From 1 Timothy 4:1-5

There are two separate threads in these verses from Paul written to Timothy.

First is insight into what it means to be a good servant of Jesus.  The first think he puts in front of Timothy is “being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine.” There are some voices in Christianity that avoid doctrine and theology; however, that misses out on the wisdom of those Christians who have gone before us and thought seriously about these things.  Doctrine matters, and knowing good doctrine is important – especially in a world where there is so much corrupt and misguided doctrine.  Being resolutely faithful and clearly communicative of our good theology is a worthwhile thing for us to do.  Paul goes on to note that bodily training (taking care of God’s gift of our bodies) is of some value, and striving to be obedient to God’s Law is of surpassing value.  In short, if we want to be good servants of Jesus, we should take care of the gifts He has given us and obey the things He told us.

There is then a shift into a commentary on Timothy’s leadership specifically.  Paul encourages him and tells him to keep up doing good things for the community – reading the Word, teaching, and encouraging people to be good servants of Jesus.  He instructs the church where Timothy is a pastor to respect Timothy for the quality of his actions and the gifts he has received, not based on his youth.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously gives us the gift of good doctrine, of wisdom from our predecessors.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to immerse ourselves in good doctrine and in obedience to Christ.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

• Thank God for His Gospel and good doctrine.
• Confess to God the times where you don’t take the time to hear about deeper parts of faith.
• Ask God to bless His church and its mission.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious