6. Fix our hope in the living God: (4:10): We need to re-establish our relationship with God and this is the purpose of Christianity. For this we need to fix our hope on Him. We need to recognize Christ’s greatest sacrifice for sinners like us. That’s why in Hebrews it is said: we must continue “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb.12:2). This should be the goal of every Christian.
7. Command and teach the members of the church: (4:11): Timothy must command and teach the congregation of living godly lives. This calls for complete faith in Christ. Timothy was asked to even exercise command so that men will not depart from the truth.
8. Do not be intimidated because of your youth: (4:12a): Timothy should not feel bad or ashamed to teach the congregation although he was quite young. He should not beg them but make them listen.
9. Set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity: (4:12b): Timothy was asked to practice what he preaches. He needs to live in a way that shows himself worthy to be listened. He must set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. If he does this, he will not be looked down upon, but would greatly be respected and his message would be well received.
- Our speech should always be honest and loving, “speaking the truth in love” (Eph 4:15).
- Our conduct which means our walk and talk suggests that our lives are to be controlled by the Word of God. We must not be like the hypocrites who profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him.
- In love means because we love God and love God’s people. Further God’s love compels us so that we go to the ultimate extreme to further the Gospel
- In faith we must trust God and are to be faithful to Him. Faith and love often go together. Faith always leads to faithfulness.
- In purity, Ephesus was a centre for sexual immorality, Timothy being an young man is prone to temptations, he must keep himself pure in mind, heart and body. This is true for every young missionary or evangelist.
10. Continue to publicly read, teach and preach the Word of God: (4:13): When Paul wrote this letter, he was still in prison. Paul predicts that he would be released soon. Till his coming, Paul asks Timothy to continue to read scriptures in public and preach the Word of God with full strength and commitment. He must continue to do so in any and every situation. Public reading of the Scripture is good. In Revelation it is said: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy..” (Rev.1:3). In the public reading, the preacher is blessed and also the hearers are blessed. It is good to use God’s word in every occasion when brethren meet.
11. Do not neglect the gifts the Holy Spirit has given: (4:14): Timothy received gifts of the Holy Spirit which even elders have ensured by laying their hands in prayer. Timothy must utilize those gifts and should not fear that it would make him arrogant or proud. Every gift must be utilized for the glory of God. Believes must double check when they are using the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
12. Give yourself wholly to the ministry: (4:15): Timothy must continue the ministry with good conscience. He must display his impeccable character, with full dedication, so that everyone will know and follow Christ. For that matter, every pastor must be a role model in the church and in his family. This will cause many youngsters in the church to follow him and take up the ministry as evangelists and missionaries. A pastor must also be a role in his family. It is very sad to see the children of many pastors having dislike for the ministry. They are going into the world for lucrative jobs.
- Keep a close check on your life: (4:16): Timothy must teach right doctrines. He needs to preserve and persist them to ensure salvation for those who hear and also for his personal salvation. When a pastor gives right teaching, it would pierce the hearts of both pastor and the congregation. God’s word is a double edged sword. God’s word is “profitable, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim.3:16). God’s word would help us to keep a close watch of our life. These days many pastor’s ministry is shipwrecked due to immorality, marriage breaking. Further the pastors who are bartering the God’s word for physical gains will have their share in God’s severe judgment. Every pastor must examine his life in the light of the scripture.