1 Timothy 4:15
Verse
Context
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.15Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.16Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Meditate upon these things - Ταυτα μελετα· Revolve them frequently in thy mind; consider deeply their nature and importance; get them deeply fastened in thy heart, and let all thy conduct flow from this inward feeling and conviction. Let the nature, reasons, and motives of thy ministry, be ever in the view of thy heart and conscience. Give thyself wholly to them - Εν τουτοις ισθι· Be thou in these things. Horace has a similar expression: Omnis in hoc sum. "I am absorbed in this." Occupy thyself wholly with them; make them not only thy chief but thy sole concern. Thou art called to save thy own soul, and the souls of them that hear thee; and God has given thee the Divine gifts for this and no other purpose. To this let all thy reading and study be directed; this is thy great business, and thou must perform it as the servant and steward of the Lord. Bengel has a good saying on this verse, which I will quote: In his qui est, minus erit in sodalitatibus mundanis, in studiis alienis, in colligendis libris, conchis, nummis, quibus multi pastores notabilem aetatis partem insistentes conterunt; "He who is wholly in these things will be little in worldly company, in foreign studies, in collecting books, shells, and coins, in which many ministers consume a principal part of their life." Such persons are worthy of the deepest reprehension, unless all these studies, collections, etc., be formed with the express view, of illustrating the sacred records; and to such awful drudgery few Christian ministers are called. Many, when they have made such collections, seem to know nothing of their use; they only see them and show them, but can never bring them to their assistance in the work of the ministry. These should be prayed for and pitied. That thy profiting may appear to all - By being made a universal blessing; convincing and converting sinners; and building up the Church of God on its most holy faith.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Meditate--Greek, "Meditate CAREFULLY upon" (Psa 1:2; Psa 119:15; compare "Isaac," Gen 24:63). these things-- (Ti1 4:12-14). As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation. give thyself wholly to--literally, "BE in these things"; let them engross thee wholly; be wholly absorbed in them. Entire self-dedication, as in other pursuits, so especially in religion, is the secret of proficiency. There are changes as to all other studies, fashionable to-day, out of fashion to-morrow; this study alone is never obsolete, and when made the all-engrossing aim sanctifies all other studies. The exercise of the ministry threatens the spirit of the ministry, unless it be sustained within. The minister must be first his own scholar before he can be another's teacher. profiting--Greek, "progress" towards perfection in the Christian life, and especially towards the fullest realization of the ideal of a Christian minister (Ti1 4:12). may appear to all--not for thy glory, but for the winning of souls (Mat 5:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Take heed unto thyself,.... Not as a man, or a Christian only, but as a minister; and as every minister should take heed to his life and conversation, that it be exemplary, as in Ti1 4:12 to his gifts, that they be not lost, or neglected, but used and improved; to the errors and heresies abroad, that he be not infected with them; and to his flock, which is the other part of himself, that he feed it with knowledge and understanding: and to thy doctrine: preached by him, that it be according to the Scriptures, be the doctrine of Christ, and his apostles, and according to godliness; that it tend to edification, and is pure, incorrupt, and all of a piece; and that it be expressed in the best manner, with all boldness and plainness; and that he defend it against all opposition: continue in them; or "with them"; the members of the church at Ephesus; or rather in the doctrines of the Gospel; which should be done, though a majority is against them; though rejected by the wise, learned, and rich; though not to be comprehended by carnal reason; and though loaded with reproach and scandal; and though persecuted, yea even unto death for them: for in doing this, thou shall both save thyself; a minister by taking heed to himself, and doctrine, saves himself from the pollutions of the world, from the errors and heresies of false teachers, from the blood of all men, and from all just blame in his ministry. And them that hear thee; by being an example to them in doctrine and conversation, a minister is the means of saving and preserving those that attend on him, from erroneous principles, and immoral practices; and by faithfully preaching the Gospel to his hearers, he is instrumental in their eternal salvation; for though Jesus Christ is the only Saviour, the only efficient and procuring cause of salvation, yet the ministers of the Gospel are instruments by which souls believe in him, and so are saved; the word preached by them, being attended with the Spirit of God, becomes the ingrafted word, which is able to save, and is the power of God unto salvation; and nothing can more animate and engage the ministers of the word to take heed to themselves and doctrine, and abide therein, than this, of being the happy instruments of converting sinners, and saving them from death; see Next: 1 Timothy Chapter 5
1 Timothy 4:15
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.15Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.16Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Religiosity or Spirituality - God-Centred Not Man-Centred
By Zac Poonen2.1K59:21ReligiosityMAT 6:33PHP 2:51TI 4:121TI 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being absorbed in the things of God and not being distracted by the devil or the world. He uses the example of sports enthusiasts who are completely focused on watching a game to illustrate this point. The speaker also highlights the need for our spiritual progress to be evident to others, just like Timothy's progress was visible to the people in his church. He then explores the concept of having the attitude of Christ in various aspects of our lives, such as how we view others, material things, and difficult circumstances. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the difference between being saved and being forgiven, emphasizing that Jesus came to save us from sin rather than to make us prosperous.
