Practice these things; immerse yourself in them – so that all will see your progress.
Paul here commands Pastor Timothy to practice the things he’s just listed. He’s being very redundant, though. He’s already emphasized multiple times what Timothy is to be doing as a pastor! And then he repeats himself again even in this verse!
Why? God wants it known to us that pastors are to be focused, single-minded, dedicated, toiling – and living a lifestyle of doing so. They are to never neglect their charge – but to always be working on it, knowing that rest comes in the word and Sabbath itself now, and in heaven later.
The words Paul used here indicate a whole pattern of life. Pastors are to breathe the air of ‘these things.’ This of course begs the question, ‘what are these things?’
From chapter 1, preaching sound doctrine so that we’ll live in a way that pleases God – and correcting those who disagree…
From chapter 2, public prayers made, even for enemies, and the learning about and worshiping of God by both men and women in the Church…
From chapter 3, elders and deacons appointed for the sake of guarding God’s Church against false teaching – and nourishing them in love through the Scriptures – as well as service to Christ’s body when there are physical needs…
From chapter 4, warnings against false doctrine and things that contradict the Gospel, a life lived by thinking about the Gospel and by prayer, preaching the Gospel, nourishing himself on the Gospel, and being an example to the Church
Amidst other things – all related to proclaiming the Word of God, and living in a way that reflects belief in the Word of God, being nourished continuously by the Word of God.
Paul wants to hammer this home! Pastors must, must, must pay attention. This is their job – the care of God’s people by God’s word!
God gives pastors a purpose, in this specific instance, for the command to live in this way – so that all will see the pastor’s ‘progress’ or ‘success.’
The progress, I think, Paul has in mind here does not separate Timothy’s ministry abilities from his obedience to God. The idea is that both flow from his dedication to God’s word – and that God is doing work in Timothy and through Timothy – because of the Bible.
The ‘progress,’ then, is growth in conformity to God’s Word.
God wants his people to see the pastor’s growth! Why?
We’ve seen in chapter 3 that the office of pastor exists to uphold God’s word. God wants his word magnified, his name honored – which is the best thing for his people. It draws us to him!
And we’ve seen in chapter 4 the opposite of that – a lack of progress can malign God’s word and bring it into disrepute – which is bad for God’s people – and ultimately, dishonors God.
Paul’s particular command here, then, is for Timothy to be dedicated to the Scriptures – to the Gospel – in both study and proclamation – so that God’s glory will be made known for the good of his people.
Here are a few observations –
1) Christian growth, in both life and ministry, comes from God’s word
2) Pastors especially must be completely immersed in God’s word
3) Pastors must immerse themselves in God’s word for the sake of God’s glory in the saving of his people.
4) God’s word honored is the best thing for God’s people.
5) All Christians should follow pastors’ examples – striving for immersion in the Gospel of God for the sake of growth towards God and the glory of God.
Father, you’re so good to us. You’ve given salvation in Christ’s rising from the dead! And you’ve given us the Scriptures so that we can know you, and increase in knowing you. I confess distraction from your words. I confess unbelief. I confess treasuring other things. I confess seeking you outside of ways that you’ve commanded, namely, your word. I confess that I haven’t loved your people enough to treasure your word and be immersed in it.
Father, it sickens me that I’ve treasured other things, spoken more highly of other things, thought higher thoughts of other things – than you in your word.
I’m an idolater, worthy of hell. Yet, you’ve justified me in Christ because of your glorious love! Thank you, my Lord and my God!
Cause me to be immersed in your word, for my joy, your glory, and the joy of your people. You are worthy, my God!
Because of Christ’s death in my place and rising from the dead, I can pray – so be it!
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