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A
Preacher’s Charge
Introduction: Paul left Timothy in
Ephesus as an evangelist to instruct the church there on how
to behave. Timothy was given great responsibility as the
preacher for the church in Ephesus. In our text, Paul gives
Timothy a charge as to how he was to conduct himself as
their preacher.
Sermon
text: 1 Timothy 4: 12-16
body:
1.
be a proper example (verse 12 )
Timothy's precise age is not given; other
factors indicate that he was probably between 35 and 40
years of age. At this time period, his relative youthfulness
should not detract from his right to preach the gospel with
full authority. Regardless of age, appearance, and
education, the truth is still the truth. One who rejects the
gospel because the preacher does not fit their idea of a
gospel preacher is foolish. In reality, rejecting Christ,
who is the truth!
“Let no one despise” -
look down upon, scorn, show contempt for. Chronological age
is not what is important; spiritual maturity and
understanding are.
“Example” - to be a
model, a pattern for others to follow.
“In Word” - a
preacher must always speak the truth and tell others what
they need to hear. Jesus is our example. He sometimes spoke
softly, and to others, he was very direct. Depending on the
situation, people needed to be spiritually woken up.
“In conduct” – 1
Peter 2: 11, 12. People need to see Christians, especially
preachers, living the gospel and standing up for the right.
“in Love” - To love
others is to desire their betterment, to say and do what is
truly best for them. Speak the truth in love. Sometimes,
love has to be tough.
‘In spirit” -
attitude, disposition. People need to see preachers who are
totally committed to Christ and his church. They need to see
this as their motivation.
“In faith,”
preachers must believe God's word, do their best to follow
his will and trust him to do his part.
“Impurity”—preachers
must live a pure and holy life—a clean life, one free of
hypocrisy. This is an example for preachers and all
Christians (2 Corinthians 3: 23 ).
2.
Do the work of a preacher
(verse 13)
“reading" is both
public and private. Preachers must be students of the word.
The Greek implies being able to know accurately and
precisely. One of the most harmful things a preacher can do
is preach something false.
“Exhortation” - a preacher must be willing to
admonish, urge, and beseech with the purpose of instructing
the listener to do what is right.
“Doctrine” means
teaching. Gospel preachers' primary work is to implant the
word of God into the hearts and minds of people (James 1:
21).
3.
Do not neglect (verse 14 )
“Spiritual gifts”
-were imparted to Timothy by the apostle Paul (2 Timothy 1:
6 ). Only the apostles had the power to impart the spiritual
gifts to others. On this occasion, elders also laid
their hands on him. Timothy's spiritual gift was one that
would help him to do his work. To some degree, this gift
was under his control (1 Corinthians 14: 32). Gospel
preachers do not have miraculous gifts today, but they must
not neglect the abilities God gave them. They need to use
them as best they can and improve upon them (1 Corinthians
9: 14-16).
4.
Take heed (verses 15, 16 )
“Meditate” - be
diligent, take care so as to be able to perform, take pains
with. This demonstrates the seriousness of preaching. A
preacher must not live for fame, glory, or prestige. A
preacher cannot be a PR man or an ear tickler. He must not
seek popularity or man's approval, but God's (Galatians 1:
10 ). A preacher's work is his life. His progress as a
preacher would benefit everyone who listens.
Verse 16 “take heed”
- Means to pay close attention to. A preacher must apply the
truth of the gospel to himself.
“Doctrine” better stresses the importance of
doctrine. One cannot believe error and do right! Not abiding
in the doctrine of Christ means not having God (2 John 9: 10
). False teaching leads to apostasy, which is a departure
from the faith.
By continuing in the truth, Timothy would be
able to save himself and those who hear him (James 1: 21, 25
)
Invitation:
You have an opportunity to join that group of
the saved by hearing and obeying. What is your decision?
May 10,
2020
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford
The church
of Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more
lessons and Sermons, please visit
granbychurchofchrist.org/
granbychurchofchrist.com/ |
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