11 Let these be your orders and your teaching. 12 Let no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living. 13 Till I come, give attention to the reading of the holy Writings, to comforting the saints, and to teaching. 14 Make use of that grace in you, which was given to you by the word of the prophets, when the rulers of the church put their hands on you. 15 Have a care for these things; give yourself to them with all your heart, so that all may see how you go forward. 16 Give attention to yourself and your teaching. Go on in these things; for in doing so you will get salvation for yourself and for those who give hearing to 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.