v11 Command and teach these things...
1. Exemplary Christian lifestyle (4:11-12)
v12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example
1.1 in speech,
1.2 in conduct, "Speech and life (better, "conduct") encompass most of the observable life--the visible dimension of godliness. In fact, James places first importance on control of the tongue, which will then provide for control of the rest of one's behavior (Jas 3:2). Through what a Christian says and does the truth of the Christian faith will be either demonstrated or denied, for true spirituality (godliness) is the composite of faith or knowledge of God and its outworking in the believer's life."
1.3 in love,
1.4 in faith,
1.5 in purity. alludes to sexual conduct (compare 5:2). Paul singles out this concern undoubtedly because questionable conduct here will ruin the Christian leader's reputation and ministry.
2. God-centered worship (4:13).
v13 Until I come, devote yourself to the
2.1 public reading of Scripture,
2.2 to exhortation,
2.3 to teaching.
"it seems safe to think of preaching and teaching as two applications of God's Word in the church: (1) the call to response, whether that entails confession, receiving God's encouragement or appropriating his promise, and (2) the building of a solid foundation for living through the systematic teaching of biblical principles that coherently and practically express God's will."
3. Exercise of spiritual gifts and calling (4:14)
v14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
4. Diligence and growth (4:15)
15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
"He is referring to the pattern of lifestyle and ministry just outlined. The first verb means to practice with diligence and carries similar connotations to the "training" metaphor in 4:7. The second phrase means, literally, to "be in these things"--that is, to be absorbed in them. In modern idiom, the minister must "live and breathe" these things.
One reward for dedication like this is progress. Progress in the faith (compare Phil 1:25) would close the mouths of Timothy's older critics. But more important, progress of this kind is evidence of a vital and deepening relationship with the Lord. If the leadership of a church pays diligent attention to personal spiritual priorities and sound worship principles, its ministry is bound to bear fruit."
5. The Fruit of Effective Ministry (4:16) (Ryan's emphasis : Consistency & Perseverance leading to bearing of fruits)
v16 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.
Following a summary reminder that takes in all of 4:6-15 (Watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them), Paul describes the end result of the good minister's efforts in Christ as salvation: you will save both yourself and your hearers.
NBC " The watching and persevering of v 16 re–emphasize the same point. Paul is not urging self–examination but constant alertness, both in life and doctrine. The two things belong together. Right doctrine without a godly life is of no value; while a godly life without right doctrine is not possible. Paul was aware of the danger of neglecting his own salvation (cf. 1 Cor. 9:27). If the minister does not take care to persevere, others are unlikely to be influenced by him."
6. The Christian Leader and Relationships
1 Tim 5:v 1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would
6.1 a father, "The harsh rebuke that Timothy is to avoid using is the depersonalizing "tongue-lashing." This method of correction relies on fear and authority and is often applied when feelings of anger and insecurity are running high. Exhortation is a far more effective method of ministry. It includes correcting, admonishing, encouraging and comforting. This kind of ministry values the relationship between believers far above any need to assert or prove lines of authority. It seeks to promote unity at (almost) all costs."
6.2 younger men as brothers,
6.3 v2 older women as mothers,
6.4 younger women as sisters, in all purity.
"In ministering to younger women, the male leader has added need to make every effort to avoid giving the impression of unseemly behavior: [exhort] younger women as sisters, with absolute purity (compare 4:12). Incidents of actual moral lapse under such circumstances warn that the utmost care must be exercised here."
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