1 Timothy 4:13–16 (ESV) — 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading
of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not
neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of
elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these
things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 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.
NOTE: I like the way
Paul organizes this verse. Timothy had other responsibilities besides
correcting / commanding certain persons, and selecting leadership. One
responsibility is the public reading of scripture which is also a carryover
from the Jewish synagogues. Accompanying this reading, is the exhortation of
the reading to the believers (preaching). But besides preaching, there needs to
be teaching. I think the main point of teaching is "how does it
apply?" Otherwise, we end up back in chapter one of 1 Timothy with
"vain" or useless teaching. It doesn't do the reader any good. People
need to apply the word of God or they are fooling themselves on so many levels.
They think they are wise, but they are not. They think they are good witnesses,
but they are not. They think they understand God and have a deep abiding
relationship with him, but they do not. We must be hearers and doers of God's
word.
PRAYER: Father, I
pray that I would never teach for the sake of knowledge. I pray that my
teaching would always challenge myself and others to change. What do we need to
do differently as a result of hearing the word of God? Transform us by
obedience to your word.
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