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"This is a faithful saying..."

Text: 1 Timothy 4:9

ANOTHER PAULINE STATEMENT

We come across another of Paul’s famous statements in this text.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
For to this end we both labour and suffer reproach,
Because we trust in the living God,
Who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe.
These things command and teach.”

1 Timothy 4:9-11

1. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance”

We now have three famous statements of Paul in 1 Timothy:

a) With reference to Salvation

“Christ came into the world to save sinners…” 1 Timothy 1:15

b) With reference to Service

“If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” 1 Timothy 3:1

c) With reference to Suffering

“We both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God…” 1 Timothy 4:10

2. “For to this end we both labour and suffer reproach”

If we truly understand and appreciate our salvation we will labour for the Lord.

b) But we must also be prepared to suffer for His sake.

c) The word translated “suffer reproach” is interesting:-

i) It suggests great struggling (external).

ii) It also suggests struggling within self (internal).

iii) It is not easy to labour and to suffer indeed.

3. “Because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe”

a) Our faith is in the Lord.

i) Called the living God

ii) Called the Saviour of all mankind

b) This truth should be even more precious to all believers!

4. “These things command and teach”

a) Command (Imperative force)

b) Teach (The teaching ministry is emphasised)