Ministry Imperatives

A Study of the Pastoral Epistles

The Seven Ministry Imperatives

Proclaim God's word as God's word.
Guard the truth that God has revealed and entrusted to us.
Qualify Church Leaders.
Be an example for the flock.
Relationships make the Christian worker effective.
Pursue purity with passion.
Use your spiritual gifts with courage.

1. Proclaim God's word as God's word.

A. Teach God's word with authority.

Timothy charged to remain in Ephesus to charge certain people to teach no other doctrine, no fables, no useless disputes. (1 Tim. 1:3-6)

Titus is charge to put a stop to the idle talkers, deceivers, and the legalists (those of the circumcision group). (Titus 1:10-16)

As a teacher of God's word, you have certain spiritual authority to silence those who reject the truth and attempt to promote ungodly doctrine.

Paul exhorts us to "rebuke them sharply", not out of a mean spirit, but in order "that they may be sound in the faith." (Titus 1:13, NKJV)

Your authority is not to be exercised in a prideful, power-hungry manner but with a love that finds its origin in a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith. (1 Tim. 1:5)

B. Teach it in faith, love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

If the goal of teaching is "love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5, NKJV), then these must be attributes of our character also as Christian workers and ministers of God's word.

Paul exhorts Timothy in his second epistle as well to hold firmly to the "pattern of sound words" in faith and in love. (2 Tim. 1:13, NKJV)

It was John Maxwell who stated, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." The one who teaches God's word without demonstrating love and faith to his students lacks the power that God demands in your teaching.

Love and faith are part of the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23) One must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit thus bearing the kind of fruit that will make for effective teaching. (Gal. 16,18,25)

C. Teach God's word faithfully.

The words of Paul thunder forth: "Preach the word!" (2 Tim. 4:2)

Paul exhorts Timothy to be patient while proclaiming God's word. (2 Tim. 4:2)

In season and out of season.

Convincing, rebuking, exhorting with "long-suffering."

Teaching precept upon precept.

Teach while people will listen for there will certainly come a time when people will not put up with sound doctrine. (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

God's word must go out to have effect on its hearers (Rom. 10:17) but when it does go out, it will accomplish God's purposes (Isa. 55:11) -- so be patient to fulfill your ministry. (2 Tim. 4:5)

2. Guard the truth that God has revealed and entrusted to us. (1 Tim. 6:20-21)

A. Study God's word carefully.

How can a Christian worker effectively guard the truth of God's word without being a good student of God's word? It is not possible.

Paul's exhortation to Timothy not to strive in useless dialogue or diatribes requires that he study God's word with care so that he will know what is essential truth. (2 Tim. 2:14-19)

Each of us should take Paul's admonition here concerning the study of God's word seriously -- "be diligent." (2 Tim. 2:15) God's word is eternal truth handed down to us with care from our loving Creator. It must not be taken lightly.

God's word must be studied diligently and systematically, comparing Scripture with Scripture, to ensure understanding of the truth.

Any Christian worker should have a plan for studying through the Bible to gain a full perspective of its contents.

It is also helpful to develop a plan for the study of good books on how to read, interpret, apply, and communicate God's word. (see Recommended Bible Study Resources)

B. Stick to the truth of God's inspired word. (1 Tim. 6:20-21; 2 Tim. 3:14-17)

Paul urges: "O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust..." (1 Tim. 6:20, NKJV).

Literally, "guard the deposit" -- Simpson comments, "The deposit he is to guard can be nothing else than the 'revelation of Jesus Christ' in all its fulness."¹

This raises the analogy of a soldier standing watch over the King's treasure² -- a useful view of every Christian worker's job.

Rather than being distracted by "profane and idle babblings" of the world -- in particular the evolutionary teaching of science which is "falsely called knowledge" (1 Tim. 6:20) -- the Christian worker must stand guard of the deposit by sticking to the solid truth of God's word.

