1 Timothy 4:11-16 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is 1 Timothy 4:11-16. Let’s go!
1 Timothy 4:11-12 (NIV)
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
On verses 11-12: Some commentators speculate that Timothy had a shy and not so aggressive personality and because of that Paul is encouraging Timothy to step into his role as a pastor with confidence. Whether or not that’s true, verses 11-12 show us that for Paul being an effective pastor and spiritual leader is not just about what you say (v11) but also how you live (v12). Godly leaders don’t just message people about how to follow Christ; they model it for them too. For those around you, may you set an example of what a Christian should be in the way you speak (speech), the way you live (life), the way you treat others (love), the way you trust and believe God’s Word (faith), and the way you seek to please God with your life (purity).
1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV)
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
On verse 13: There is power in the public reading of God’s Word, and the preaching and teaching of it. It’s no wonder Paul told Timothy to devote himself to the reading, preaching and teaching of Scripture.
1 Timothy 4:14-16 (NIV)
14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
On verses 14-16: Apparently Timothy was a gifted communicator (v13-14), although commentators speculate that Timothy might have been a little timid. That’s why Paul tells Timothy not to neglect the gift God had given him (v14), to give himself wholly to using his gifts (v15), and also to watch his life and what he is teaching (v16). If Timothy would persevere in these matters, Paul says Timothy would “save both yourself and others” (v16b); in other words, he would fulfill his destiny and be a blessing to others.
What can we learn from this? Do you want God to use your life in a powerful way? Then develop the gifts God has given you while also watching that you’re living to please God. If you keep doing these things and don’t give up even when you fail, you will fulfill the destiny God had for your life and bless many others in the process.
Father, thank You for the calling You have on each person reading today’s GAME sharing. Thank You for the gifts You have given them. May they develop their gifts so that they can use them effectively and excellently for Your glory. May we all be careful to live in a way that is pleasing to You. Through both our example and our words, may we clearly and lovingly teach others who You are. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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