“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed” (1 Timothy 4:6 ESV).
Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy, reminding him that his faithfulness as a pastor would be measured by how he taught and lived out the truth. Timothy was to set before the members of the church of Ephesus “these things,” which was the sound teaching that opposed false doctrines. A good servant of Christ, Paul said, must both feed on and feed others with “the words of the faith and the good doctrine.”
The word “servant” (diakonos) means one who serves or ministers under authority. Timothy’s ultimate accountability was not to people but to Christ Himself. Yet his ministry required both right belief and right living. The phrase “being trained” literally means “nourished up.” A pastor must continually feed on the Word before feeding others. Paul’s counsel reveals a pattern: the servant must first be nourished by doctrine, then nourish the church with that same truth. Likewise, the congregation’s role is to value this kind of faithful teaching and encourage their pastors to stay rooted in Scripture, not distracted by fads or controversy. The church thrives when both pastor and people prize the Word together.
We live in an age when many chase novelty rather than sound doctrine. Yet the health of Christ’s church still depends on faithful ministers who love and teach the Word. Let us pray for our pastors to stay nourished by Scripture and steadfast in truth. Let us also receive their teaching with humility, showing gratitude and encouragement to those who labor in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17). When shepherd and sheep walk together in spirit and in truth, the whole body grows strong.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the pastors and teachers You have placed in Your church. Nourish them daily in Your Word, guard their hearts from error, and fill them with joy in faithful service. Help us, as Your people, to encourage them and to grow together in sound doctrine. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.