Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
Summary: In this passage, Paul gives Timothy specific instructions; read, preach, and teach.
Much of Paul’s letter to Timothy is background information. In Chapter One, Paul explains about false doctrine, where it comes from, and why.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:13 – Read, Preach & Teach”
[but set an example for the believers] … in purity.
Summary: Paul completes his example of Christian living with a simple word, “purity.”
The word “purity,” both in English and Greek, conveys two concepts. First is the idea of cleanliness; that is, being without contamination. The second is an absence of moral corruption, especially sexual immorality.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:12f – Pure Faith”
[but set an example for the believers] … in faith…
Summary: Paul’s instruction to set an example moves from things we can observe into a realm that is both less obvious and more substantial. Faith is both invisible and very personal. For the believer, it is the foundation of our relationship with God.
It is one thing to set an example in speech and conduct: we can see that. It is another to set an example in love (agapē): we can feel that. But when we get to faith, we are talking about a different kind of thing. We can’t see or feel someone’s faith in God. All we can do is observe them over time and try to discern with our minds why they do what they do.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:12e – Finding Faith”
[but set an example for the believers] … in love…
Summary: Setting an example with our words and deeds is commendable. Making sure that our example is worthy of our Lord Jesus is a challenge.
Paul’s instruction to Timothy so far includes the following: “… set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love…”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:12d – Godly Love “
[but set an example for the believers] … in conduct…
Summary: What we say and what we do are both important. What is best is when the two match up.
So far, the whole passage we are looking at reads:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct…”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:12c – Faith & Feats”
[but set an example for the believers] … in speech…
Summary: Paul provides a list of ways believers should be an example to others. The first item on his list is “speech.”
In our meditation on 1 Timothy 4:11, we took a close look at the context of Paul’s words, “Command and teach these things.” Authority in the Body of Christ is not universal. We each have authority over our own bodies, but when it comes to the Body of Christ, we submit to a higher authority — that of Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:12b – Word Power”
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers …
Summary: Paul’s instruction to Timothy is something that is still true today. Everyone needs a good role model to follow.
1 Timothy 4:12 is another passage rich in content. In this sentence, Paul instructs and encourages Timothy because he is “young.” (“Young” in this context meant that Timothy didn’t have grey hair yet.)
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:12a – Leading by Example”
Command and teach these things.
Summary: Understanding Paul’s words in this passage involves humble self-reflection and an honest assessment of what our role is in the Body of Christ.
This verse has to be one of the shortest and most direct sentences that Paul has ever written!
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:11 – Context Matters”
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Summary: This passage is a hum-dinger. Paul’s words leave us with a paradox wrapped up in a controversy.
This verse, like so many others in this letter to Timothy, is difficult. It can be analyzed from several different angles, but for the sake of this meditation, we are going to use a very simple analysis. Paul’s sentence can be divided into two parts. One is paradoxical, and the other is controversial.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:10 – Why We Train”
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
Summary: Looking back at Paul’s ‘trustworthy sayings’ helps us gain perspective on his strategy for the Lord’s churches.
The words in this passage represent the third time Paul has pointed to a “trustworthy saying.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:9 – Focus on the Truth”