If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus…
Summary: Paul’s admonition to “point out” certain things makes us wonder what Paul was referring to.
Have you ever wondered what Paul means by “these things” in this passage? Is he talking about just the things in the last paragraph, or is he talking about his whole letter so far?
It is tempting to look at this passage and think, “He probably just means the ‘things’ he has mentioned in chapter four.”
Okay.
The only problem with that theory is that Paul didn’t write his letter in chapters and verses. He simply wrote one big, long letter. Chapters were not added until early in the thirteenth century by an English scholar named Stephen Langton. Verses didn’t come on the scene until much later. The first Bible with both chapters and verses was Wycliffe’s Bible in 1382 AD.
So let’s assume for a moment that the “things” Paul wanted pointed out to the brothers and sisters included everything in his letter so far. What would that include?
Here is one way to list what Paul has taught so far:
Teach truth faithfully (1 Timothy 2:7; 3:2; 4:6)
Reject false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3-4, 1:6-7; 4:1-3)
Live with integrity and holiness (1 Timothy 3:2-3, 3:8-10, 3:11-12; also 1 Timothy 2:8-10)
Serve with humility and love (1 Timothy 1:5, 1:12-16, 2:1-4)
Maintain faith and a clear conscience (1 Timothy 1:5, 1:18-19; 3:9)
Lead well at home and in the church (1 Timothy 3:4-5, 3:12, 3:14-15)
Pray and promote godliness (1 Timothy 2:1-2, 2:8, 2:9-10, 3:15-16)
Protect believers from deception (1 Timothy 1:3-4, 1:18-20; 4:1-3)
Keep Christ and the gospel at the center of ministry (1 Timothy 1:11, 2:5-6, 3:16 )
Paul might have been thinking of the importance of being true to the Gospel, but look at what he has covered so far! Is there anything on this list of topics that you would want to point out to the brothers and sisters?
One thing remains true, no matter what you choose to put on your list of things to share; whatever you teach, you have to live it first.
Application: Live your faith, love your neighbor as yourself.
Food for Thought: If you were to sum up Paul’s teachings for the brothers and sisters into one line, what would it be?
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