Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for in doing so you will save both yourself and those hearing you.
This is Paul’s concluding statement in the section of his letter in which he’s commanding Timothy to preach the Bible, and thus, the Gospel, accurately – and more, to correct those who are contradicting it.
This is the pastor’s job! And the verb tenses give us a clue as to how emphatic Paul’s commands are – these activities are to be continuous, regular, and the norm – not occasional, not special, not sporadic!
Here, pastors are commanded to be keeping watch over themselves and the teaching. This means constant observation. Constant guarding. Constantly making sure nothing is making cracks in the wall! Making sure there are never fault points – and being ever vigilant in doing so.
When God uses the words ‘yourself’ and ‘doctrine’ he lists two distinct things.
‘Yourself’ in this context refers to godliness of life – being an example of holiness to the Church before God in all things. So, it is possible to not keep a close watch on oneself. This takes daily examination and confession. It takes daily meditation on God’s word and prayer to expose the chinks in one’s armor. It takes constant vigilance and a diligence in never compromising. It takes constant examination in light of God’s holy word – constant confession of sin – and constant repentance. Pastors must be always engaged in these things.
‘The teaching’ here refers to God’s word being proclaimed – it refers to preaching and teaching in the life of the Church – and specifically – the content of what is taught. Pastors are commanded to be ever vigilant about what is preached in church! And what is believed. The content of preaching must be the Bible – not the thoughts of a man. And this must be guarded – which means that the pastors thoughts must be guarded. He must be confined to seeking wisdom for salvation in the Scriptures. Every line, every sentence he teaches must be teaching what the Bible has already said. He must guard himself against believing he is wise or has something worth saying that doesn’t come from Scripture. He does not.
Paul gives us the reason that Timothy is supposed to be on his guard – being on guard saves the preacher and the hearers!
There’s much to take note of here.
First, life and doctrine (teaching), are not separated in experience. Paul says, ‘persist in this,’ not, ‘persist in these things.’ It is a single act to guard life and doctrine. They must and always do run together.
Second, Paul reiterates that this is to be constant activity for pastors.
Third, salvation results from a pastors guarding his life and teaching. But this salvation is the future salvation – entering into God’s Kingdom. It is not speaking of the moment of justifying faith. There is no true justifying faith that is not accompanied by purity of life.
Fourth, this salvation is not only for the hearers, but the preacher. He is being saved by God’s word in the same way as the Church is – he is no different.
Where does that leave us?
1) Pastors are to always be vigilant about their lifestyles, examining their lives before God’s word.
2) Pastors are to be ever watchful over what is preached, taught, and believed in God’s Church.
3) Pastors are to distinguish, yet never separate life from doctrine.
4) Pastors are to persist in their watchfulness, because that watchfulness is how people will enter God’s Kingdom.
5) Salvation ultimately comes, thus, from God’s word.
6) Church members are to submit to the authority of their pastors as examples and teachers – since they’re put in charge to keep watch over our souls.
7) Church members are to follow this example – because salvation is found in the word of God.
Father, I have been lazy in guarding my life against sin. I’ve not been always vigilant. I have compromised. I’ve not lived a life of radical self-evaluation. I’ve separated life and doctrine – though you do not. And at times, other things have taken priority in my heart and mind – as if other things were bigger and better than salvation.
Thank you that the teaching you’ve given us includes the reality that Jesus’ vindication is my vindication. That through faith you’ve seated us who believe with him in heaven – and we have already been transferred to your kingdom.
Yet, cause us to be ever vigilant, in light of your saving action.
Because Jesus died for me, lives for me, and is praying for me, I ask for these things – amen.
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