Pastoral ministry, like all service to the Lord, is to be done on the basis of God’s amazing grace, not based on human merit, worth or effort. This is why the apostle Paul joyfully rehearsed regarding his ministry that…

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Yet, it is not uncommon for us to lose sight of God’s marvelous grace when it comes to our walk and service for our Lord. Instead, we are prone to seek to manipulate spiritual blessings from God based upon our own fleshly achievement or accomplishment. This unfortunate misunderstanding is beautifully illustrated in this humorous anecdote about “Little Leroy.”

One day Little Leroy went to his mother and demanded a new bicycle. His mother decided this was an opportune time for him to take an evaluative look at himself and the way he acts. She said, “Well Leroy, it isn’t Christmas and we don’t have money to just go out and buy you anything you want. So why don’t you write a letter to Jesus and pray for a new bike?”

After his temper tantrum, his mother finally sent him to his room. He then sat down to write a letter to Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

I’ve been a good boy this year and would appreciate a new bicycle.

Your Friend, Leroy

Now Leroy knew that Jesus fully perceived what kind of boy he really was (a brat). So, he ripped up the letter and decided to give it another try.

Dear Jesus,

I’ve been an OK boy this year and would appreciate a new bicycle.

Yours Truly,

Leroy

But Leroy knew this letter was not totally honest either, so he tore it up and tried again.

Dear Jesus,

I thought about being a good boy this year and can I have a new bicycle?

Leroy

Stricken with a guilty conscience, Leroy finally looked deep down in his heart, which was what his mother was really wanting him to do in the first place. He then crumpled up the letter, threw it in the trash and went running outside. He aimlessly wandered about, depressed because of the way he treated his parents and honestly considering his actions. He finally found himself in front of a church. So Leroy went inside and knelt down, not knowing what to do but somewhat in awe of everything he saw. Leroy finally got up and began to walk out the door, looking around at all the impressive statues.

All of sudden he grabbed a small icon and ran out of the door. He went home, hid his newly obtained treasure under his bed, and wrote this letter.

Jesus,

I’ve broken most of the Ten Commandments; shot spit wads in school; tore up my sister’s Barbie doll and lots more. I’m desperate.

I’ve got your mama, and if you ever want to see her again GIVE ME A BIKE!

Signed…

You Know Who!!!

Dear friends, Little Leroy did not begin to comprehend the matchless grace of God. He sought a new bike based on who he was and what he had done, in contrast to who God is and what Jesus Christ had done for him upon the Cross. He sought to twist God’s arm in order to obtain God’s blessings, failing to realize that God has been propitiated through Christ’s substitutionary death for our sins (Romans 3:24-25; 1 John 2:2, 4:9-10). And when the grace of God is personally received and understood, it will lead to the spiritual bed partners of gratitude and godliness — two crucial ingredients in being a good testimony for Jesus Christ and a proper example for others.

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13)

As we have been searching the Scriptures together to grasp the biblical concepts which are pregnant in the phrase “feed (shepherd) the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2), we have previously observed…

A. Shepherding God’s flock involves PROVISION… as a pastor is to feed the flock of God the very Word of God.

B. Shepherding God’s flock involves PROTECTION… as a pastor must carefully guard and watch over the flock of God for those dangerous predators that would harm them spiritually.

C. Shepherding God’s flock involves PRAYER… as a pastor needs to engage in a ministry of intercessory prayer for people’s needs.

In addition to these three pastoral responsibilities, the Word of God teaches that…

D. Shepherding God’s flock involves PERSONAL EXAMPLE… as a pastor must personally model the biblical truths he publicly teaches.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Paul’s son in the faith, Timothy, received this epistle while he was involved in pastoral ministry at the church in Ephesus. Most Bible teachers agree that Timothy was in his mid-to-late thirties age-wise, prompting Paul to write, “let no man despise thy youth.” But how do you successfully thwart the tendency of those in your local church, especially older and more mature believers, to not look down mentally upon you and your youth? Is this accomplished by an emotional tirade over the pulpit… “The apostle Paul said not to despise my youth. SO DON’T YOU DO IT OR YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE WITH GOD!”? No, instead the second half of this verse explains the scriptural antidote to fulfilling the first half… “but be thou an example of the believers….” Only by Timothy consistently demonstrating a growing and godly maturity in life and conduct would their natural tendency to despise his youth be overcome. Then he would acquire the needed respect to carry out his assigned pastoral functions.