Timothy is similarly exhorted to "continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of" (2 Tim. 3:14, NKJV)

Paul knew of Timothy's upbringing (Acts 16:1-2) in sound doctrine (2 Tim. 3:15) and so He encourage Timothy to stick to his convictions concerning God's word.

If there was ever a time for people to stand on their convictions, that time is now. The church of Jesus Christ around the world desparately need people like "Timothy" who will know God's word and stand firmly in their convictions concerning it.

C. Train faithful men to teach God's word.

An obvious but critical step in guarding the truth is the training of other disciples to become effective teachers of God's word. (2 Tim. 2:2)

Timothy was to look for "faithful men" to become teachers. A teacher who is lazy, fails to keep commitments, and does not "walk the talk" is not fit to be entrusted with God's word.

Titus was exhorted in the same way to appoint elders in Crete who were "blameless" (Titus 1:6-7) rather than "liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons" (Titus 1:12) which were prevalent in this area.

Paul further warns Timothy not to put people in leadership positions too quickly lest he share in the sins they will commit from lack of maturity and experience. (1 Tim. 5:22)

Propogation of the gospel requires that disciples who are called and gifted by God to teach be trained in this discipline.

A warning to churches today is in order here regarding teachers.

All too often a church lowers the standard when in need of teachers.

Anyone who will agree to teach each week or can be persuaded to do so is immediately put to work.

In such a critical task, Paul's command in the Pastoral epistles stands clear -- commit this task only to faithful men.

D. Rebuke those who teach other doctrines of men and demons. (1 Tim. 4:1-11)

There will come a time when people will not listen to the eternal truth of God's word. (1 Tim. 4:1)

Paul describes false doctrines which are common cultic teachings today which forbid things that God calls good or permissible -- such as eating meat or getting married. (1 Tim. 4:2-4)

Rebuke them with the truth -- everything that God created is good! (1 Tim. 4:4-5)

This is a form of spiritual exercise -- a discipline of godliness which brings you profit in this age and in the age to come. (1 Tim. 4:7-11)

If you command and teach those who depart from the faith (1 Tim. 4:11), and exhort the brethren in striving toward godliness in like manner, you are a good minister of Jesus Christ ( (1 Tim. 4:6) -- certainly the title that all of us would strive to attain.

E. Avoid foolish controversies. (1 Tim. 4:6-7, 6:3-5; Titus 3:9-11)

Many false teachers had entered the church at this point who apparently were Jewish legalists, purveyors of salvation through law not grace. (1 Tim. 1:7-16,19-20; Titus 1:10-11)

Paul also anticipated those who would totally depart from sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:1) and teach myths, fables, (1 Tim. 1:4, 4:7) profanity, idle babbling, and false knowledge as spiritual truth. (1 Tim. 6:20)

How do you protect people from false teaching? Teach them the truth.

In training agents to spot counterfeit bills, the U.S. Treasury department spends most of their time analyzing the genuine bills.

Similarly, the key to combating false teaching is to teach people the truth, to become so familiar with sound doctrine that error sounds a deep alarm in their soul.

Guarding the truth in this way meant that Timothy would have to avoid being entangled in fights and arguments over words. (2 Tim. 2:23-24)

Rather than quarrel, the faithful Christian worker must be "gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition." (2 Tim. 2:24-25, NKJV)

3. Qualify Church Leaders.

A. The blameless believer is a good candidate for leadership.

Paul demands that the bishop or elder who leads the local church be "blameless." (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6-7)

The deacons who serve in the church are to be "blameless." (1 Tim. 3:10)

While no one is without sin, the believer who desires the role of elder or deacon must be one who gives "no just cause for blame."³

To manage God's flock, the character of the elder or deacon must be without question.

The literal rendering of the word translated "blameless" means "not to be laid hold of."⁴

There must be nothing which others can use to bring a defensible charge against him in this role.⁵

One who is subject to much criticism by others -- even the outside community (1 Tim. 3:7) -- will find it impossible to lead the flock in any ministry capacity.

