If you’ve been following the blog, we’ve been considering Paul’s heart as a pastor for a few weeks. Last week, we began exploring the profound wisdom found in Paul’s first letter to Timothy. 

As I stated last week, the purpose of Paul’s letter was to instruct Timothy on leading the church toward health and sound doctrine amidst confusion and division. Paul emphasized three key themes to Timothy: solid biblical teaching, proper conduct in worship and prayer, and personal holiness. In the last blog, we went deeper into the themes of sound doctrine and worship/prayer. 

Today, we concentrate on what it means to pursue holiness for ourselves. 

 1 Timothy 4:12-16 CSB

[12] Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. [13] Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. [14] Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. [15] Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. [16] Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Paul insists that we preach sound doctrine. He explains best practices for God-centered worship and prayer. But none of that can happen if we do not prioritize our own personal holiness. Paul, stemming from his pastoral heart, is reminding and urging Timothy that a godly flock starts with him. He must live a life that reflects his commitment to Christ, not just when he is teaching, but when he is living in the mundane of life. 

A pastor is a disciple of Jesus first. This should also be true of a church member filling the pews of the sanctuary. Sunday School teachers and attendees alike. Vocalists in the church choir and worshippers throughout the auditorium. 

Personal holiness is not a mere suggestion; it is a directive. Does your whole life embody the teachings of Christ? Your personal walk with God greatly impacts not only your own life, but others’. Our hearts must be guarded against cynicism, temptation, and complacency in order to protect the flock. Just as a shepherd must be mindful of their own path, we too must cultivate our inner lives. Our days should be filled with prayer, Scripture, and the fruit of the Spirit.

If you are only opening up your Bible on Sunday, when the preacher says, “If you have your Bibles, turn to…” then you are spiritually malnoursised andd effectively starving your soul. You know, your Bible can open the other 6 days of the week, too. You have 24/7 access.

Regularly coming back to and trusting in the Gospel is essential for consistency in holy living. Practicing godliness is the process of believing in the finished work of Christ, confessing our sins, and repenting and turning away from our sins and turning back to God, Again and again and again and again.

R.C. Sproul reminds us in his book, Growing in Holiness, “You are not holy in and of yourself. But God is holy in and of Himself, and He has called you as His creation to bear witness to Him – to reflect to the rest of the world His very character.”

How can we reflect the character of God if we are not regularly looking up and beholding Him?

May we pursue holiness in our hearts and remain committed to the truth. Guard your heart and pursue godliness, believer, and in so doing, others will behold Him, and you will safeguard the rest of the flock.