11 Prescribe and teach these things . 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness , but rather in speech , conduct , love , faith and purity , show yourself an example of those who believe . 13 Until I come , give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching . 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery . 15 Take pains with these things ; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all . 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching ; persevere in these things , for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:11-16
Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:11-16
(Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16)
Men's youth will not be despised, if they keep from vanities and follies. Those who teach by their doctrine, must teach by their life. Their discourse must be edifying; their conversation must be holy; they must be examples of love to God and all good men, examples of spiritual-mindedness. Ministers must mind these things as their principal work and business. By this means their profiting will appear in all things, as well as to all persons; this is the way to profit in knowledge and grace, and also to profit others. The doctrine of a minister of Christ must be scriptural, clear, evangelical, and practical; well stated, explained, defended, and applied. But these duties leave no leisure for wordly pleasures, trifling visits, or idle conversation, and but little for what is mere amusement, and only ornamental. May every believer be enabled to let his profiting appear unto all men; seeking to experience the power of the gospel in his own soul, and to bring forth its fruits in his life.