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Know what you teach- 1 Timothy 1-3

What makes Paul so admirable in the eyes of today's Christian?


Paul himself made a point to emphasize that he is no more than a vessel, for he declared that in his flesh is nothing good. He shares his inner struggle with his will to do right, and the flesh's seemingly stronger will to please only itself ( Romans 7:17-19).So what is it that draws our hearts to applaud Paul and all he did? His willingness to be wholly subject to the will of God, his total submission to God's Holy Spirit, and his uncompromising adherence to the teachings passed to him by Jesus's followers.

In 1 Timothy, Paul gives personal guidance to his spiritual son, urging him in matters of ministry and leadership. Since we are all called to be ministers, servants to the people of God, it is good to take note of the words of doctrine Paul gives.

The first rule of thumb he is compelled to share is this -
Teach no other doctrine, or teaching, than the one I, coming from direct contact with the Lord, have taught you.

It seems that we must have knowledge of what this teaching is if we are to be entrusted with the gloriuous gospel ( 1 Timothy 1:11).

What did Paul Teach?

1.Separation from carnality , or fleshly impulses (Romans 8:5-10)
2.Baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:2-5, Acts 22:16)
3. Baptism of the Holy Spirit ( Acts 19:6)
4. Bearing of Spiritual Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Several times in the scripture we read Paul stating to do as you see me do ( 1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1, Philippians 3:17. In order to voice this, he knew that he would be accountable for the things he taught others and the things others saw him do, and that resulted in the extra care he took in being an example of a believer.

Good teachers and leaders are good followers. Let others follow after us, as we follow after Christ, as Paul himself encourages. Let us have the knowledge to teach, what we are called to teach; Have the wisdom and humility to learn, and the graciousness to share the knowledge of salvation with all who are hungry to know.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" - Matthew 28:19-20
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Anonymous said…
You know, we often put teachers and leaders on pedestals without giving any thought to the fact that WE are teachers and leaders also! What a self-esteem boost! With the same respect we give them, we need to give ourselves. With the same humble submission from us that causes them to have a gracious care for The Word, we need to realize that we have people humbly submitting to us! We need to be ever so careful when administering The Word to those around us. Those can be our children, our parents, our neighbors, our co-workers. We are living, walking, breathing billboards. People should be having encounters with God in us! When you consider the treasure that's stored up in our vessels, we, too, are admirable. Praise Jehovah!
Nov 16, 2009, 3:51:00 PM
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