All Things For the Gospel—2

The more I studied the relationship between assurance of salvation and the necessity of continuing in holiness, the more verses I discovered that speak directly to this subject.  The fact that the texts are so numerous makes the widespread ignorance of them so harmful.  1 Timothy 4 opened up with new meaning for me when I read Paul’s clearly stated purpose for the various exhortations he gives Timothy (1 Timothy 4:16).  The apostle gives Timothy a wide range of instructions, which he was to faithfully teach others.  The special emphasis of the last half of chapter 4 is the importance that is placed on teaching, so that the believers will be solidly grounded in truth.  Paul clears away a potential problem in verse 12.  Timothy might be insecure as a pastor because he was so young, and the people might not take his teaching seriously for the same reason.  If Timothy proves to be a good example of what he teaches, there will be no problem concerning his authority.  In verse 14 Paul refers to a specific spiritual gift that was given to Timothy when he was publicly recognized as a pastor.  Many theologians contend this was a special gift of teaching, to equip Timothy to fufill the teaching duties of a pastor.  Regardless, Paul is not content to leave it there.  He emphatically drives home the crucial importance of teaching God’s word in the next two verses: “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.  Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:15-16).  Wait a minute!  If the salvation of believers is not in doubt, why does Paul tell Timothy what he must do to make sure of his own salvation, and that of others?  This question is so important!  How we answer it is one of the most crucial issues facing the church today.