9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Why should we work and strive for godliness? Because it is beneficial to us now and for eternity. We trust in Jesus who is our hope for these blessings both now and forever because He is the Saviour of all people. While not all will be saved, Jesus’ death on the cross is sufficient to save all who believe in Him for eternal life. Some teach that Jesus died only to save those who believe but this verse clearly teaches that Jesus died to be everyone’s Saviour even if some won’t accept the gift.
Paul told Timothy not to let anyone despise him because he was young but to command and teach the truth while leading by example. Physical maturity is sometimes completely unrelated to spiritual maturity. You can grow spiritually mature while still young and you’re never too old to grow spiritually. Timothy was to be a godly example in every area of his life. When people look at you, do they see a godly example? Your actions reveal the condition of your heart. Do people see in you the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of unrighteousness?
The last instructions in this passage are of great importance to preachers and teachers but not to be ignored by those of us who are not. Each one of us is given a gift by God, even if it’s not preaching, you should not neglect the gift you have. Whatever your gift, you should work on it and develop it and use it to God’s glory and for the benefit of the whole church.
Verse 16 is another verse where “save” does not refer to eternal salvation. Timothy was to devote himself to sound doctrine and teaching that doctrine to the church in order to save them from the false doctrines and practices of those who would lead the flock, the church, astray.