1 Timothy 4:6

The Good Servant

1 Timothy 4:6 “In pointing out these things to the brethren”: The expression “these things” certainly includes what is mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1. What Paul is writing is not just for the personal benefit of Timothy but is also meant for the entire congregation as well. Part of the job of any preacher is to put the brethren in mind (2 Timothy 2:14; Titus 3:1; 2 Peter 1:12), that is to continually remind them of God's truths. The way to fortify God's people against apostasy is to preach the truth and warn them concerning false doctrines. Notice that the subject matter for Timothy's preaching was to be the Scriptures.

1 Timothy 4:6 “You will be. good servant of Christ Jesus”: The term “servant” can mean, “minister”, but it does not mean “the” minister. Rather it simply means one who executes the commands of another.. “good” servant is submissive and obedient to the Master (Jesus), and faithfully proclaims what the Master wants taught. In addition, in being. servant, Timothy must be concerned about the welfare of others.

1 Timothy 4:6 “Constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine”: The term “nourished” means “to educate, form the mind” (Thayer p. 219). “Bring up, rear, and then train in” (Arndt p. 269). The “words of the faith” and “of the sound doctrine” refer to the same material, that is, the word of God. These are the words that produce faith, and explain what. Christian is to believe. It is “sound” doctrine, because it is teaching that yields people who are spiritually healthy. “Every good minister must take care to nourish his own soul on the truths which he is supplying to others. It is quite possible for him to become so busy finding food for the flock that he fails to nourish his own soul with the food he prepares” (Hiebert p. 81).

Side Note

In contrast to some modern attitudes, sound doctrine is not restrictive and neither does sound doctrine prevent the growth of love or other virtues. In fact, true love can only grow in an environment of sound teaching.

1 Timothy 4:6 “Which you have been following”: Literally, to follow close upon, side by side (2 Timothy 3:10). The perfect tense denotes that throughout Timothy has been faithfully adhering to the sound doctrine. “Implied is the idea that Timothy has wanted to know it perfectly so as to be able to teach it identically” (Reese p. 172).