Paul was sending written directives to the young pastor Timothy, on how to shepherd the flock of God that was under his care, we can all take to heart Paul’s wise instruction given here, on how to become a man or woman of God, so that we conduct ourselves in a manner that is honoring to the Lord and faithful to our relationship with Christ. “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed…Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all…Till I come, give attention to READING, to EXHORTATION, to DOCTRINE.” (1 Tim. 4:6,13,15)
Paul warned Timothy, that as the day for Christ’s return draws ever closer many will depart from the faith, and that sound doctrine will be replaced with ear-tickling myths, we find Timothy being urged to give attention to the READING of scripture, to EXHORTATION (paraklēsis: to call to one’s side for intense training) and to DOCTRINE.
- First: THE READING OF SCRIPTURE:– for faith comes by hearing and hearing from the Word of God. Sadly today, in many public services and personal devotion there seems to be a greater emphasis on emotional music and a seeker friendly gospel, rather than on READING THE SCRIPTURES, which has caused the Bible to become a closed book in many assemblies and Christian homes.
- Second: EXHORTATION: – sound, exegetical (significant interpretation of a text) expounding of the Word of truth. Sound exegesis is where the plain meaning of Scripture is drawn out from a passage in accordance with its correct historical context under the guidance of its Author – the Holy Spirit of God.
- Third: UN-COMPROMISED DOCTRINE: Indeed throughout Paul’s epistles there is a repeated emphasis on sound doctrine where the Word of God is rightly divided and believers are encouraged to search the Scriptures daily for themselves in order to check whether they were receiving biblically sound doctrine.
Then Paul closes with this, “Keep a CLOSE WATCH ON HOW YOU LIVE and ON YOUR TEACHING. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” (1 Tim. 4:16)
-Bill Stockham