One of the most dangerous parts of ministry is the ability to forget who we are and forget why we teach. In this text Paul writes to the young pastor, Timothy. Notice that Paul’s instruction to Timothy has little to do with a church growth strategy or the five-year plan in Ephesus. While both of those are important, they are not the most important thing. Notice the two areas of life that Paul is concerned with: life and theology.
Paul understood that one of the major components of Timothy’s effectiveness will be his own personal life and testimony. Paul reminds Timothy to watch over his conduct and to remember the events of his spiritual life that had led up to this moment. He was to remember the gift that God had given him. He was to remember the laying on of hands by the elders when he was ordained to the ministry. His life was to be a shining example (albeit not a perfect one) of the work that Christ had done in saving him and calling him to ministry.
The second concern was that of theology. Paul wanted Timothy to be robustly doctrinal. Paul understood that theology should feed our lives. Timothy was to devote himself to the Scriptures and teach all that was contained in them. The benefit to the life of his hearers is that they would be saved by believing in the same things.
Consider the devotion above and post your response to the questions below.
- How would a young minister keep from deconstructing or walking away from the faith?
- Why is it so important that ministry leaders keep a close watch over their personal lives?
- Why is it so important that ministry leaders keep a close watch over their doctrine?
- In what ways is the church tempted to avoid doctrine and theology?
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