1 Timothy 4:16 | Training the Next Generation: Two Necessary Things in Student Ministry

1 Timothy 4:16 “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.”

Summary: In 1 Timothy 4:16, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of perseverance in doctrine and the examples we set as leaders in the Christian faith, particularly in student ministry.

Main Idea: In order to impact the next generation, we need to embrace faithful living and sound doctrine.

1. Faithful living.

Paul writes to Timothy to “keep a close watch on how you live” (NLT). This is not a suggestion, but a command.

We train students by living God’s truth out:

“Train yourself for godliness” (1 Tim 4:7). The verb “to train” (Gk. gymnazō) describes an individual going through discipline in order to win in competition. Here the goal is to train for godliness. When you train physically, the goal is to increase and to improve. That is, to get stronger and faster. Likewise when it comes to godliness, our goal is to discipline ourselves in order to pursue that which will make us holier (i.e. more like Christ).

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12)

Set the students an example.

Speech. Speak that which is edifying. Don’t flatter. Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Conduct. That is, how you live.

Love. It has been said, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” You’ll be showing up week after week to teach them God’s truth and to show them God’s love.

Faith. That is, be an example on what trusting in God looks like. You don’t have to be a perfect example.

Purity. The context here is sexual purity. I can’t think of a better time when we need this reminder.

The result: students will see authentic Christian living modeled, thereby solidifying their understanding of the faith.

2. Sound Doctrine

1 Timothy 4:16 “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.”

If you want to grow in godliness, you must also grow in your knowledge of Scripture.

“The heart cannot love what the mind does not know.”― Jen Wilkin, Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds

Paul charges Timothy on verse earlier: “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Tim 4:15)

This school year we will be reading the Scriptures, explaining the Scriptures and encouraging students to obey the Scriptures.

Here’s why, “for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

“When Paul speaks in this way, he is not claiming that the person in question is the ultimate cause of anyone’s salvation. He is merely speaking of Timothy as the means by which God brings salvation to people. God’s sovereignty in this work does not negate the means he uses to bring salvation. God has chosen to use his people to bring his word to sinners, and a faithful preacher is a crucial part of God’s plan.” Denny Burk, ESV Expository Commentary

While you might not be “preaching” God’s Word on Wednesday nights, you and I will have an amazing opportunity to share God’s word in both word and deed.

Remember, we are investing. Investing in students to experience God’s transforming power, together.

Main Idea: In order to impact the next generation, we need to embrace faithful living and sound doctrine.