12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 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 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:12-16 KJV)
Take Heed to Your Ministry
Paul then exhorts Timothy to command and teach these things—encouraging others to exercise godliness and showing them that God rewards those who serve Him. He is to carry himself with wisdom and seriousness so that no one despises his youth: “Let no man despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). Youth will not be despised if it is not accompanied by youthful vanity or folly.
Timothy must also confirm his teaching by his example: “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Those who teach by doctrine must also teach by life; otherwise, they destroy what they build. Their words should be edifying, their conduct holy, their love sincere, their faith steadfast, and their purity evident.
Paul instructs Timothy to devote himself to reading, exhortation, and teaching (1 Timothy 4:13). Even though Timothy had spiritual gifts, he was to use ordinary means to maintain and strengthen them. Public reading of Scripture was to be accompanied by exhortation and teaching, explaining what is read and urging obedience. Ministers must teach what they themselves are commanded, as Christ said, “Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
The best way for ministers to avoid being despised is to both teach and live according to God’s Word. Ministers who fail to do so, or whose lives contradict their message, bring reproach upon their calling. Even the best ministers must continue studying and improving in knowledge. They are to give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine so that their spiritual progress will be evident to all.
Paul warns Timothy not to neglect the gift that was in him, given through prophecy and the laying on of hands by the elders (1 Timothy 4:14). The ministry itself is a divine gift, for “when Christ ascended on high, He gave gifts to men—some apostles, some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:8,11). Ministers must not neglect their calling or the gifts given to them. Timothy was ordained through the laying on of hands by the presbytery, showing the scriptural pattern of ordination through recognized ministers.
Timothy is to give himself wholly to his work so that his progress may be seen. Ministers are to meditate seriously on their calling, the worth of souls, and the account they must one day give. They must dedicate themselves entirely to their ministry so that both they and others may profit from it.
Finally, Paul exhorts, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). Ministers are engaged in saving work. They must first seek their own salvation, that they may also lead others to salvation. Their constant care must be to guard their conduct and doctrine, continuing in the truth they have received. This is the surest way to save both themselves and their hearers.