“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13 ESV)
1 Timothy 4:13 identifies three elements that should be present when God’s people assemble to worship Him: reading, exhortation, and teaching. Much like the example set by the spiritual leaders in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, these elements involve…
- Communicating God’s Word in a public setting.
- An encouragement to act upon it.
- Accurate instruction in sound Biblical doctrine.
This serves to remind us that a good church fellowship is one that features these important elements. In addition. the following authors provide us with valuable insights into this portion of Scripture that are well worth our time and attention…
“The best way to combat incipient or prevailing error is by unceasing reiteration of simple Gospel truth. ‘Reading, exhortation, teaching’ (13). The Bible itself will do the job, if only given a chance. Studying it in private, reading and expounding it in public. If ministers today would only give heed to Paul’s advice, the Church would take on new life, and grow by leaps and bounds. Why, why, why, 0 why, cannot ministers understand that the simple exposition of God’s Word is more desired by the people, and more powerful by far, than their finely worked out sermonic platitudes?” (1)
“‘Reading’ refers to the custom of public reading of Scripture in the church’s worship service, followed by the exposition of the passage that had been read (cf. Ne 8:1–8; Lk 4:16–27). ‘Exhortation’ challenges those who hear the Word to apply it in their daily lives. It may involve rebuke, warning, encouragement, or comfort. ‘Teaching’ refers to systematic instruction from the Word of God (cf. 3:2; Tit 1:9).” (2)
“The Christian message must always end in Christian action. Someone has said that every sermon should end with the challenge: ‘What about it, chum?’ It is not enough to present the Christian message as something to be studied and understood; it has to be presented as something to be done. Christianity is truth, but it is truth in action.” (3)
While these things are important in a group setting, we can also apply this passage on an individual level as well. We can do so by asking the following questions when reading God’s Word…
- What does this portion of Scripture say?
- What does it mean?
- How should I apply this Biblical teaching or example in my life?
These simple precepts will help promote good spiritual growth as we seek to apply God’s Word in our lives.
(1) Henry H. Halley, Halley’s Bible Handbook, 1 Timothy Chapter 4. Chapter 4. Coming Apostasy. A Minister’s Work [pg. 634] Copyright © 2000, 2007 by Halley’s Bible Handbook, Inc
(2) MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Ti 4:13). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
(3) Barclay, William. “The Duties Of The Christian Leader Within The Church (1 Timothy 4:11-16 continued)”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dsb/1-timothy-4.html. 1956-1959.