(This is part of the series exploring Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. You can catch up on the series so far by clicking here. This entry considers Paul’s writings to Timothy covered in 1 Timothy 4.)
Paul loves the gospel, loves Jesus and loves His church. This is why he’s sending Timothy, trusting him to ensure that the organisation of the community is done properly. There are issues Paul expects Timothy to deal with, both for the membership and leadership of the local community of believers. In that all, Paul also clearly loves Timothy and is keen that this love motivates his son in the faith to hold on to the gospel for the love of the church and the glory of Jesus.
It is fascinating how Paul informs Timothy of what the Spirit clearly says. Fascinating in the sense that he’s not talking about something that is explicitly taught in the Old Testament. He is talking about how the Holy Spirit could clearly guide people to the truth and see how that truth exposes significant corruptions and deviations from it. The false teaching is a problem but the response is not to focus on the false but let the light of the truth show what should be pursued. As we read this there is the implicit warning to us to treasure the truth and see how crucial it will be as the days come about where people will be caught up with falsehoods to the failure of their faith. Our faith is fed by the truth we observe and treasure.
This is a general teaching point that Paul uses to encourage Timothy personally and specifically to do whatever it takes to be a good minister of the Lord Jesus. The heart of that encouragement is once more highlighted not in focusing on what to avoid, but …
Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 3:6-7
A good question to ask if you’re not Timothy is, “How am I meant to do that? What does it look like to train yourself in godliness?” Implicit in this section and throughout the letter and other letters from Paul and other writers, is to focus on Jesus as He reveals Himself by the Spirit and in scripture. That focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ gives a clear indication of what it is to be godly.
This heavily influences how Timothy can refute those who would want to despise him because of his youth. His commitment to the truth as expressed in his whole life declares to all that he is actively training in godliness. Hence the expression in what he says, what he does, how he loves, how he believes and trusts God and the manner and motive with which he does that.
The personal nature here is Paul’s heart for Timothy to truly live up to all that God has called him to be in this particular assignment. It will not be Timothy’s skills and abilities that will make the difference. It will be his character. It will be how that character reflects who Jesus is and the kind of church God wants to see.
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
It is Timothy’s character that is Christ-centred and devoted to the gospel that will keep him focused and also work wonders for those who pay attention to what he’s saying. That’s quite something to consider for one so young. This is why Paul encourages him to be diligent on these matters. These shape and inform the young man and can make a significant impact in shaping the church – membership and leadership.
This is why the last part of the chapter – which acts as a segue-way from one part of Paul’s instructions to the next – is crucial because it grounds things back again in the wonder of the gospel. This glorious mystery of Jesus Christ revealed and revered in those who follow Him exemplified in the community’s leadership that serves the membership.
Questions
- How is the Spirit exposing warnings to the church today when it comes to false doctrines?
- Why does focus matter so much in Paul’s instruction to Timothy?
- What would it look like to see someone practising and immersing themselves in Paul’s instructions to Timothy in the latter part of the chapter?
- What can you do today to train yourself in godliness?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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