Notes of Faith April 24, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
September 8, 2002
“A PULPIT PRIORITY”
I Timothy 4:13-14
Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery (elders).
It is believed by many Bible scholars that when Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, Timothy was in Ephesus. Evidently Paul was planning to visit him there and thus found it necessary to give his young disciple some sage advice.
In I Timothy 4:12 he exhorts Timothy to be an example to fellow Christians:
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
Then in verse 13 Paul he further challenges Timothy, “until I come give attention to”:
1. The public reading of Scripture.
The power of the Word of God is implied in this statement. Just the reading of Scripture is powerful. It establishes a frame of reference for the entire service.
C.H. Spurgeon, before preaching his first sermon in the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, went alone into the empty auditorium to test the acoustics. He quoted John 3:16. The next day a man came to Spurgeon after the morning service and said, “You were instrumental in saving me yesterday. I was painting up in the balcony when you came in and read John 3:16. Then and there I believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
What a testimony to the power of Scripture!
2. Exhortation.
This is the power of Scripture to challenge a course of action. It is more than reading Scripture. It is laying out a plan of action – then challenging listeners to follow that plan.
3. Teaching.
This is explaining the Word of God so that the mind can grasp its meaning. However, teaching is more than explanation. Teaching involves the practical application of Scripture. How does if fit into the context of my life?
Thus, these three functions are extremely important in every church service. So, men of God, let’s take heed to the Apostle Paul when we preach. Let’s read Scripture. Let’s exhort with Scripture. And let’s teach and apply Scripture! And to you, beloved flock, pray for those in the pulpit – to stay true to the Word of God. It is a big responsibility to interpret and give forth God’s Word as God holds us accountable. God bless!
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
Though Pastor Charles applies these verses to the pulpit and preaching, they could be used in many spiritual conversations, Bible studies, evangelizing, sharing a true hope through the promises of God! At every opportunity read or quote Scripture, exhort those who hear to listen and respond to God appropriately, when time allows…teach those who do not know God or the things of God and pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine their minds that they might understand, obey, be saved, or grow toward maturity in Christ.
Pastor Dale