Nov. 08, 2023

LIVING THE CHRISTLIFE

WAYNE BARRETT

HILLTOP LAKES CHAPEL

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

1 TIMOTHY:

THE CHURCH, HER SERVANT-LEADERSHIP, AND THE LIVES OF HER PEOPLE

1 Timothy 4:6-16

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in

the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with

irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value,

godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because

we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

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.

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v 6 – “If you put these things…”

being trained – more lit. “being nourished,” referring to spiritual health, not a skill set

“words of the faith” – one of the occasions in Scripture that refers to “the faith,” referring to the

Christian life in its entirety

[the good] doctrine – didaskalia, also teaching, instruction

“you have followed” – parakoloutheó, to closely follow

Knowing the teachings is not enough and never has been

A reminder that discipleship cannot be separated from, some would say is, living

according to godly instruction

We are in the business of teaching people how to live… what to do… what not to do

v 7 – “Have nothing to do with…”

paraiteomai, to beg off, excuse oneself, refuse, decline…

We might say “just don’t even go there”

“irreverent” — profane (as in not sacred), worldly

“silly” – graódés, relating to old women, as in “old wives’ tale”

This was a semi-private word to Timothy, so perhaps Paul’s speech was a little less

diplomatic than it might have been otherwise

There would have been a natural effort to blend some superstitions and stories being

passed down with Christian teaching

“train yourself” — gymnázō, to exercise strenuously, pertaining especially to athletes

In Germany, the most advanced high school is called a Gymnasium

Timothy may have been an athlete

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godliness hold value both for this life and the one that is coming – a reminder that there is

“carry-over” from this life to the next

v 9 – “The saying is trustworthy…”

Paul is probably referring back to v 8

v 10 – “For to this end…”

we toil and strive – the work of the ministry is arduous

v 11 – “Command and teach…”

Timothy was to teach with certainty and authority

“command” not because of ego, but as a spokesperson for God and his expressed will

v 12 – “Let no one despise your youth…”

We don’t know Timothy age

The Bible affirms both elders and young people who are called by God

What should accompany the respect Timothy is shown? – “set the believers an example…” Same

for all ministers.

An excellent checklist!

speech

conduct

love

faith

purity

hagneia, without any adulteration, 100% pure, chaste, undefiled

v 13 – “Until I come…”

Public reading of Scripture

exhortation—this in the way of personal encouragement, correction…

teaching

Timothy’s chief roles

Not only a Lord’s Day role

v 14 – “Do not neglect the gift [charisma] you have…”

We would think this to be the gift of preaching/teaching, if Paul is being specific

“through [dia] prophecy” – the gift is from God, but it’s being given to Timothy was

accompanied by a prophetic word

more lit. “along with [meta] the laying on of the hands of the elders”

This may be Paul’s exhortation to Timothy regarding what, throughout the letter, is a manifest

concern that Timothy not allow himself to be distracted from his call and effectiveness

v 15 – “Practice these things…

“practice” – meletaó, care for, study, ponder, be diligent with

immerse yourself in them

What things?

The great truths of the Gospel, and

Living an intentional, godly life

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“so that all may see your progress…”

A minister advances in his knowledge and skills for living

We all do

There are no shortcuts

v 16 – “Keep a close watch on yourself…”

Another exhortation to Timothy to be vigilant and intentional, self-examining

“on yourself and on the teaching”

Both. Always both.

“Persist in this…”

lit. “Continue in them [pl.]”

lit. “for doing this” which can mean, “for as you do this” as opposed to “for by so doing.”

lit. “you will save both yourself and those hearing you.”

Yes, that’s what Paul said.

Here is an occasion to affirm that language, in its normal usage, allows us to put things in

different ways

Paul would be the first to affirm that we are saved by Jesus Christ.

“save both yourself” – affirming that Timothy’s walk of faith in Christ will result in salvation

“and those hearing you” – affirming that others will be won to the Lord by Timothy’s preaching

and teaching