In the previous couple of verses, Paul encourages Timothy in regard to his personal behavior. In this week’s passage, he shifts to Timothy’s ministry. And in so doing, he lays out a simple philosophy of ministry for all of us.

Take a look at this section of Scripture in 1 Timothy 4:13-14:

Paul is looking forward to physically visiting Timothy to encourage him further. In the meantime, he gives Timothy some instructions on how to carry out the leadership responsibilities of a minister.

Many have tried to take what Paul writes here as an order of worship, but this probably not what Paul intended. We know that the early church included several elements into worship, such as praying, singing, and the Lord’s Supper. Instead, we should view this as the priority that Timothy should place upon the Word, especially since Paul’s intent is to instruct Timothy on how to address the false teachers in Ephesus. It’s all to easy to forget that one of Paul’s prime reasons for writing was to teach Timothy how to address the false teaching. We need to not forget that priority as we read this letter.

Paul gives Timothy three aspects of leadership that Timothy needs to devote himself to, all of which are centered upon the Word of God.

To the public reading of Scripture

This is a crucial element. The early church did not have easy access to Scripture, which consisted primarily of the Old Testament. Much of what we know as the New Testament wasn’t written or circulated widely enough for Timothy’s congregation to know of it. It’s also important to keep in mind that many of the believers in Timothy’s church may not have had the ability to read, even if they did have frequent access to God’s Word. The public reading of Scripture was key to allowing it to transform lives.

To preaching

The root word used here carries the idea of “exhortation” or “comfort.” Timothy’s duty was to deliver a message to his audience that was relevant to their lives. It’s possible that Paul intended that this be based upon the public reading that he just mentioned, although that’s not certain. There are several other passages that connect the public reading of Scripture and exhortation (Acts 13:15, Romans 15:4, and Hebrews 12:5).

To teaching

If there is a progression in Timothy’s handling of the Word, then after the public reading and the preaching of the Word, Timothy is to teach it. This term implies more of an intellectual application of Scripture and doctrine, whether in or out of the main worship assembly. Even if these three items are not meant to be progressive, there is still a difference between preaching and teaching, and Timothy is to devote himself both to the exhortation and the exposition of Scripture.

Paul encourages Timothy to not neglect his gift. Paul is most likely referring to Timothy’s spiritual gifts, because the language is similar to Paul’s other writings on the spiritual gifts. Whatever this gift may have been, it was a foundational part of Timothy’s calling, and he was to use it to preach and teach the Word of God.

This gift came as a part of Timothy’s ordination, when the elders laid their hands on Timothy, commissioning him as a minister. These elders expressed their faith in Timothy by their actions. And God, through the Holy Spirit, did the same by the prophetic message that accompanied this event. This isn’t the only time we see the gifts of the Spirit coming through the laying on of hands; it occurs several times throughout the book of Acts (Acts 8:17, 9:17, and 19:6 for example).

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, for both his personal conduct and his leadership, speak to us as well. We are called to live our lives as Timothy did, allowing God to be visible in both our words and our action. And we are also called to give primacy to the Word, because it is God’s communication with us, and without it, we have little to give us insight into his desires for our lives.

Paul’s encouragement speaks to us, giving us the strength to stay strong, devoted to God. And, in the next couple of verses, Paul reveals that doing so is an excellent method of evangelism, and helps people to understand and receive God’s salvation.

What do you do to ensure the primacy of Scripture in your life and ministry? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.