“.. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
In this chapter Paul foretells that in the latter times, or last days there would come perilous times for God’s people. Historically, this had its fulfillment during the Apostolic Age and especially during the times that attended its end; but in many ways is yet being fulfilled in the present day; and the church may also continue with such ups and downs in the future. Here Paul gives instructions to the young minister Timothy on how he should teach and conduct himself in the household of faith, and be careful to not neglect the gift which was given to him as a minister of Christ, and was in him, and encouraged him to meditate upon these things, and give himself wholly to the work the Lord had called him to, that his profiting might appear to all the church.
When the Lord Jesus ascended on High, He gave gifts to men according to His sovereign Will. He gave some prophets and some, apostles; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the work of the ministry and the perfecting of the saints for the edification of the body of Christ. (Eph 4:11)
Timothy evidently was a young man when Paul wrote to him, because Paul admonishes him to “let no man despise his youth.” That is, let no one disregard Timothy’s authority given unto him by the Holy Ghost and his ordination at the hands of the Apostles as being approved of God for the work of the ministry of Christ.
We all need much instruction from others during this life, and should not despise or disregard it. We all need guidance, sometimes coupled with admonishment from those who are recognized as our instructors among us. This is how the world itself is set up by nature, and cannot function long without these principles in attendance. Our instruction, when done properly and according to that which aids and teaches us in the subject that we are studying, always works for our benefit. Although Timothy was young in natural age, he had been qualified by the Holy Spirit for the work he was called to do. Like Elihu, in the book of Job, he was made to realize that :
“..There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding; that great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment..” Job:32:8-9.
Therefore, Timothy was exhorted by the Apostle to consider his work as to speak, and exhort, and even rebuke, (if necessary) and that with all authority that was vested in him by the Holy Ghost. To put the believers in mind to remember to obey all civil authority, and to be ready to every good and honest work in the society around them. To never be accused of being a contentious person, or one always involved in debates, brawls and fighting; but showing meekness and gentleness to all persons, reminding him that was the way they all had formerly lived before the kindness and love of God our Savior had appeared unto them; not according to works of righteousness they had done, but according to His mercy He saved us.
But Paul commands Timothy to first take heed unto himself in the practical work of the ministry. A minister of Christ is exposed to many things from the enemies of truth as it is in Jesus; therefore he must be clothed with all the armor of God. But he must first be given to take heed unto himself before he can successfully preach the Gospel of Christ to others. He must first be made to follow Jesus, the meek and lowly lamb of God as an example of suffering for the truth’s sake, Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again, but committed Himself to Him Who was faithful. A minister must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Jesus in the path of suffering that He also endured. A minister of Christ must put off the deeds of the old man, and put on the new in his walk before the people of God, and to walk honestly before those who are without. When a person is exposed to any danger they should take caution and take heed to their course lest they stray out of the way. A minister should seek to control his own disposition, and live according to that which becomes his profession. Professed ministers, as we all know, have been guilty of preaching to high heaven, and then in their walk have violated all of these principles by not taking heed unto themselves. I have known several myself. Ministers, because they are only human in their fleshly nature sometimes fall prey to these things. They may become drunk - not only with intoxicating spirits, but also with the passions of the flesh. and the practices of ungodly persons and the unregenerate, and is a great shame and disgrace to the name of the ministry, and to any professed Christian, as we all well know. But as folly is bound in the heart of every son of Adam; so shall the Father’s rod of correction drive it far from the child; because we all are by nature born as an unclean thing, and we all go astray as soon as we be born, and out of divine grace and mercy in Christ, there are none that do good - no, not one. (Psa 14:2-3)
To take heed is to take caution to our walk in this life, and in the church; and if this had not been an important consideration for him, the Apostle would not have emphasized it for Timothy.
Next, Timothy was to take heed unto the doctrine that was committed unto him. The Apostle’s doctrine was committed unto Timothy to preach, and as there is only one true doctrine in the world, and that in the doctrine of God our Savior Who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who has appeared in human flesh, and saved His children from their sins. The doctrine of Christ is the foundation principle of the faith, practice and experience of the church. This doctrine as it is administered unto the heirs of salvation drops as the gentle rain showers upon its recipients, and distills as the small dew upon the tender herbs, and when they are brought into the wonders of its glory. they find that this doctrine is not of this earth, and surely it must be from heaven, because they have never before found anything like it so wonderful in the earth, This doctrine, which is from heaven is written in their heart and stamped in their mind, and God becomes unto them as the True God, and they become unto Him a people, They are then made to realize that one cannot teach another to know the Lord, but every one that is brought into the light must be taught of God Himself:
“..It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” John 6:45.
“.. And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children..” Isa 54:13.
Therefore, some will take heed unto this doctrine when it is preached before men in general; while many others will disregard it. Because the time has long since come and passed when men will not endure sound doctrine; but have turned their ears aside unto fables. Fables they are interested in, but they have not, and will not endure sound doctrine. And like the unbelieving Jews of old, “God has given them also eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should hear unto the present day.” But the doctrine of God must be preached - and shall be preached - because that is God’s Counsel, and as God gives His ministers ability, and shall experimentally quicken and raise up every child of Grace unto whom it is sent in God’s Own good time and Way.
OAB