A note from our Pastor:

”These things command and teach.”

1 Timothy 4:11

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week is short and direct. The Apostle Paul has covered many topics in writing to Timothy in this letter. For Timothy, with the charge of pastoring the church at Ephesus, this verse and its instruction is the application of all of the subject matter previously covered.

This is one of only a few verses in scripture that directly applies to a small subset of believers. The actual instruction given by the Apostle in this verse is for ministers and ministers only. However, this verse should be considered by all congregations in assessing whether or not the pastor of a given group is fulfilling the duties of the role.

Command and Teach — This is not mere repetition by the Apostle but rather two instructions that need to work in parallel with one another. As ministers, some items need to be commanded. They are absolute truths with no exceptions or caveats. There are also things that need to be taught. These lessons will be understood and applied by believers in varying degrees and on unique timelines. 

What are some of the absolutes which must be commanded? The items in any age that must be commanded are those which reaffirm the truth of Jesus Christ and his salvation. When false teachings come into a congregation the minister must address these with a firmness. The peace and harmony of both individual believers and the congregation is at risk and no hesitancy can be allowed.

In contrast, most other things in scripture need to be taught with patience and reinforced continually. The minister should not expect the congregation to immediately understand all of the applications of living a life of loving God first and loving his or her neighbor. Moving towards the divine on the spiritual continuum is a lifelong effort. In addition, the providence of God and Jesus’s instruction to depend on God also comes with experience and needs to be taught with kindness and patience.

Thus, the ministers should remember to both command and teach and not confuse the two. Meanwhile, the congregation should look for this understanding in the minister leading them on their spiritual journey.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah