we yield more and more to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our hearts, we are more conformed to the image of God’s dear Son. This is often referred to as "progressive sanctification."

When a person is born-again, they are positionally sanctified. This means that they are born into the family of God and become His child. If the Lord returns for the Church or we pass through death’s door, we will be prophetically or ultimately sanctified. This is when we will never sin again, for we will be changed to be like Him. As we live daily in this life, however, we are not sinless, yet we can sin less by growing spiritually. Peter teaches us how we are to grow in 1 Peter 2:2, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby." The psalmist wrote, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:9-11). May God help us all who are saved to become better examples to others.

A Good Minister Progresses in the Word (1 Timothy 4:13-16)

In these last four verses Paul exhorts young Timothy as a minister of Jesus Christ to "Progress in the Word". In verse 15 Paul says, "…that thy profiting may appear to all." The word "profiting" literally means "progress". Paul informed Timothy that he was to give attendance to (pay great attention to) three (3) particular things: reading, preaching, and teaching. These are the three areas in which all pastors must spend much time and devotion.

Reading may suggest "public reading of the Scripture" in the local church, but it may also refer to "studying the Word" in private devotion. A pastor must constantly study the Word of God so that God may speak to his heart. As a matter of fact, Paul later writes Timothy a second epistle and states, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Paul also instructs Timothy to give attendance to "exhortation". The word "exhortation" means "preaching the Word". The pastor must "Preach the Word!" It still pleases God by the foolishness of preaching to save sinners (1 Corinthians 1:18; 21). The word "doctrine" simply means "teaching". It is the responsibility of the pastor to both preach and teach the Word of God (Ephesians 4:11). This is exactly what Peter the apostles did in Jerusalem - both taught and preached to the multitudes (Acts 5:29-42). In Acts 6:1-7 we find that the first deacons were chosen in order that the pastors could spend more time in prayer, and to the ministry of the Word of God. We find that 1 Timothy 4:13 then has to do with the important aspect of Timothy’s "progress" in learning the Word of God.

In 1 Timothy 4:14 Paul continues with the idea of "progressing in the Word". Timothy had been given the gift of preaching and exhortation and teaching by the Holy Spirit. The elders had confirmed Timothy’s calling into the ministry by God, and they ordained him by the laying on of hands. Timothy had been given encouragement by these men, and the ceremony of laying on of hands would serve him well as a reminder of the confidence they had in him. Certainly Timothy was not to continue preaching for men, but these men served as a reminder to him that he had been called by God. In the course of the battle, ministers often get weary. As a minister reflects upon past victories and positive experiences, they serve to encourage him to keep pressing forward. God is gracious to allow ministers at least some small measure of success to serve as encouragement for future encounters with our great adversary the devil. Thank God for godly men and women who make a conscience effort to lift up their pastors in prayer before the throne of grace. Thank God for those who faithfully make an effort to speak a word of encouragement to their pastors from time to time. Just an occasional word of appreciation goes a long, long way.

Paul exhorts Timothy to meditate upon these things. This is good advice for every child of God. We should all consider what God has gifted us to do, and we should "give ourselves wholly to them." The work of the Lord depends upon faithful stewards who are willing to "hold forth the Word of Life." Jesus said, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send froth labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38). If Christians do not proclaim the gospel message, those that are lost will not be saved. It is extremely important that all of us who are saved understand that we are responsible to sow the seeds of salvation. The Lord is coming! When He comes for His Bride, the Church, those who are left behind will suffer a terrible time in the Tribulation Period. May God help us to be broken for the lost!

Paul then instructs Timothy, as well as all believers, to "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). What does it mean to "take heed unto thyself"? It means that we are to examine our conduct daily. Our testimony is largely dependent upon what we say and what we do. Those that are lost are painfully aware of our conduct. If our walk does not match our talk, then those who are lost will not be compelled to receive Christ as Savior. Paul instructs Timothy to not only take heed to himself, but he also places great emphasis upon his doctrine. Many today say that it does not matter what a person believes, as long as they are sincere. Paul’s instruction to Timothy contradicts this view of many liberals today! Paul states that Timothy should "take heed to his doctrine." The word "doctrine" means "teaching". If we teach heresy, we are in danger of misleading people. We should be careful to "rightly divide the Word of God" (2 Timothy 2:15) so that we do not confuse or mislead people. There is still only one means of salvation - "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Jesus clearly stated, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Paul wrote the Romans, "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you" (Romans 6:17). It is important, yea, it is essential that we not only "take heed unto ourselves", but that we also "take heed unto the doctrine" that we proclaim! If we tell others that it does not matter what they believe, so long as they are sincere, we are doing more harm than good. People can be sincere all they want, but unless they trust Christ and Christ alone for salvation, they are sincerely wrong. As one preacher said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions!"

Paul concludes verse 16 by giving a practical explanation for his exhortation to Timothy to "take heed." He says, "…for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." There is no greater reason for witnessing to the lost! The word "save" does not mean "to be born-again" or "regenerated". In this particular verse the word "save" means "to find significance" or "to fulfill". Paul informs Timothy that in so doing, he would "find significance or fulfillment" in doing God’s will for his life. There are many Christians who can not find contentment in their lives because they are not in God’s will for their lives. Jesus told His disciples that He came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly. This abundant life is not somewhere in the future. Believers can have "abundant life" right here and now, but it is dependant upon our yieldedness to His will for our lives. Those to whom Timothy would minister would also find "significance or fulfillment." A lost person experiences great fulfillment when he or she is saved. This fulfillment will fade though, if a saved person does nothing AFTER they are saved. This is why many Christians are enthusiastic and zealous when they are first saved, but after a while, having never grown, they lose that "burning of heart." It is essential that believers continue to grow in grace and knowledge after they are saved. As they grow by the Word (doctrine), they will continue to enjoy the blessings of abundant life in Christ.

1Timothy Chapter 5