1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
The words of the Apostle Paul to his son in the Gospel, Timothy, are more salient now than when penned some two thousand years ago. In chapter 4 of this second letter to his young prodigy, the aged Apostle begins by reminding him that in the latter times that some would depart from the faith; he briefly outlines how these would pervert the teachings of the new covenant and subvert the liberty of the Gospel. These are in contrast to, Good Servants of Jesus Christ, trained in the words of the faith and authentic or “good” doctrine.
Paul admonishes Timothy and subsequent “ministers” of Christ to “train” themselves for godliness. The Apostle frequently uses the cultural milieu of his time by emphasizing and contrasting sports and athletes. He was keenly aware of the Greek world’s emphasis on the Olympics and the Romans on the Coliseum and gladiators. The warriors and contestants in these venues were highly trained and disciplined. In light of Timothy and Paul’s wider audience of the time, Paul states, “that no man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life.” He appeals to the saints at Philippi in Philippians 3 to “press toward the mark of the high calling of God that is in Christ Jesus.” The appeal to the church and leaders is to persevere. Perseverance requires training, patience, and spiritual discipline. Spiritual discipline encompasses every aspect of the believers’ life. Sadly, far too many leaders, emerging leaders, and disciples of Christ (followers) fail in these essential aspects of spiritual life. Flourishing and finishing well must be the ultimate goals of the believers’ spiritual life.
The Apostle provides guidance to all who desire to finish well. First, he calls on Timothy and us to be examples in speech, conduct, love, faith, in purity. Virtually all aspects of the believer’s life are to be brought “under” discipline. He warns, do not neglect the gift you possess. In other words, develop (train) the talents that you already possess. Reflect on what God has entrusted in your hands and “practice” or immerse yourself in your gifting. The discipline of reflection and informed action lead to effective praxis; the concept of praxis is something that I will address more thoroughly in future articles.
Finally, Paul deals with persistence or perseverance. Paul demonstrates perseverance and focus in addressing the church at Philippi when he states, “this one thing I do.” Again, of all the responsibilities and roles the Apostle played, the one most important to him was pressing, persevering, and finally attaining the prize. One cannot reach the prize without training, discipline, and perseverance; also, you can only win so long as you remain in the race. In closing, Paul insists, “keep a close watch on yourself and your teaching; in short, keep yourself under subjection and guard those things that you were taught! Run well and persevere!
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