Persevering in Ministry

Introduction:

The pastoral epistles of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus contain a wealth of treasure and truth for the minister of the gospel. Paul knew young Timothy well, as a son in the faith. There was a great deal of affection in Paul’s heart for Timothy. Timothy was most likely a timid young man (perhaps in his mid thirties) - and Paul gives him strong encouragement to face the false teachers and restore order in the church at Ephesus. Likewise, Paul used strong encouragement for Titus as it pertained to the church at Crete.

No congregational call had been extended to Timothy. Yet was the newly appointed and God-called leader to the church at Ephesus. No one in Ephesus had asked for Timothy to come, nor had they elected him to be their spiritual leader. Most likely, they would have wished for Timothy to be somewhere else. Timothy probably felt the same.

Timothy’s youth and humble nature made him an easy target for critics in Ephesus. I can just hear some of the members of the church at Ephesus now, “Who does this guy think he is? He is so young!” “We need a more experienced man!” “Does this young whippersnapper think he can tell us what to do?”

No wonder Timothy struggled with stomach issues. I am sure there were many nights when he went sleepless due to the stress and sickness he was enduring.

If Timothy was to persevere, he would need encouragement and God-given strength and truth. The teaching Paul gives him here is classic and timeless truth for ministers.

Paul’s instructions are clear in verse 11, “Command and teach these things..” What things is Paul speaking of? The need for sound doctrine. Timothy is instructed to stand up to the false teachers who are perverting the gospel message and apostolic doctrine.

In order to be effective and in order to persevere in this task, Timothy would be reminded by Paul of several things.

I. Personal Godliness

“Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

True ministry is hindered when ministers respond with defensive or attacking remarks when their leadership is questioned.

Five areas are mentioned:

Speech

Conduct

Love

Faith

Purity

Godliness begins with speech - a minister or any Christian can be guilty of talking too much. Gossip is a never-ending and destructive problem of the human condition that can destroy churches and relationships. You know what is happening when you are doing all the talking? You aren’t listening..and that is not a good thing. Ministers above all should exemplify self-control in this area. We don’t always get it right, but we should not excuse ourselves when we fail at listening and controlling our tongue.

Leadership is about godly character from beginning to end. What we say or don’t say..what we do, our conduct in the way we love and exemplify faith and purity-all affect our ability to lead and influence others.

II. Grounded in the Word

“Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching.

The central and main work of the Pastor is the public reading and proclamation of the word. This concept is not a new idea - it goes all the way back to Ezra and Nehemiah. () It also would have been a part of the worship in the Jewish synagogue and temple when the Old Testament would be read.

The New Testament believers would add also the reading of the letters from the apostles and the Gospels. Often they would read a passage from the Old Testament and then a passage from the apostolic writings.

Exhortation is essentially preaching and teaching is doctrinal instruction. This is why when a preacher stands to preach - he must preach the bible. The bible is our authority. To preach and to lead people away from the scripture is not following the biblical model of preaching. Far too many times in modern preaching what can happen is that a text is read and then never referred to again. Or worse yet, a text is never read, a bible is never opened. Instead jokes and poems fill the time and the listener leaves entertained but not edified by the scriptures.

Far too many times what can happen is that a text is read and then never referred to again.

If Timothy is to be successful and persevere, he must ground his ministry in the word of God.

III. Remember Your Calling

“Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with laying on of hands by the council of elders.”

Timothy was gifted and called by God to the ministry. This was confirmed by Paul and the elders. If God calls, God equips. If God calls, he provides the gifts.

IV. Be Diligent

“Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.”