1 Timothy 4:16

Ver. 16. Give heed to thyself and to the teaching: not precisely doctrine, though doubtless including what is understood by that, but the whole matter of teaching in relation to Christianity; hence, in the first place, making due preparation for the work of public discourse, and then, when actually employed in it, seeing that it be of the right sort, that it embrace the great principles of truth and duty as unfolded in the gospel, and press these in the proper manner and spirit. Continue in them; that is, in the various parts of evangelistic and pastoral duty enjoined in the preceding sentences: let there be, not a fitful, but a steady and persevering application to them. Then follows the twofold blessed result: for by so doing thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee. The direct object of the ministry of the gospel is the salvation of those who come within the circle of its operations; but along with this the apostle happily combines another, the saving of one's own soul. Nothing is so well fitted for bringing us safely to heaven as engaging in good earnest “to be instruments in God's hand of bringing others thither. For, as an old and, in the best sense, spiritual writer has excellently noted on the words, “the work of Christianity is woven in with the right discharge of the office of the ministry. Many ministers can say, that if they had not been ministers they had in all appearance lost their souls. The subject of the minister's work is the same with that of a Christian's; and above all men should he be careful of his heart and intentions, that all be pure and spiritual. No man is under so strict a necessity of dependence on the influence and assistance of the Holy Ghost, both for gifts and grace. And are not all these great helps to one's own salvation?” (Sermon by Robert Traill.)