1 Tim 4:11-16

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.

1. What does a Christian look like?

2. Antidisestablishmentarianism

Command – authority, linked with submission

Teach – Eg.

Antidisestablishmentarianism – simplify and teach this

1. Find out what it is

2. 2. How to pronounce, meaning

3. Illustrations/ examples

4. Origin of the word/historical context

5. Why? Importance/relevance

6. Explain back in your own words

7. Application – how to – present/future etc.

8. Group of people

You want to convey of what you know/exactly what is in your mind to the people.

The aim to teach – bring forth the truth of the Gospel – teach simply

(v12) Let no on despise you for your youth

Old or young may despise Timothy

BUT set the believers an example:

- in speech

- in conduct

- in love

- in faith

- in purity

Life reflects the standard that allow you to command and teach

Servant of God is characterised by their speech – encouraging, uplifting, admonishing in love

- Conduct

How we manage your time, household and finances

- "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

- Love

Agape – example

If a person genuinely prays for someone, you can love

A closer walk with God will naturally

- Faithfulness

- In purity – sexual purity, intentions of the heart, not deceptive,

(v13)

Are you spiritually gifted – what is your gift, what are you doing with your gift?

Highlight the importance of the Word of God.

Exhortation – push or apply pressure

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.

Behaviour and belief should match else ascetism and legalism

Command and teach

Do no neglect – Timothy might be in a situation where he might be at a point where he might neglect that gift

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If we have identified our gift/s, are we neglecting that gift?

:72Ti 1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

The gift is ‘given to you’

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

LIFE MAP – elaborate time line

Council of elders in the church are gifted to identify the gifts among the flock.

Prophecy – affirmation – Acts – proclaim

Laying on of hands – ordaining for an office in a church– ie. evangelists, shepherds, pastors, teachers

Command and teach these things.

Practice these things (verses below),

‘ 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.’

Immerse ‘ourselves’ in these things – the result is that we ourselves will progress

Is it so all may see our progress?

All – can be believers or unbelievers

If you are not practicing or immersing ourselves in these things, there won’t be 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.

Close watch on yourself – behaviour

On the teaching - beliefs

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

V16 ‘save’ – guard from going off track

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.