A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

1 Timothy 4:1-16

The apostle Paul wanted young Timothy to be "a good minister of Jesus Christ." 1 Timothy 4:6. A minister is a servant. Timothy served the Lord as the pastor of the church at Ephesus, where the heathen temple of the great goddess Diana was the main attraction. This was a challenging place to work. You can read about Paul's experience there in Acts 19.

How can someone become a good servant of Jesus Christ? Consider three things that Paul addresses in this important chapter: doctrine, service, and character.

Doctrine is what we know and believe. For some strange reason too many Christians don't like the word. Perhaps it's because there are too many arguments and disputes about doctrine. But doctrine is simply teaching. Paul mentions doctrine four times in this one chapter, and it's important, because doctrine is what we believe. A good servant of Jesus Christ is "nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine."

But how do you acquire Bible knowledge? By meditation and dedication. "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them...." 1 Timothy 4:15. No one can learn sound doctrine by hibernation or osmosis.

Service is what we do. As a pastor Timothy was to teach what he knew. The good doctrine that provided spiritual nourishment for him was to be shared with others. "If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ...." Not all Christians are called to teach, but all are called to serve, according to their calling. We should serve Christ faithfully.

A wonderful promise is found in John 12:26. Jesus said, "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."

Character is what we are. Young ministers in positions of leadership over older church members must earn their respect. How do they do that? Paul wrote to Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12. Yes, be an example! Often the errors of youth are ignored by the elderly, saying, "Well, he's just a young man. He'll learn."

If you are going to minister to the needs of others, be careful to "take heed to yourself." 1 Timothy 4:16. Make sure that you are walking in the light, setting a godly example. "Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8. Character is most important.

Lord, we realize that doctrine, service, and character are essential in our walk with You. Thank You for Your grace and enabling. May we be found faithful in all that we do for You. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Some Men's Sins - 1 Timothy 5

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