1 Timothy 4

Here again Paul calls God the Savior (see 1 Timothy 1:1; 2:3). In this verse, however, the meaning is different. Here “savior” means the preserver and sustainer of all living things (Matthew 5:45; 6:26). But as far as believers are concerned, God not only preserves and sustains them physically; He also gives them spiritual life that lasts forever.

11-12 In every generation, older people are inclined to look down on younger people. Young people are not respected. But among Christians, says Paul, let this not happen. Let Timothy earn the respect of his elders by his good life and example.

There are five areas in which Timothy must set a good example: in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (verse 12). Leadership in the church is not given to a person according to his age, but rather according to the quality of his character in these five areas. Let any young man who aspires to leadership first examine himself in these five areas.

Paul not only admonishes Timothy; he also encourages him. Paul tells him: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Timothy was a timid person;

Paul knew that he needed encouragement and support (see 1 Corinthians 16:10-11).

13 Paul describes here three important parts of the job of overseer or pastor: first, the reading of Scripture, which in Paul’s day meant the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written); second, preaching—that is, giving a sermon on the subject of the Old Testament reading; and third, teaching true Christian doctrines. The first two of these activities took place every Sabbath day (Saturday) in the Jewish synagogues of Paul’s time, a custom that the new Christian churches also followed (Luke 4:16-21; Acts 13:14-15). But the third activity, the teaching of Christian doctrine, became a new and distinctive feature of Christian worship services.

Paul instructs Timothy to devote himself to these three activities; that is, Timothy must “give himself’ to these activities. A pastor or other church leader must give himself totally to the service of Christ and the church (see verse 15).

14 Timothy had been given a gift, the gift of preaching, teaching, and leading. Although the gift was given freely by God, Timothy must now take it and use it (2 Timothy 1:6). If we do not use the gifts that God gives us, they will produce no fruit (see Matthew 25:14-18).

At the time Timothy was first called to serve in the church, prophecies were spoken concerning him (see 1 Timothy 1:18). At that time elders laid their hands on him and appointed him to be a leader (see Acts 6:6; 13:1-3 and comments).

15-16 Now Paul tells Timothy how he can nurture and increase his gift. Timothy must be diligent to use his gift (2 Peter 1:10). He must give himself wholly to the reading of Scripture, to preaching, to teaching (verse 13), and to being godly (verse 7). Even though he is a leader, there must be progress in his Christian life that can be seen by others (verse 15). Not only must Timothy be skillful in preaching, but his character and behavior must agree with what he preaches.

Watch your life and doctrine, Paul tells Timothy (see 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8). Persevere in them; that is, remain firm in the faith (1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13; Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 5:21). If Timothy does this, not only will he bring his hearers to salvation, but he will also save himself—that is, he will work out his own salvation (see Philippians 2:12 and comment). Even Paul had to remain watchful, lest after preaching to others he should himself be disqualified for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:27).