Eighth in a series of studies of Paul’s instruction to Timothy
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
“Till I come give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:12-13).
“Exhortation” is the second point to which Paul instructs the young preacher to give attention. The word means “an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.”
This instruction points out to Timothy that he is to be serious and diligent in fulfilling his obligation to teach people about Jesus and to explain to them the importance of obeying the gospel message—this teaching is to provide encouragement in what is right, warnings against what is wrong, and instruction in how to correct all sinful activities.
This verse actually gives a capsule version of what all evangelists, elders, and teachers are to do: without carrying out the instructions here, those who teach and guide the Lord’s people cannot be successful in grounding churches firmly and in helping Christians bolster their faith to the point that they can overcome Satan.
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