1 Timothy 4:15-16 15Practice these things, be into these things, in order that your progress may be evident to all. 16Give attention to yourself and to the teaching; remain in them; for by doing this you will also save yourself and those who hear you.
In these verses, Paul shows Timothy how his development and practice affects others and himself. The simple command is to practice () all the things Paul has written in this letter and especially speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity listed in verse 12. The word practice (meleta) has the sense of thinking hard or meditating about something and putting into practice. The qualities Timothy needed to have would not come accidentally but only as he cooperated with the Holy Spirit. He was literally to be into these things in the sense of these qualities should be who he was. To think of Timothy was to think of these qualities. His reputation with all people was to be a model of these qualities. The effectiveness of his preaching and teaching would depend on how people saw him. The old saying, “Practice what you preach” fits well in this situation. Timothy could not be passive but had to give it his all. People take notice of someone who acts consistently in a godly way.
Paul also instructs Timothy to take care of his inner person in verse 16. The verb give attention (epeche) has the sense of holding on to something securely with focus and aim. Timothy’s ministry would rest secure if he watched how he lived and made sure what he taught was the truth of the gospel (1:10-11). Paul emphasizes this point again with the command to remain in them. This was really important stuff. Without this focus, Timothy would have a hard time in the ministry, his leadership would fail, and false teachings would ruin the church. Even more serious, the salvation of all could be jeopardized. His motivation should be his own salvation and all who hear him. Timothy’s personal care was crucial for the effectiveness of his ministry. Ministry leadership is more than being busy, preaching sermons, or administering finances. First and foremost is the care of one’s own soul.
For older posts, click here.