Chapter four of 1 Timothy comes to a close with Paul encouraging Timothy to “be diligent in these matters.” What matters? Why, the list of instructions and encouragements he gave in the preceding verses. Applying himself to these things is important, and Paul now explains why.

You can see this week’s passage in 1 Timothy 4:15-16:

Paul has just spent the last few verses encouraging Timothy to set an example, to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching, and more. But in this phrase “be diligent in these matters,” he’s not simply referring to the last sentence or two. He’s reminding Timothy of everything he’s said, all the instructions he has given Timothy in regards to addressing the false teachers and leading the church in Ephesus strongly.

Paul gives four emphases in these two verses, indicating that Timothy was to pay special attention to these areas. In the Greek, these are imperatives, giving the idea that they are necessary, and not optional.

Be diligent in these matters

The first imperative is to “be diligent.” This means that Timothy is to give his mind to these things. He is to continually be focused on his priorities. Older translations use the word “meditate” here, but this doesn’t really give us the strength of Paul’s admonition of cultivating or practicing these things.

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.

Chapter 4 of first Timothy contains the passage that has probably been used more often in youth ministries than any other. It seems to be the hallmark of youth ministry visions. You’ve probably heard it often, especially if you’re involved in your church’s youth or children’s ministries.

You can find it in 1 Timothy 4:11-12:

Paul begins this section by stating to Timothy that he is to command and teach these things. Paul has laid out a lot of instruction for Timothy in regards to the false teachers, the role of women, the duties of the elder and the deacon, and more. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in this phrase is to stand upon the authority of God’s word; command and teach. Because of God’s authority, Timothy has authority. He is to use it.

However, Timothy seems to be experiencing some timidity, perhaps because of his youth. Paul encourages him to not let others judge him because of that though. But just how old was Timothy? Some have suggested that he was very young, perhaps in his teens and twenties. However, this phrase can be used to refer to people of any age up to around forty. And if Timothy accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys in AD 49-50, and this letter was written around AD 62-63, then Timothy could have been in his early to mid thirties.

And remember, age is relative. In my own congregation, I lead people of all ages. To the teens, I’m the “old guy” in my early forties. But to many others in the congregation, I seem young, even the age of their own children. Just because Paul refers to Timothy’s youth doesn’t mean that he is a child.

One of the hallmarks of the pastoral letters is the phrase “this is a trustworthy saying.” In this week’s passage, we see the third usage of this phrase.  The first two occurred in 1:15 and 3:1.

You can see it in 1 Timothy 4:9-10:

While Paul states that this is a trustworthy saying, it’s rather unclear just what he is referring to as that trustworthy saying. In fact, there are really four options.

1. The trustworthy saying immediately follows in verse 10, “(For this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men.
2. The second half of verse 10, “We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.”
3. All of the preceding verse 8, balancing physical training and godliness together.
4. The second half of verse 8, “Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

It seems most logical that the last option is the most likely, for several reasons. First, verse 10 is simply an explanation of the last half of verse 8, and doesn’t stand alone on its own. In fact, it depends upon verse 8 grammatically. Second, the whole point of verse 8 is found in the latter half, even though it begins with the balance of the two types of training. The fourth option simply best fits the language and syntax.

Even though the NIV places the next phrase in parenthesis, it’s not really necessary. Paul’s point here is that he labors and strives, not for the physical training or the godliness listed previously, but rather for this whole concept of godly living.