11 Charge these things, and teach; 12 let no one despise thy youth, but a pattern become thou of those believing in word, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity; 13 till I come, give heed to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching; 14 be not careless of the gift in thee, that was given thee through prophecy, with laying on of the hands of the eldership; 15 of these things be careful; in these things be, that thy advancement may be manifest in all things; 16 take heed to thyself, and to the teaching; remain in them, for this thing doing, both thyself thou shalt save, and those hearing thee.
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.