This key term “example” (tupos) was used of “the imprinted mark of a firm, heavy blow upon metal.”[1] It referred to the mark, mold, or imprint that was left as a pattern of the original. “Tupos” was utilized by doubting Thomas when he declared to the apostles who had previously seen their risen Lord…

Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (John 20:25)

In his blistering speech to the Jewish council, Stephen used “tupos” when he announced,

You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of your god Remphan, Images which you made to worship; And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.' "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen.

(Acts 7:43-44, NASB)

“Tupos” is translated in the King James Version of the Bible as “print” (John 20:25), “fashion” (Acts 7:44), “after this manner” (Acts 23:25), “figure” (Romans 5:14), “form” (Romans 6:17), “followers” (Phil. 3:17), “ensamples” (1 Thess. 1:7), “example” (1 Tim. 4:12), and “pattern” (Titus 2:7). Timothy was to overcome any potential congregational stumbling stones due to his youth by being a model “of (to/for) the believers” where he pastored. And this instruction was not only appropo to young Timothy, but Peter makes it evident that this is needed for all of Christ’s shepherds regardless of age.

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3)

SIX AREAS OF EXAMPLE

In 1 Timothy 4:12 there are six areas set forth where it was imperative that Timothy must increasingly become a godly example. First of all, there are two general areas of modeling which are delineated.

· “in word” (en logo) – This refers to becoming an example in your speech both publicly or privately. Have you ever been appalled to hear a pastor’s speech outside of the pulpit?

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

(Ephesians 4:29, NASB)

· “in conversation” (en anastrophe) – This refers to becoming a model in your conduct or lifestyle. You must practice what you preach. Otherwise, exhortation without example will destroy your credibility and breed hypocrisy with others.

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. (Philippians 3:17-19)

Secondly, there are four specific areas of exemplary life that are then underscored.

· “in charity” (en agape) – This refers to becoming a pattern to emulate in your selfless and sacrificial love.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

· “in spirit” (en pneumati)[2] – This refers to becoming someone worthy of following in your enthusiasm for the Lord’s work.

Whatever you are doing, work it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people. (Colossians 3:23, N.E.T.)

· “in faith” (en pistei) – This refers to becoming an example in your daily walk of faith and/or in your reliability.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. (Hebrews 13:7)

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

· “in purity” (en hagneia) – This refers to becoming a model of moral purity generally, and sexual purity or chastity in particular.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

Frankly, this is very convicting for all who honestly sense their personal shortcomings. Thus, it is encouraging to observe that the phrase translated “be thou (ginou) an example” literally means “keep on becoming an example.” This indicates that while Timothy should have already met the qualifications for an elder/bishop in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, that his lack of absolute maturity and the necessity for further spiritual growth need not discourage him from present pastoral ministry. But how could this divine command (imperative mood) to keep on becoming a model believer be fulfilled in His life?

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:15-16)

HOW CAN YOU BECOME AN EXAMPLE?

On the human side, intense, ongoing mental occupation (“meditate upon these things” – present tense, active voice, imperative mood) and absorbed devotion (“give thyself wholly to them”) to the Lord and His Word are absolutely necessary. This would then cause your spiritual progress and advancement to occur and to become plain for all to see (“that thy profiting may appear to all”).

On the divine side, the Scriptures encourages us to continually draw on God’s grace resources…

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)

TWO COMMANDS TO HEED

Verse 16 reinforces the necessary process for personal sanctification further by highlighting two commands followed by two consequences.

1. Command #1: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine.”

The imperative “take heed” (prosecho) means to “turn one’s attention to something” whether to respond positively to something good (Acts 20:28; 2 Peter 1:19) or to avoid something which would be harmful” (Matthew 6:1, 7:15). But what two realities must you make it a habit to pay close attention to or keep a critical eye upon?

a. “unto thyself”… your personal life. This refers to the spiritual care of the minister. Remember that you do not preach in a vacuum, but out of the context of your own personal walk with Jesus Christ.

b. “and unto the doctrine”… your public teaching. This refers to the studied care of the message. Our teaching must be both biblical and grace-oriented in order to feed sound doctrine to God’s flock.

