“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:15 (ESV)
There is a common phrase I particularly heard from my parents when I was growing up and learning to play the clarinet; “practice makes perfect.” It means people become better at something if they do it often.
What applies to the playing of an instrument also relates to playing a sport, learning to drive a motor vehicle, doing a job, cooking, and raising children. The more you do something the better, skilled and confident you become. This also pertains to the craft of writing. “If you want to be a good writer, you should write every day. Remember, practice makes perfect.”
What is the ultimate goal in practice? It is not about mindless repetition for repetition’s sake. It is about achieving an excellence in whatever goal is pursued: whether it is playing a piece of music, completing an assigned task at work, driving, competing, or raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
While none of us will achieve perfection in a specific discipline or craft, we can increasingly master a task and skill. This will require discipline, a teachable and humble spirit knowing we always have something more to learn. So, this common adage also applies in ministry and the teaching of God’s Word.
The Apostle Paul understood this concept or practicing. He wanted Timothy to understand it also. Being a pastor and preacher is not solely about being on a sanctuary platform and preaching well. Now, all pastors who preach want to excel at preaching. To do so requires discipline, a humble and teachable spirit, and the understanding there is always more to learn.
However, as we have learned from this epistle, being a faithful minister requires discipline, humility and a teachable spirit in the various other tasks facing a pastor. The words in today’s featured biblical text cannot be separated from the preceding fourteen verses or the three previous chapters.
Paul explained to Timothy, ““Practice these things” (ταῦτα μελέτα; tauta meleta). The phrase is a present, active imperative verb. Within the context, it means to continuously, actively and obediently continue thinking and doing what God commands.
Fulfilling this command would take total dedication. Paul stressed this when writing “immerse yourself in them” (ἴσθι; isthi). This too is a present, active, imperative verb. It literally means “to be in.” It is “to continue to perform certain activities with care and concern.”[1] In other words, to not just go through the motions.
When a pastor obediently dedicates himself in this manner to God’s calling, the ultimate goals is to glorify the Lord (Rom. 11:33-36; I Cor. 10:31; I Peter 4:10-11). However, an immediate goal must also be considered. Paul wrote, “so that all may see your progress.” Progress (προκοπὴ; prokope) means advancement. It is change for the better.
“Progress” (v. 15) was the standard philosophical way to describe a disciple’s advancement in moral philosophy and was naturally applied to advancement in Jewish (Gal 1:14) and Christian (Phil 1:25) truth as well. It is clear that Timothy’s attention to his teaching is critical: his teaching would affect the salvation of his hearers (v. 16; cf. 2 Tim 3:15).”[2]
“Here is the positive side of Paul’s negative (“do not neglect.…”) exhortation of verse 14. The command be diligent (meleta, from meletaō, “give careful thought to”) is the converse of the command in the previous verse (amelei, from ameleō, “give no thought to”). Timothy was to give his careful attention to Paul’s instructions; indeed, he was, literally, “to be in them” (or, with the niv, to give himself wholly to them). As he would do so his progress would be evident to all observers and his problem of low credibility, implied throughout this section, would be alleviated.” [3]
“Over against “Do not grow careless,” Paul places, “Let these things be your constant care” (cf. verses 14 and 15). By the expression “these things” he is thinking of the entire contents of chapter 4 (that defection is on the way, against which Timothy must warn others; that even now there are those who would substitute profane myths for the true gospel; that Timothy must be nourished on the words of the faith, and must train himself for godly living; that he must so conduct himself that no one will despise his youth; that he must not neglect but must exercise and cultivate his special gift; etc.).”[4]
“In these things be (absorbed). “Be in them,” says the apostle, as if to say, “Be in them with your whole heart, with all your soul; be completely wrapped up in them.” The contemplated result will be so that your progress may be evident to everyone. We accept the usual interpretation of these words to be the correct and natural one, namely, that if Timothy will devote himself completely to his task, as indicated, all (especially those in the church, but to some extent even outsiders who come into close contact with believers) will take note of his spiritual and professional advancement, to the glory of God. Cf. Phil. 1:12, 25.”[5]
Pray for your pastor and ministry staff. Pray for their progress and advancement in their tasks and personal growth in Christ. Pray for yourself that others would see your progress in Christ and be encouraged. After all, practice makes perfect.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 655.
[2] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 1 Ti 4:15–16.
[3] A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 741.
[4] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 160.
[5] Ibid., 160.
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