I just finished a study of 1st. and 2nd. Timothy this week and thought it interesting what all Paul expected out of Timothy for a complete commitment to the preaching ministry. I may have missed some but these are what I found in going back through both Epistles. Paul instructed Timothy that he must correct those teaching false doctrine and call them to a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. He instructed Timothy that he must fight for divine truth and for Gods purposes keeping his own faith and a good conscience. He instructed Timothy that he must pray for the lost and lead the men of the church to do the same, that he must call the women to fulfill their God-given role of submission and to raise up godly children setting an example of faith, love and sanctity with self-restraint. He instructed Timothy that he must carefully select spiritual leaders for the church on the basis of their godliness and virtue. That he must point out error and those who taught it. That he must be constantly being nourished up himself on the words of the Scripture and its sound teaching, avoiding all myths and false doctrines. He must discipline himself for the purpose of godliness. He must boldly command as he teaches the truth of Gods Word. He must be a model and an example of spiritual virtue that all can follow. He must faithfully read, explain and apply the Scriptures publicly. He must be progressing toward Christ-likeness in his own life. He must be gracious and gentle in confronting the sin of his people. He is to give special consideration and care to those who are widows. He must honor faithful pastors who work hard and never receive an accusation against any of them unless it is substantiated by two or three witnesses. He must choose church leaders with great care, seeing to it that they are both mature and proven. He must take care of his physical condition so he is strong to serve. He must flee the love of money and pursue righteousness, godliness and faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. He must fight for the faith against all enemies and all attacks. He must keep all the Lords commandments. He must guard the Word of God as a sacred trust and a treasure. He must keep the gift of God in him fresh and useful. He must not be timid but powerful. He must never be ashamed of Christ or anyone who serves Christ. He must hold tightly to the truth and guard it. He must be strong in character. He must reproduce himself in faithful men. He must suffer difficulty and persecution for the sake of Christ willingly. He must keep his eyes on Christ at all times. He must lead with authority. He must interpret and apply the Scripture accurately. He is to avoid useless conversation that leads only to ungodliness. He is to be an instrument of honor, set apart from sin and useful to the Lord. He is to flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith and love. He is to refuse to be drawn into philosophical and theological wrangling. He must not be an arguer but kind, teachable, gentle, and patient even when he is wronged. And he must face dangerous times with a deep knowledge of the Word of God. Im thinking if young men today wanting to get into the ministry were willing to study these guideline rules from these two Epistles and were still willing to pursue a career in the ministry after learning them we may have better quality preachers on the airways than some of the garbage we are forced to either listen to or change channels.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 01:28:27 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015