Example -- young pastor who became so desparate for his throat to heal that he resorted to stealing pain medicine from a neighbor.

Forgiveness is possible but the underlying problem needs to be corrected prior to placing him back in a leadership position.

He stands under the charge of being a thief and/or drug addict -- both inside and outside the congregation.

If the underlying problem is not resolved, the character flaw will lead to other personal sins and corporate desair.

Forgiven quickly and immediately placed back in his position by the flock, this same young man later was found in an adulterous relationship with someone in his flock.

This young man is simply not qualified to be a leader because he is not "blameless."

B. Character is the foundation for leadership.

Leaders in the church of Jesus Christ require self-control, good behavior, hospitality, sobriety, gentleness, and sincerity in their work. (1 Tim. 3:2-3)

If bad company corrupts good character, then surely a church leader of bad character will corrupt an entire congregation. (1 Cor. 15:33)

The leaders are those who are not new to the faith (1 Tim. 3:6, 5:22) -- they must be those who have labored and persevered in the faith.

The service of such leaders will flow from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. (1 Tim. 1:5) Such service will bear much fruit in any ministry position.

C. Both men and women have specific qualifications to meet.

A man who serves must be a "one-woman man," not given to flirtatious behavior. (1 Tim. 3:2)

A man with a family must have a good report on his family -- for one who cannot manage his own home well cannot manage the church. (1 Tim. 3:5)

Women must act in submission to God's plan for their ministry. (1 Tim. 2:11-15)

Wives of the deacons are to be women of the same character. (1 Tim. 3:11)

4. Be an example for the flock. (1 Tim. 1:16, 1:18-19, 3:15, 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:10-14)

A. Paul presents his life testimony as a "pattern" to future believers.

Guthrie explains that the word translated "pattern" can be likened to the outline in an artist's sketch.⁶

Look for the general characteristics of Paul's character and ministry as an example to follow. (2 Tim. 3:10,14)

B. Hymenaeus and Alexander are presented as bad examples who suffered "shipwreck" in their faith and undoubtedly caused such in others also. (1 Tim. 1:19-20)

C. One of Paul's major purposes in writing to the young pastor, Timothy, is to reveal how his conduct should reflect the "pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Tim. 3:15) The ministry leader is looked at as a standard for conduct in the flock he leads.

D. Even as a young church leader, you are to be an example to both young and old "in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)

E. The example of those who have faithfully served before us stands as a blazing commandment to the current generation of leaders:

Continue in the good example you have seen and the good word of God you have learned. (2 Tim. 3:14)

The evil will increase but will only make your faithful service to the LORD shine all the brighter. (2 Tim. 3:13-14)

5. Relationships make the Christian worker effective.

A. The leader cannot do all the work -- he must lead people in working together to accomplish ministry goals.

B. Twice Paul enumerates the proper relationships that various people groups are to exercise toward one another. (1 Tim. 5, Titus 2)

Older men are to be treated with respect and honor.

Younger men are to be treated as brothers, members of the same family.

Older women with the same reverence and honor as one's own mother.

Younger women are to be treated as sisters -- motives are pure and conduct is chaste.

Widows are a special group requiring special treatment.

Servants are to be obedient, faithful, and honest.

C. A congregation that learns this kind of respect for one another can be quite effective in ministry.

D. The leader must work hard to avoid disputes and create needless strife

in the congregation. (2 Tim. 2:23-26)

Rather than be contentious the LORD's servant must be a gentle, patient teacher.

His humility must be genuine before God and others for the LORD's servant must correct those in opposition while hoping and praying for their salvation.

E. Members of the congregation are to work hard also in promoting peace through careful words, gentleness, and humility to everyone -- inside and outside the church. (Titus 3:2)

6. Pursue purity with passion. (1 Tim. 1:18-20, 6:11-16; 2 Tim. 2:20-22)

A. Paul charges Timothy with sternness to "fight the good fight" (1 Tim. 1:18,6:12) of the faith as he had done. (2 Tim. 4:7)

This indicates the intensity of the battle over truth.

