This week, as we continue walking through 1 Timothy, we will look at 1 Timothy 4:11-16 and talk about “Marks of Faithful Ministry.”  

This passage has special application for pastors, but it contains tons of gold for all of us.  All of us are examples to others.  This text tells us about how to set the right example.  

This passage also contains a word to congregations about the priority of the Word.  It is incredibly clear from this text that a congregation must prioritize the ministry of the Word, encouraging their pastor to study hard, so that he can feed them steak, not candy.  

There is also an application to the congregation in that every Christian is called to ministry.  Not all of us are called to be pastors…but all of us are called to ministry.  God gives pastors to the church “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.”  That’s all of us.  

So what does faithful ministry look like?  For pastors?  For all believers?  Let’s talk about it this Sunday.  

It is ironic that this passage falls on Pastor Appreciation Day.  I did not plan it that way, but the Lord worked it out this way.  On behalf of all our pastors, thank you for remembering this and celebrating it.  Most churches do not.  Your love makes ministry a joy (Hebrews 13:17).  

I’ll see you on Sunday.  Bring a friend and invite them to stay for the lunch with you.  It would be a great opportunity for them to meet people.  

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations, 

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.