1 Timothy 4:15

“Take pains”: Care for, attend to carefully, practice, cultivate, the very opposite of the term “neglect” in verse 14. “Paul is calling for careful thought in the practice of these things” (Hiebert p. 88).

1 Timothy 4:15 “With these things”: That is, thee things just mentioned in this chapter. He must be continually in the realm of these matters. Over his life, Timothy must continue to fight false doctrine, exercise himself in godliness, be an active and industrious public teacher, and pay attention to his own spiritual life as to be an example.

1 Timothy 4:15 “Be absorbed in them”: That is, he is to be up to his ears in these things (Robertson p. 582). “Literally, ‘go on being in them'. They are entirely to absorb and engross him. We might say, ‘Be wrapped up in them'” (Hiebert p. 88). “Have no other grand aim of living. Your times, attention, talents, are to be absorbed in the proper duties of the work. It is the evangelist's ‘magnificent obsession', the one thing he does” (Reese p. 188).

1 Timothy 4:15 “So that your progress will be evident to all”: The term “progress” means “advancement” and was originally used for. pioneer cutting his way forward through obstacles, like. man blazing. trail in. tangled forest. Timothy is to work hard at being. preacher so that the people will clearly notice his improvement. No preacher should ever be satisfied with his present attainments.. young man who is making such progress will no longer be despised because of his youth (1 Timothy 4:12). “The recognition on their part of this development in him would convince them that Paul had not made. mistake in selecting him for his responsible position” (Hiebert p. 88).