Projecting Moral Authority.1 Timothy 4:11-13.
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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Dear Family,
Paul here reminds Timothy that the moral authority to teach is anchored in personal integrity.
Command (v. 11). The “things” Paul refers to here are those in the previous passage regarding spiritual discipline and the centrality of Christ as savior. The instructions to “command and teach” remind Timothy that God’s word is not a suggested option that we can accept or reject. Likewise, the teacher/preacher must speak with authority. He must be convinced that what he preaches is God’s word and make no apologies for speaking it.
Conduct (v. 12).In a society where age was respected and youth despised, Timothy started at a disadvantage. That is why he is exhorted to not let anyone look down on him. We do not have an idea how old he was. He could have been as young as the mid-twenties or as old as the early forties. The important thing to note is that he was identified as a young man. To command authority, Timothy is advised to excel in the disciplines of the faith to the point of being the benchmark for other believers. Authority is derived from austerity.
Concentrate (v. 13). The “public reading of scripture” may not necessarily mean that Timothy was to read the scriptures in the town square, although that would have been great and should be done where possible. More likely, scripture was to be read to the gathered church. Scripture commands its own authority but an upright preacher commands the authority to stand before people and expound that scripture. Let us preach the word but let us pay attention to our conduct. That is where the authority to teach is vested.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.