Reading, exhortation, teaching

Sunday July 25, 2021

Reading, exhortation, teaching

Until I come, stick to reading, exhortation, teaching. 1 Timothy 4:13

Timothy is in Ephesus when he receives Paul's letter. For the accomplishment of his mission with the brothers and sisters of this locality, the apostle gave him the following instructions :

Read the Bible aloud in the local church. Public reading was an important part of Christian cults. Indeed, the manuscripts of the Holy Scriptures, composed only of the Old Testament books, were rare and very expensive. In any case, those who could read them were few. The available scrolls of these Old Testament books, later supplemented by some copies of the apostolic letters, remained the collective property of the Christian community. The participants therefore listened together to the message of the Word of God and had to keep it in memory.

What place does the public reading of the Bible have when we meet ? This common reading allows those who do not have it, to hear the words of the revelation of God and of his Son Jesus Christ. It brings us together in his thoughts. Likewise, as a family, reading the Bible together places everyone under the same authority.

Urge. The exhortation is to encourage listeners not only to listen to the Word, but also to put it into practice in their daily lives (James 1: 22,23). Reading the Bible normally brings about changes in our life, otherwise what is the point ?

Let us stress the importance for parents of making Bible reading within the reach of their children, of explaining it simply so that they can understand it and that it becomes the reference of their life.

To teach. God teaches us as his beloved children : he reveals to us who he is, what his thoughts and plans are. He does this by using brethren to whom he has entrusted a gift to display and explain the Bible, each book in context, with the purpose that God has given to its author.

Good teaching leads brothers and sisters to know God better as a God full of goodness and love for his creature.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)