This requires passion in the ministry leader.

Having faith in the LORD Jesus Christ is the critical foundation for ministry. (1 Tim. 1:19)

Having a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:19) means that the ministry leader is obedient to the word he is proclaiming. "Paul's use of the terms in tandem links religion and morality inseparably together. Most religious error is born of moral rebellion rather than intellectual denial."⁷

B. Timothy is exhorted to flee from false teachers, contentious men, and the love of money.

Turn 180 degrees from these things to righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

The man of God will heed this warning to have nothing to do with false teachers (1 Tim. 6:5) who will corrupt his thinking and his teaching.

This "fleeing" is a vibrant word to illustrate the absolute turning aside from these things in order to be a faithful minister of God's word and His church.

C. The man of God will continue to promote sound doctrine in his own life and in his teaching as his way of life in Christ. (1 Tim. 6:14)

D. Our pursuit of godliness is a result of the grace afforded us in Christ for salvation.

Godliness is not the way of salvation but the result of it. (Titus 3:4-5,8)

Grace motivates and compels us to deny ungodliness and live righteously. (Titus 2:11-12)

Our cleansing from sin makes us usable vessels for service in God's kingdom. (2 Tim. 2:21)

A pure life is driven by a pure heart. (2 Tim. 2:22)

7. Use your spiritual gifts with courage. (1 Tim 1:18-19, 4:12,4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6-9,14)

A. A positive warning - neglect not that which God has entrusted to you. (1 Tim. 4:14)

All warnings in the Bible are positive -- God does not warn against something to withhold something good but to avoid the bad, to protect His child.

Using the gifts are good for the body and good for you -- don't let God down.

Many people have recognized your gift and so ordained you for your task -- don't let them down.

Fight, don't quit, for the battle is a good one -- the battle to bring light to hearts and minds.

B. A positive command - stir up the gift which God has given you. (2 Tim. 1:6-9)

Meaning of "stir up the gift."

NIV translates it "fan into flame" which is a more obvious word picture.

As a fire needs to be stoked to increase the heat, so Timothy needed to stir up the use and power of his gifts for the ministry challenges in Ephesus.

"The tendency of the fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart" (General Booth, founder of the Salvation Army to a subordinant).⁸

Your growth and maturity depends on using your gift fearlessly -- God has revealed that in His kingdom there is nothing to fear for His love overshadows you and His power protects His children. (2 Tim. 1:7)

The gifts are granted not in isolation but with purpose in God's kingdom -- many interconnected links. (2 Tim. 1:9)

Yours is a holy calling which you do not deserve -- nevertheless God called you to it and desires that you continue in it faithfully.

C. A positive support - rely on the Holy Spirit to help you persevere. (2 Tim. 1:14)

The gifts of the Spirit are good gifts which God will not ignore nor allow you to ignore -- they are valuable and precious gifts for His kingdom.

God entrusted them to you but will not leave you without His help in using them.

Remember that you cannot keep the gifts by your will or tenacity -- rest with assurance that the Holy Spirit Himself will guard and perfect these gifts in you and for His kingdom.

End Notes:

Thomas, Earle, Hiebert. The Expositor's Bible Commentary: 1,2 Thessalonians, 1,2 Timothy, Titus. Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, Michigan. Copyright 1996. p. 163.
D. Edmond Hiebert, Everyman's Bible Comentary: First Timothy. Moody Press: Chicago. Copyright 1957. p. 123.
D. Edmond Hiebert. p. 64.
Thomas, Earle, Hiebert, p. 138.
Thomas, Earle, Hiebert, p. 138.
Donald Guthrie. The Pastoral Epistles. Inter-Varsity Press: Leicester, England. Copyright 1990. p. 76.
Thomas D. Lea & Hayne P. Griffin, Jr. The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Timothy, Titus. Broadman Press: Nashville, Tennessee. Copyright 1992. p. 81.
Thomas, Earle, Hiebert, p. 169.