December 11
December 11
It’s important to pay attention to the purity of your theology and to commit to the purity of your life as well.
One of the distinct blessings of my life is that God has chosen me to mentor many young pastors. We meet for two to three hours at a time—not only to talk about ministry strategy, issues of theology, and helps in preaching, but, more importantly, to discuss the condition of our hearts. Because of this, I have a particular affection for this passage in 1 Timothy:
If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 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. (1 Tim. 4:6–16)
This passage invites us to eavesdrop on the apostle Paul’s mentoring of a young pastor, Timothy. I have quoted this lengthy passage because the flow is important.
Paul exhorts Timothy to understand and defend the faith (the gospel), which is at the heart of Timothy’s calling and the gifts he has been given. Paul charges him to recognize things that can corrupt the gospel, and to defend himself and those in his care. The gospel needs to be studied, understood, protected, and defended. Paul calls Timothy to read and expound Scripture and to teach the gospel boldly, even though Timothy is young.
We find another theme woven into Paul’s counsel. Paul is zealous to remind Timothy that his ministry will be shaped not only by his theological commitment and skill, but also by the godliness of his life: his speech, conduct, love, and purity. We need this counsel too. We are to guard our theology, and we must keep a watch on our lives. Both are necessary for a life of gospel usefulness.