1st Timothy 4:13. “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
GIVE ATTENDANCE. The way one reads, particularly in public, has a lot to say as to how he thinks
About the subject he is learning, whether his convictions about it are strong or weak. Things contained within a book can be important, but they must be addressed In a way that claims my attention, if that message upon me will be duly impressed.
The reading of the Bible deserves full attention, for every word in it is inspired – As the Holy Spirit moved the writers to pass on the truths He desired. For me to carelessly attend to what God gave would be similar to an insult – To give full attendance to Holy Scriptures increases my faith as its result.
Other people deserve sincere exhortation, and similarly so do I – In some ways, I can exhort myself if I don’t let learning times pass me by. Brothers and sisters in God’s family need to have someone come along – Who has their best interests in his heart, and wants to help them to be strong.
To give exhortation means one needs to be wise in the way to pass on what they have to give A spirit of meekness, a kind of approach, makes one appreciate what you say to him. The point of exhortation is to assist another who may not know or is having a hard time – When you attend to exhortation, the more strength they will find.
Doctrine is not complicated, but it has to be discerned – And the privilege of teaching it has to be earned By one whose example of life gives weight to what he says – And his teaching is reinforced by the life he lives.
To give attendance to doctrine starts with my own careful study, So that when someone else needs clarification, I have made myself ready To answer some questions or at least give some reasonable guidance – So that person can understand truth and pass it on with confidence.
The whole process of helping means that I am well prepared To pass on to others what others with me have once shared – And I have applied myself to it, so I won’t make a mistake When I give attendance to reading, exhortation, and doctrine in the way I take.
“Heavenly Father, today is a day when these three things I will be focused on. We will be reading, speaking and teaching. Help me to be attentive in speaking for Thee or listening to others speak for Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
One's age, experience, and attitude all affect how others look at us and respond to what we preach and teach. To have others slight, look down on, or treat us with contempt really depends on our attitude and conduct. It is within our power to model what is expected of a good servant of Jesus Christ. Our example is to be a pattern of Christian behavior by which believers are expected to live. So, our speech needs to be with good words that are not argumentative, contentious, sarcastic, or bitter. We do have to warn people of evil that has come or is imminent, and even though it is unpleasant, we need to give the positive side of "these things." When one speaks carefully, there is usually a certain influence that accompanies the actual words. "A soft answer turneth away wrath." "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt." He stays within the contents of God's word even though demands are made by others to teach something different in order to please the people.
The conduct of our lives in public and private should be consistent with what we profess as children of God. Love in the human heart of a believer displays the likeness of Christ and promotes sacrifice on behalf of others, rather than just an emotional feeling that makes others feel warm and fuzzy. Our faith in God is our trust and confidence that can be seen by our actions and ambitions. Believing in the heart produces words that bless others and works that promote faith in others. The sins of the flesh can be avoided by our commitment to purity in every aspect of our personhood. When faith and love are consistent, purity will be evident. The good minister commits himself to godliness and also to exercise "the gift" that has been given him. He has been nourished by others. Now he is to train himself and strive to accomplish God's purposes through him. His behavior should be diligent, appreciative, progressing, and thoughtful so there will be no reason for people to despise his youth.
The good minister of Jesus Christ will be an example in public reading of the scripture. The scriptures need to be read well with careful pronunciation of words and with an appropriate tone of voice and emphasis. Articulate speech conveys our respect for God and teaches His truth even when no explanation is given. We need to apply ourselves ahead of time so we are prepared to preach and teach publicly and privately. We need to know the subject well enough to give understandable answers as well as raise questions. Public exhortation in heralding the truth is an encouragement to the listeners to apply the truth they have heard, and be able then to pass it on in their own public and private lives. Doctrine is taught when exposition is given carefully in the context in which it is written. That will lead the hearers to not only apply the truth of God, but to understand it for themselves and live in the power of divine truth experienced.
God has gifted His people because He has made us to accomplish His will. We are to use the gift He gave regularly, spontaneously, and with love, power, and discipline. The things of God should never be taken lightly or used carelessly. God expects "the gift" to be used for the reasons for which He intends. It deserves our attention and should be used where it can bring the greatest benefit to others. God, who gave the gift, gives the ability to use it and will open the way to places and situations in which it can accomplish divine purposes. Confidence placed in us by God, by those who need our help, and those who have publicly identified and commended us, has useful purposes. It is the work to which we have been called that we must attend to.