1 Timothy 4:6–5:2

A GOOD SERVANT OF CHRIST JESUS

1 Timothy 4:6–5:2

1Ti 4:6  If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 1Ti 4:7  Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 1Ti 4:8  "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 1Ti 4:9  This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.

Worthy teacher, there were plenty of false teachers so Timothy needed to stand out. He would be nourished daily by what he has learned and what he will learn through study. Ephesus had been listening to the no Christian teachers and they had caused the people there to have petty squabbles over different issues. Paul was warning Timothy to not get caught up in the non-important issues. Timothy was to exercise himself in his connection with God by prayer, meditation, and reading Paul's letters. He was also supposed to teach that lifestyle.

1Ti 4:10  This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1Ti 4:11  Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 1Ti 4:12  Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1Ti 4:13  Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

Life Application New Testament Commentary:  Timothy could not control anyone’s prejudice about his age, but he was not to be intimidated. Instead, he should be an example to all believers. He must not give anyone ammunition to use his youthfulness against him. Timothy’s character, and not his age, would determine his authority to lead.

Timothy was not left to ponder how Paul expected him to be an example. Rather than offering general motivation to be an example, the old apostle issued a checklist.

·What you teach—Our words create impressions that either facilitate or complicate all other communication. Timothy was to teach with gentle authority while avoiding useless or argumentative conversation (see 1Ti_4:11; 1Ti_5:1; 1Ti_6:3-4; 1Ti_6:20).

·The way you live—Our lifestyle as well as our specific behaviors must be consistent with the gospel. Timothy was to conduct himself as a representative of Jesus Christ even in the details of daily living (see 1Ti_6:6-10).

·Love—When we say the right words and live the right way but lack love, we are demonstrating a legalistic view of God’s expectations (see 1Co_13:1-7). After words and actions have had their say, love makes the message ring true or false.

·Faith—Sooner or later, people around us will need to understand what motivates our speech, life, and love. A genuine combination of the above will present to others a way of life filled with hope. Faith finally speaks clearly when speech, life, and love have created a hearing.

·Purity—Paul ended this list with a rarely used term for virtue and chastity. As used here, the word implies integrity and consistency and reinforces the entire list. Perhaps Paul even had the idea of transparency in mind. The above qualities were to be developed, not just for public display, but as the uniform texture of Timothy’s life.

1Ti 4:14  Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 1Ti 4:15  Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 1Ti 4:16  Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Timothy was being asked to live a life that would be perfect in the eyes of those around him. This would be pleasing to God and the people would not have any issues to charge this young man with ungodly things. It would be a life style that we should all strive for.

1Ti 5:1  Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 1Ti 5:2  Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.

Here Timothy is being asked to be respectful to his elders and young women. By doing this he will continue to win over the multitudes. I am older that Timothy would have been and when you meet a polite young man you can easily like and listen to him.

Dave