Day 1040: The pastors we need - 1 Timothy 4 vs 7 – 16

7-8 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9-10 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.

11-12 Command and teach these things. 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. 15-16 Practise these things, immerse yourself in them, [be in them] so that all may see your progress. 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. 1 Timothy 4:7-16 English Standard Version

Churches have varying names for those who preach week by week. Some have Ministers, others have Priests, and many Churches call them Pastors – from the Latin word for 'shepherd'. While I personally believe 'pastor' is the most fitting description for such a role, what's more important is the sort of person he is. Today's verses show us how he should go about the work of shepherding God's flock. What's the first thing a pastor should do? (vs 7-8)

He needs to give diligent attention to his own relationship with Jesus Christ. He needs to take more care of his spiritual condition than people who spend lots of time in a gym building up their bodies. This doesn't mean Christians shouldn't exercise or look after their bodies, it's just that eternal life is much more important. He must also focus on what it takes to be godly rather than silly time wasting discussions. But that's not just for pastors. Where should every Christian be setting their priority? (vs 9-10)

Those who preach and teach God's word are trying to stir all believers to make every effort to get to know God more and more. It's God who gives everyone life, and, in a sense, all people experience His saving patience day by day. But that patience is meant to lead to repentance, and it will eventually be only those who believe on Christ who will be eternally saved. That's why we need to take the gospel even more seriously than athletes take their training.

And so the apostle Paul gave Timothy some personal encouragement for his work as a pastor. It was a time when the more elderly men were expected to be in charge, so there was a danger that some in the congregation would think he was too young for the job. What was the best way to silence those critics? (vs 11-12)

He was to set them an example of how a Christian should behave in this world. This included his words. In other letters, Paul said to Christians: “Let your speech always be gracious, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person”. (Colossians 4:6) And: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29) Timothy was also to set them an example of behaviour that expressed genuine love for others, a real trust in Christ, and purity in all his relationships.

In the case of Timothy, Paul also encouraged him to use the spiritual gift he had been given by God. We're not told what that gift was, but those words should challenge all believers to be willing to serve one another with whatever abilities God has given them. What would be the outcome of any pastor who took to heart the things Paul told Timothy? (vs 15-16)

He will save both himself and his hearers. A faithful pastor will continue to keep his own eyes upon Jesus Christ, and on the salvation that comes through faith in Him. And, by staying true to the message of the gospel, his preaching and teaching will keep the eyes of the congregation on Christ as well, and they too will be saved. How grateful to God we should be if we've had the sort of shepherd Paul describes in these verses. And we should pray for our pastors, that God will help them to keep a close watch on themselves, and the teaching given by Christ.