A Good Minister – Part 1 – 1 Timothy 4:6-11

Eighteenth lesson in a verse by verse series through 1 Timothy. This lesson explores the theme of being a good minister according to God’s standard.  Sermon Outline:

1.  The Preaching of a Good Minister (Vs. 6)
2.  The Priority of a Good Minister (Vs. 7-9)
3.  The Pursuit of a Good Minister (Vs. 10-11)

This Section (Chapter 4-6): Paul councils Timothy on a wide range of issues relating to his personal conduct and ministry (Gromacki).

This lesson: God’s definition of a successful ministry. This is vital in a day where many have unbiblical conceptions of pastoral ministry.

The Preaching of a Good Minister (Vs. 6)

The Responsibility (6a)

1. ‘remembrance’ = literally means to “put under”. Important due to the natural tendency of the human heart to forget.
2. “these things” = the warnings of Vs. 1-5. This phrase stands at the beginning of the sentence in the word order in the Greek text.

The Reward (6b)

1. Excellence in ministry
   1. ‘good’ = excellent
   2. ‘minister’ = servant (deacon)
2. Nourishment in the Word
   1. Words of Faith
      1. The Word of God generates faith (Rom 10:17)
      2. The Word of God is our sole authority for faith and practice.
   2. Words of Doctrine
      1. ‘good’ = not any form of teaching. Sound, biblical doctrine.
      2. The study of doctrine produces spiritual health and wellbeing. It is not a dry, lifeless exercise that some make it out to be.
   3. Note: Observe the emphasis in Scripture on the ‘words’ of God. “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt 4:4). This is why a good translation will follow Formal Equivalency (word for word) rather than Dynamic Equivalency (thoughts and concepts).

The Priority of a Good Minister (Vs. 7-9)

The Exhortation (Vs. 7)

1. Refuse Empty Myths (Negative) (7a)
   1. ‘profane’ = that which is commonplace, unhallowed & un-sacred.
   2. “old wives” = futile, senseless stories. Legalistic traditions passed down.
   3. ‘fables’ = myths
   4. 1:4 “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”
   5. Titus 1:14 “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”
2. Strive for godliness (Positive) (7b)
   1. ‘exercise’ = constant, strenuous activity (Gromacki). “The strenuous exercise & rigorous training of the Greek athlete” (Hiebert) English terms ‘gymnasium’ & ‘gymnastics’ are derived from this Greek Word.
   2. ‘godliness’ = one of the key words of this Epistle, appearing 9 times. Refers to practical holiness, reverence and devotion for God.

The Explanation (8-9)

1. The insignificant value of bodily exercise (8a)
   1. ‘little’ = some benefit but only minor.
   2. Note: Our society has reversed the order of priority, placing bodily health and advancement ahead of a walk with God. Sadly many Christians have also fallen into this trap.
2. The immeasurable value of spiritual exercise (8b)
   1. Profitable for Everthing
   2. Promise of Life
      1. Now: John 10:10 “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
      2. Eternity: E.g. rewards, Christ’s approval etc… Godliness is what really counts for eternity! How important is it to you!
3. The assurance of this truth (Vs. 9)
   1. One of the three faithful sayings of this Epistle.
   2. Others are found in 1:15 & 3:1
   3. Apostolic seal upon this truth
   4. Speaks of absolute truth. No room for doubt!

The Pursuit of a Good Minister (Vs. 10-11)

The Object of his pursuit (10a)

1. ‘therefore’ = points back to the teaching of the previous verses
2. ‘labour’ = to toil until weary; strenuous effort to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion
3. “suffer reproach” = to be upraided & reviled, verbally assaulted and criticised. Same word used to describe the two thieves at the crucifixion who “cast the same in his teeth” (Matt. 27:44)

The Focus of his pursuit (10b)

1. ‘trust’ = hope
2. ‘in’ = upon. A sure hope because of the one upon whom it rests.
3. “living God” = Refer 3:15.
4. “Saviour”
   1. Of all men potentially
   2. Of those who believe actually

The Responsibility in his pursuit (11)

1. “these things” = Vs. 6-10
2. These truths were not just for Timothy as one in Pastoral ministry but for all believers!

Conclusion

1. What is your attitude to a faithful pulpit ministry that includes an emphasis on warning against error?
2. How important is godliness to you? Are you living with eternity in view?
3. What is your attitude to an emphasis on godliness in the pulpit?

Sermon 18 of 27 in 1 Timothy Series

Sermon Audio Id: 91816633537