Christ as Lord and King of Your Life
By Arno Stegen1.9K1:05:44Lordship of JesusMAT 6:33ACT 2:341TI 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to serving the Lord. He refers to the letter written by Paul to Timothy, where Paul instructs Timothy to be diligent in his work and to pay close attention to himself and his teaching. The speaker highlights that this instruction applies not only to preachers but to all believers who have the opportunity to teach others, whether it be through conversations with friends, family, or counseling. The sermon also emphasizes the need for personal growth and progress in one's spiritual life, moving beyond a superficial understanding of Christ's birth and miracles to a deep and genuine relationship with Him.
Becoming Strong in Spirit
By Alan Martin1.7K00:00MaturityPRO 13:20MAT 4:4MAT 22:9LUK 2:521TI 4:15JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea of compelling others to come to the word of God. He acknowledges that he may have misunderstood how this should be done, but believes that it is important to let people know the good news and encourage them to change their minds and believe. The speaker emphasizes the importance of submitting to God and living according to His will, as this is how we are transformed into the image of His Son. He encourages listeners to have a drive to know and understand God, and to prioritize seeking wisdom and walking with the wise.
Judgment in the House of God
By Erlo Stegen1.3K00:00Judgment1TI 4:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about four individuals who gather together to discuss their problems. The first three individuals openly share their troubles, but the fourth person remains silent and wants to leave. However, the others insist that he stay and share. Eventually, the fourth person reveals that he has something important to share, like food for the road, that can be a blessing to others. The speaker then emphasizes the need for believers to not only teach others about God's commandments but also to live them out in their own lives. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the great task ahead and the need for God's power and revival to accomplish it.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Discipline Pt. 1 - George Verwer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons46038:15RadioGEN 6:5DEU 6:5ECC 12:1PHP 4:81TI 4:152TI 2:152PE 1:12In this sermon, George Verwer discusses the concept of self-discipline and how it goes against our human nature. He emphasizes the need for discipline in our speech, highlighting the tendency for Americans to talk a lot about nothing. Verwer also mentions the importance of not letting our imaginations create exaggerated fears or expectations, but rather relying on God for true blessings. He concludes by reminding listeners of the commandment to love God and others, and the need to remember and think with God.
The Soul-Winner's Commission to the Children
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Children's MinistryDiscipleshipPSA 78:4PRO 22:6MAT 19:14MRK 9:34LUK 9:46JHN 21:15ACT 20:28EPH 6:41TI 4:151PE 5:13Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of reaching out to children in his sermon 'The Soul-Winner's Commission to the Children.' He reflects on Peter's unexpected commission from Jesus to 'Feed My lambs,' highlighting that even those who feel unqualified can serve in this vital role. Brengle encourages believers to embrace their responsibility to nurture and guide children, reminding them that every worker is called to care for the young ones in their flock. He outlines practical steps for becoming effective children's workers, stressing the need for love, understanding, and dedication in this ministry. Ultimately, he calls on all to respond to Jesus' question of love by actively engaging in the spiritual growth of children.
