1 Timothy 4:6-16

1 Timothy 4:6-16

[6] the brethren  in remembrance  a good  minister  of Jesus  Christ,  nourished up  in the words  of faith  and  of good  doctrine,  whereunto  thou hast attained.  [7] But  refuse  profane  and  old wives'  fables,  and  exercise  thyself  rather unto  godliness.  [8] For  bodily  exercise  little:  but  godliness  profitable  unto  all things,  having  promise  of the life  that now is,  and  of that which is to come.  [9] This is a faithful  saying  and  worthy  of all  acceptation.  [10] For  therefore  both  labour  and  because  we trust  in  the living  God,  who  the Saviour  of all  men,  specially  of those that believe.  [11] command  and  teach.  [12] no man  despise  youth;  but  be thou  an example  of the believers,  in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  faith,  in  purity.  [13] Till  I come,  give attendance  to reading,  to exhortation,  to doctrine.  [14] Neglect  not  the gift  that is in  which  was given  by  prophecy,  with  the laying on  of the hands  of the presbytery.  [15] Meditate upon  wholly to  that  profiting  appear  to  all.  [16] Take heed  unto thyself,  and  unto the doctrine;  continue  in them:  for  in doing  both  save  thyself,  and  them that hear 

What does 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Having reminded Timothy that the apostasy he was witnessing in Ephesus was not unexpected but prophesied ( 1 Timothy 4:1-5), the apostle next clarified Timothy"s responsibility in dealing with it (cf. ch1). Paul wrote these positive directions to enable Timothy to overcome the influences of the ascetic apostates that threatened the church at Ephesus. He also wrote to remind him of the importance of his personal life and public ministry, so he would not fall into the same errors.
"Just as a skillful coach will often return to the basics of the sport to pull the team or a player out of a slump, Paul returns to the basics to keep this church on track." [1]
The apostle selected three essential spiritual priorities, out of many that he could have chosen, in 1 Timothy 4:6-10.