A faithful minister is to be an example in life and speech, devoted to the public reading and preaching of Scripture, and diligent in self-watch and doctrine so that both he and his hearers may be saved.
1 Timothy 4:12–16 addresses Timothy — and by extension every faithful minister of the gospel — with direct commands concerning conduct, doctrine, and perseverance in office. Preached in the context of an ordination ceremony, this exposition draws out what Paul requires of a man set apart to lead Christ's church: that he be an example in life, devoted to the public ministry of the Word, and watchful over both his own soul and the doctrine he teaches. The passage is a charge not only to the newly ordained but to the whole congregation to receive and support faithful gospel ministry.
Please turn with me in your Bibles
to 1 Timothy chapter 4, 1 Timothy chapter 4. Our focus this morning
will be on verses 12 to 16, a fitting passage in an ordination ceremony
for a new elder to Christ's church. The conduct of a faithful minister,
1 Timothy 4, 12 to 16, but I'll begin reading in verse 1 just
to set the passage into its context. Now the Spirit expressly says
that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving
heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking
lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a
hot iron,