A practical breakdown in either of these two areas (your life or your teaching) would prove to be detrimental and counterproductive to the Lord’s work and your own spiritual progress. Furthermore, there appears to be real significance in the sequential order of this verse. God is first of all concerned about the vertical (your relationship with Him) and what you are thinking (“unto thyself”) before the horizontal (your relationship with others) and what you are doing (“and unto the doctrine”). In other words, personal godliness is essential for the proper demonstration of pulpit giftedness. Is this not the reason why the qualifications for pastoral ministry in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 emphasize spiritual maturity (15 qualifications) over teaching ability (1 qualification)?

On the other hand, each pastor must also be careful to “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Only then can he effectively fulfill 1 Timothy 4:13.

Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. (1 Timothy 4:13, NASB)

2. Command #2: “continue in them”

The imperative to “continue” (epimeno) means “to stay or stick to” these two important matters. It refers to the persistence and perseverance needed for a ministry of excellence and example. Pastors, we must make it a habit to pay close attention to our own walk with the Lord and the public teaching of Scripture. Persist in this and don’t give up. Don’t quit. Don’t let your guard down. These are both musts to faithful ministry. Remember the divine indictment against the Jews for their failure to practice what they preached.

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you,… (Romans 2:21-24)

Why is this command to “continue” needed? It is because none of us are exempt from sin and personal carnality. “Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Ministry busyness, personal laziness, marital conflict, unconfessed sin, pedestal pride, and slanderous criticisms can easily hinder, misfocus, or discourage a pastor from faithfully continuing in these imperative priorities.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.

(2 Corinthians 4:1)

Thank God for His mercies which are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and which encourage us to persevere in ministry for Jesus’ sake.

Additionally, we must “continue in them” for we are not excluded from the possibility of doctrinal deviation, such as what occurred to such church leaders as Hymenaeus and Philetus.

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:16-18)

TWO CONSEQUENCES THAT GOD PRODUCES

These two imperatives in 1 Timothy 4:16 are not interesting ideas to be debated, nor mere biblical truths to be read. But they are divine counsel to be repeatedly applied (“for in doing this” – present, active, participle) which results in two tremendous consequences that God accomplishes by His grace.

1. “thou shalt both save thyself” – Since Timothy had already been justified before God (saved from sin’s penalty), this phrase must be referring to his sanctification (being saved from sin’s power and damage caused by personal sin and false teaching).

Yet, notice that when these two commands are fulfilled by God’s enabling grace, how this not only benefits the pastor, but also how it advantageously affects others.

2. “And them that hear thee.”

Others will enjoy the benefits of your godly example and public teaching of sound doctrine resulting it salvific results in their lives. Robert Gromacki lucidly writes…

The result of moral and doctrinal soundness for the preacher is a double salvation. First, he will save himself from personal and theological error by scriptural study and holy living. There is no hint that salvation from sin or hell is implied here. Salvation has multiple types in the Scriptures (2:15).

Second, the preacher will deliver his listeners from the same moral and doctrinal error if he lives and preaches correctly. Christians can become frustrated when they see their leaders fall into sin, and can be led into transgression through faulty teaching.[3]

On October 2, 1840, the young Scottish pastor Robert Murray M’Cheyne wrote this letter to his friend Daniel Edwards who was leaving for Germany to train for missionary service:

My dear friend:

I trust you will have a pleasant and profitable time in Germany. I know you will apply hard to German; but do not forget the culture of the inner man – I mean of the heart. How diligently the cavalry officer keeps his saber clean and sharp; every stain he rubs off with the greatest care. Remember you are God’s sword – His instrument – I trust a chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God.[4]

M’Cheyne would later speak these powerful words, “Your…sermon lasts but an hour or two – your life preaches all the week.”[5]

Dear friends, are you deeply sensing the importance of your personal example for effective ministry? And “Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:16). As you ponder the seriousness of this matter, you will do well to reflect upon the grace of God displayed in the salvation and ministry of Saul of Tarsus.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:12-16)

Little Leroy, are you listening? g

We will continue discovering from the Scriptures the importance of the pastor’s personal example next time.

Dennis Rokser has been involved with the Duluth Bible Church for the last 20 years, serving as pastor-teacher for the last seventeen years.

[1] Robert G. Gromacki, “Stand True to the Charge,” (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MN, 1982), p. 123.

[2] This is a textual variant and is omitted in some manuscripts.

[3] Robert G. Gromacki, “Stand True to the Charge,” (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1982), p. 128.

[4] Andrew A. Bonar, Memoirs and Remains of Robert Murray M’Cheyne (London: Banner of Truth, 1966), p. 282.