The Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy 4 (7)

Pray Psalm 12.6, 7.
The words of the LORD are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
You shall keep them, O LORD,
You shall preserve them from this generation forever.

Review 1 Timothy 4.

Reflect.
1. How would you describe the kind of pastor Timothy was supposed to be?

2. Why was it so important that he set a good example?

Meditate.
In the first three chapters of his first letter to Timothy, Paul outlined the general structure of the local church. Established on sound teaching, churches flourish when men and women embrace their unique roles, and when elders and deacons serve to shepherd and care for the congregation.

In chapter 4, Paul addresses the role of the pastor. The pastor needs to keep an eye on the times and to take the lead in guarding the Lord’s flock against false teaching and empty practices. He must be an example for all the flock, standing firm on the doctrines of Scripture, growing and making progress in the Lord, and leading the congregation to greater heights of godliness and love. 

The local church should be a place where members and congregation alike increase continually in the salvation of the Lord, and careful, faithful shepherds are a key to this happening.

Reflect.
1. What did Paul want us to learn from the example Timothy was to set for the churches in Ephesus?

2. What does it mean to make progress in our salvation? How can believers help one another in this?

3. How would you describe the role of God’s Word in helping believers and their churches to grow as the Lord intends?

He knew Timothy's diligence, and yet he recommends to him diligent reading of the Scriptures. How shall pastors teach others if they be not eager to learn? And if so great a man is advised to study to make progress from day to day, how much more do we need such an advice? John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on 1 Timothy 4.13

I know that You have called me, Lord, to be an example to the people in my Personal Mission Field. As I go forth today, therefore, give me grace to…

Pray Psalm 12.
Pray that the Lord will revive His Church, according to His Word, to reach the lost people of our generation.

Sing Psalm 12.
Psalm 12 (Hamburg: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
Help, Lord! The godly cease to be!
They who believe in Christ are few.
Falsely the wicked confidently
flatter, deceive, and mock Your truth.

Stop, Lord, the lips that utter lies,
all those who speak with boasting tongue!
See how Your holy Word they despise,
while their own praises they have sung.

Rise up, O Lord, and rescue all
Your precious children sore distressed.
Save those who faithfully on You call.
Grant them deliv’rance, peace, and rest.

Your words are pure and proven true,
like silver seven times refined;
You will preserve Your Word ever new,
and keep the heart to You inclined.

Proudly the wicked strut and stand;
Your indignation builds on high;
Men may exalt their wicked plans,
but You will judge them by and by.

T. M. Moore

The lessons in this week’s study of the Pastoral Epistles, and all the studies in this series, are available as a free download by clicking here.

Whatever our calling in life, we are sent to bring the joy of Christ to the people around us. Our book, Joy to Your World!, can show you how to fill your Personal Mission Field with more of the Presence, promise, and power of Christ and His Kingdom. Order your copy, as a supplement to our study of 1 Timothy, by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).