Robert Gordon
By Alexander Whyte0PSA 51:10PRO 20:7ROM 12:31CO 10:12GAL 6:9PHP 2:121TI 4:15HEB 12:1JAS 4:81PE 5:5Alexander Whyte preaches about the exemplary Christian character of Robert Gordon of Knockbrex, comparing him to Old Honest and Mr. Fearing in Pilgrim's Progress. Gordon was described as 'single-hearted and painful,' deeply devoted to his faith and salvation. His sincerity, straightforwardness, and earnestness in pursuing holiness made a lasting impact on those around him. Despite his struggles and pains, Gordon's commitment to his Christian journey and involvement in public affairs exemplified a life dedicated to truth, righteousness, and service to others.
Let No One Despise Your Youth
By Erlo Stegen0Living ExemplarilyYouth in FaithEXO 3:101SA 17:452KI 22:1MAT 5:16LUK 2:491TI 4:121TI 4:152TI 1:52TI 2:221PE 5:8Erlo Stegen emphasizes that youth should not be despised, as God can work through young people to fulfill His purposes, citing biblical examples like Joseph, David, and Josiah. He encourages young believers to live exemplary lives in faith, purity, and conduct, as their actions can influence others' perceptions of Christianity. Stegen warns against hypocrisy, highlighting that the behavior of Christians can lead others away from the faith. He urges young people to commit to God now rather than waiting until they are older, and to avoid ungodliness in all forms. The sermon calls for a commitment to integrity and accountability in living out one's faith.
"Till We All Come"
By Chip Brogden0MAT 28:191CO 3:6EPH 4:11EPH 4:13COL 1:281TI 4:152TI 2:2HEB 5:121PE 5:1Chip Brogden emphasizes the importance of the ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in the Church today, highlighting their role in perfecting the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ. He stresses the need for a relational Christianity where Christ is the Head of His Church, and all believers function as a priesthood within a community. Brogden explains that these ministry functions will continue until all believers reach unity in faith, full-knowledge of the Son of God, and the fullness of Christ, indicating that we still need these ministries as we have not yet collectively attained that maturity.
Cultivating Spiritual Disciplines
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual DisciplinesMind of ChristJOS 1:8PSA 119:11MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 2:5COL 3:21TI 4:15HEB 4:12JAS 1:22A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of cultivating spiritual disciplines, particularly through prayer and Bible reading, to align our thoughts with God's. He warns against the distractions of earthly thoughts that stem from a fallen society and encourages believers to immerse themselves in Scripture, starting with the Gospel of John and progressing through the Psalms and deeper theological texts. Tozer stresses the importance of meditation and self-examination, urging individuals to assess their spiritual progress and the state of their minds as either a temple for God or a place of discontent. He reminds us that our thoughts will ultimately be judged by God, making it crucial to nurture a mind that reflects Christ. The sermon calls for a commitment to spiritual growth and the rejection of complacency in our faith journey.
