The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy providing encouragement and instruction. This was to benefit not just the young preacher, but all who would come to believe on the name of Jesus and actively engage in the work of the church. The inspired Apostle stressed the great need for sound doctrine. In this sense, “sound” signifies what is healthy and beneficial for mankind. What greater benefit for our eternal souls could we find than the Gospel of Jesus Christ! In 1 Timothy chapter 4, Paul relayed the real danger of false teachers. These under the influence of Satan proclaimed an unsound, unhealthy, false doctrine. Such teaching must be resisted and refuted by those who devote themselves to the Lord Christ. To this end, Paul reinvigorated Timothy and all Christians to provide a good example, teaching and practicing the truth.
Timothy was told to command and teach these things (1 Timothy 4:11). In this regard, Paul has set himself as a good example as he follows the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17). Besides living the example, Paul has also given careful instruction to his true son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:1-2) so that he may know how to conduct himself in the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15). If we today are part of the body, then we will command and teach the truth of the gospel and charge that no other doctrine be admitted (1 Timothy 1:3; Galatians 1:6-9). Obviously, Christians hold no authority in themselves to command. We instead have an obligation from God to announce His Word and His authority. A good example in the church must faithfully proclaim the commandments of the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:37).
Timothy was told to practice these things in his own life (1 Timothy 4:12). The church needs good examples in all areas to carefully follow Christ (1 Timothy 4:6). Godliness is profitable for all things (1 Timothy 4:8). The phrase “let no one despise your youth” has been widely misused. Many want to express how people can and will be used by God even at a young age. You don’t have to be old to be a good preacher or a good Christian. This sentiment is true, but Paul’s point is actually a challenge to Timothy. He charges the young preacher to behave not as a foolish youth, but with appropriate maturity. He must act in such a way so that no person would have reason to despise him and, by extension, the message (Romans 2:17-24). Paul communicates the same idea elsewhere in the New Testament (Titus 2:15). Many Christians have overpowered their good message with their evil lifestyle. A good example in the church must choose wisdom full of good fruits, not lies and hypocrisy (James 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:2).
Timothy was told to give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13). Diligent study is critical, not just for the preacher, but for all who seek to work for God (2 Timothy 2:15). The term “reading” could have reference not just to private study, but also to the public reading of Scripture in the assembly. In far too many places, those who claim to be heralds of truth are providing only pep talks and self-help speeches (with little to no Bible included). Man’s wisdom is not a sufficient answer to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). If we truly desire to build up the body of Christ, then we need the doctrine of Christ! Preach God’s Word to stir up God’s people to love and good works (2 Timothy 4:1-2; Hebrews 10:23-25). A good example in the church must be deeply familiar with the message he practices and preaches.
Timothy was told to use the gift, the miraculous ability, which he was given (1 Timothy 4:14). The use of this gift would confirm the truth of his preaching (Mark 16:17-20; John 20:30-31; Acts 14:3). Comparing 1 Timothy 4:14 with 2 Timothy 1:6, we find that Paul AND the elders laid hands on Timothy. As a true apostle, Paul could transfer the miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18; Rom 1:11). Timothy had the gift THROUGH the laying on of Paul’s hands, but he had it also WITH the laying on of the elders’ hands. In both the Old and New Testament times, leaders sent someone out into a particular work with the laying on of hands (Numbers 27:22-23; Acts 13:2-3). The elders sent Timothy forth with their best wishes as a preacher of God’s Word. This type of support is still vital today. Although miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit ended with the completion of the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), we should acknowledge we’ve been blessed with many natural gifts, talents, and abilities by God. A good example in the church will use blessings to be a blessing.
Timothy was told to meditate on and continue in the truth in order to save himself and his listeners (1 Timothy 4:15-16). Contrary to the practice of some, meditation is not the emptying of the mind. Rather, it is to attend something carefully, to have the truth of sound doctrine revolve around in and fill the mind as you ponder God’s Word (Psalms 119:97). Timothy was to meditate, to give himself, and to be totally absorbed in God’s Word and the work of the kingdom. Only in this way could he take heed, or properly pay attention to himself and the doctrine. The chapter begins by telling of those who depart from the faith and ends by telling of those who will continue in sound teaching. We know which of the two categories will be saved and which will be lost. A good example in the church must persevere in the teachings of Christ for salvation!
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