"A Good Minister"

1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV

but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The Principle of Priorities

1 Timothy 4:1–5 NKJV

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Col. 2:20-3:2 - Regulation is of no value against the indulgence of the flesh

1 Timothy 4:4 NKJV

For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

Matt. 7:15, 2 Tim. 3:13 - Beware of false teaching

Rev. 16:14 - Similar days in the future

Forms of Exercise (Nourishment, Labor)

1 Timothy 4:6–7 NKJV

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

Exercise toward Godliness

Phil. 1:27, Jude 3, 2 Pet 1:3

Faithful and Worthy of Acceptance

Throughout his letter to Timothy, Paul has repeated this theme of “trustworthy” statements. (1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1)

1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 3:1 NKJV

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.

1 Timothy 4:8–9 NKJV

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.

1 Timothy 4:8–10 NKJV

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

“especially” - to an unusual degree, most of all, above all, especially, particularly. This word will become more important in our next study, as we look to those that minister to the needs of the House of God.

1 Tim 3:15, Acts 14:15