The Man and His Ministry
By J.C. Philpot0PRO 27:231CO 13:111TI 4:15HEB 13:171PE 5:2J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of evaluating a man of God's ministry as a whole, considering his growth and changes over time, from youth to maturity to old age. Philpot warns against forming premature judgments based on one period of a minister's career, urging listeners to observe the minister's entire journey. He also highlights the significance of a minister's impact on his hearers, noting that the character and depth of the congregation can serve as a testimony to the authenticity and effectiveness of the minister's preaching.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Meditate upon these things - Ταυτα μελετα· Revolve them frequently in thy mind; consider deeply their nature and importance; get them deeply fastened in thy heart, and let all thy conduct flow from this inward feeling and conviction. Let the nature, reasons, and motives of thy ministry, be ever in the view of thy heart and conscience. Give thyself wholly to them - Εν τουτοις ισθι· Be thou in these things. Horace has a similar expression: Omnis in hoc sum. "I am absorbed in this." Occupy thyself wholly with them; make them not only thy chief but thy sole concern. Thou art called to save thy own soul, and the souls of them that hear thee; and God has given thee the Divine gifts for this and no other purpose. To this let all thy reading and study be directed; this is thy great business, and thou must perform it as the servant and steward of the Lord. Bengel has a good saying on this verse, which I will quote: In his qui est, minus erit in sodalitatibus mundanis, in studiis alienis, in colligendis libris, conchis, nummis, quibus multi pastores notabilem aetatis partem insistentes conterunt; "He who is wholly in these things will be little in worldly company, in foreign studies, in collecting books, shells, and coins, in which many ministers consume a principal part of their life." Such persons are worthy of the deepest reprehension, unless all these studies, collections, etc., be formed with the express view, of illustrating the sacred records; and to such awful drudgery few Christian ministers are called. Many, when they have made such collections, seem to know nothing of their use; they only see them and show them, but can never bring them to their assistance in the work of the ministry. These should be prayed for and pitied. That thy profiting may appear to all - By being made a universal blessing; convincing and converting sinners; and building up the Church of God on its most holy faith.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Meditate--Greek, "Meditate CAREFULLY upon" (Psa 1:2; Psa 119:15; compare "Isaac," Gen 24:63). these things-- (Ti1 4:12-14). As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation. give thyself wholly to--literally, "BE in these things"; let them engross thee wholly; be wholly absorbed in them. Entire self-dedication, as in other pursuits, so especially in religion, is the secret of proficiency. There are changes as to all other studies, fashionable to-day, out of fashion to-morrow; this study alone is never obsolete, and when made the all-engrossing aim sanctifies all other studies. The exercise of the ministry threatens the spirit of the ministry, unless it be sustained within. The minister must be first his own scholar before he can be another's teacher. profiting--Greek, "progress" towards perfection in the Christian life, and especially towards the fullest realization of the ideal of a Christian minister (Ti1 4:12). may appear to all--not for thy glory, but for the winning of souls (Mat 5:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Take heed unto thyself,.... Not as a man, or a Christian only, but as a minister; and as every minister should take heed to his life and conversation, that it be exemplary, as in Ti1 4:12 to his gifts, that they be not lost, or neglected, but used and improved; to the errors and heresies abroad, that he be not infected with them; and to his flock, which is the other part of himself, that he feed it with knowledge and understanding: and to thy doctrine: preached by him, that it be according to the Scriptures, be the doctrine of Christ, and his apostles, and according to godliness; that it tend to edification, and is pure, incorrupt, and all of a piece; and that it be expressed in the best manner, with all boldness and plainness; and that he defend it against all opposition: continue in them; or "with them"; the members of the church at Ephesus; or rather in the doctrines of the Gospel; which should be done, though a majority is against them; though rejected by the wise, learned, and rich; though not to be comprehended by carnal reason; and though loaded with reproach and scandal; and though persecuted, yea even unto death for them: for in doing this, thou shall both save thyself; a minister by taking heed to himself, and doctrine, saves himself from the pollutions of the world, from the errors and heresies of false teachers, from the blood of all men, and from all just blame in his ministry. And them that hear thee; by being an example to them in doctrine and conversation, a minister is the means of saving and preserving those that attend on him, from erroneous principles, and immoral practices; and by faithfully preaching the Gospel to his hearers, he is instrumental in their eternal salvation; for though Jesus Christ is the only Saviour, the only efficient and procuring cause of salvation, yet the ministers of the Gospel are instruments by which souls believe in him, and so are saved; the word preached by them, being attended with the Spirit of God, becomes the ingrafted word, which is able to save, and is the power of God unto salvation; and nothing can more animate and engage the ministers of the word to take heed to themselves and doctrine, and abide therein, than this, of being the happy instruments of converting sinners, and saving them from death; see Next: 1 Timothy Chapter 5