1 Timothy 4:14-16

b.

To be an Example in Personal Life. 1 Timothy 4:14-16

Text 4:14-16

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all. 16 Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

Thought Questions 4:14-16

147.

Are we to infer from 1 Timothy 4:14 that Timothy was neglectful? Explain.

148.

What was the gift given to Timothy?

149.

How could you explain the expression which was given thee by prophecy?

150.

Who were the presbytery?

151.

What are the things of 1 Timothy 4:15?

152.

Why be concerned that some would see his spiritual progress?

153.

Just what is involved in the expression take heed to thyself?

154.

If Timothy was already saved, why the admonition of 1 Timothy 4:16 b?

Paraphrase 4:14-16

14 That thou mayest understand the scriptures, neglect not to exercise the spiritual gift which is in thee, which was given thee by the imposition of my hands, according to a prophetic impulse, together with the imposition of the hands of the eldership at Lystra, who thereby testified their approbation of thy ordination as an evangelist.

15 Make these things, the things mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:13, the objects of thy constant care: Be wholly employed in the practice of them, that thy proficiency in knowledge and goodness may be evident to all.

16 Take heed to behave suitable to thy character as an evangelist, and to teach true doctrine; and continue to take heed to save thyself, and be the instrument of saving them who hear and obey thy instructions.

Comment 4:14-16

1 Timothy 4:14. Timothy has not neglected the supernatural endowment, The expression neglect not can mean: keep on not neglecting. This is a word of encouragement not of rebuke. It is interesting to notice that whereas Timothy had supernatural gifts, yet personal faith and fidelity were not at all eliminated, We believe the gift here granted by or in accompaniment with the hands of the presbytery could be one of two things: (1) The gift of the office of evangelistgiven by the elders of the churches of Lystra and Iconium when he was ordained. Cf. Acts 16:1-3; Acts 13:1-3, The facts in this subject are two in number: onethe presbytery or elders did lay their hands on Timothy, The reason we offer for such imposition of hands by elders, is for a formal setting aside of men for a special work. TwoTimothy was an evangelistCf. 2 Timothy 4:5. When and where and how did he become such? It seems altogether reasonable to believe that at the time Paul called Timothy to help him, the elders of the churches of Lystra and Iconium concurred in his call, and set Timothy aside for the work and office of evangelist, by the laying on of their hands.

The little expression by prophecy will bear explanation. One or more of the elders could have had the gift of prophecy and exercised it at the time of Timothy's ordination; he would thus prophesy of the very valuable work Timothy would do in the future. This would be a great encouragement to all. Or it could have been that the Holy Spirit through the gift of prophecy told one of the elders of the marvelous potential of this young man for the office of evangelist, and he was thus prompted by the Spirit to suggest the ordination.

(2) The gift could have been one of the nine supernatural gifts of 1 Corinthians 12:11, given to Timothy by the laying on of Paul's hands at the same time that the elders laid their hands upon Timothy. Cf. 2 Timothy 1:6. In this case Paul is considered one of the elders, This would not be strange since Peter referred to himself as a fellow elder. Cf. 1 Peter 5:1. In this case the expression by prophecy would refer to Paul's prophetic insight regarding the future work of Timothy. We prefer the first explanation. We cannot be dogmatic as to just what the gift is.

1 Timothy 4:15. There were no half-way measures with Paul, he was completely dedicated to the Law once, when converted he was just as committed to the Gospel. This same attitude of complete dedication he urged upon Timothy. Let us hold back nothing in the service of Christ. As the song writer has expressed it give all thy being's ransomed powers.

In sustaining such an attitude there is great good to be done. Among those who need the Lord we serve, we set an example that makes it much easier to carry the message to them. The members of the congregation are watching, and more especially, the elders of the flock. Your exemplary conduct will not go unrewarded. Respect and interest are the natural fruit of a faithful, zealous, growing ministry.

1 Timothy 4:16. The little expression take heed is full of meaning: look carefully, keep a close watch. Three areas will bear such scrutiny: (1) Yourselfi.e. your own heart; (2) Your teachingare you teaching God's word or human opinions? (3) Your consistencyor constancy. If Timothy will measure up on these three counts, he will save not only himself but those who watch and hear him. What a glorious opportunity and responsibility!