Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy 4:13 - The Importance of Exhortation

The verb “give attention to” was a present active indicative verb. It is an ongoing activity. It never ceases. This was to be Timothy’s continual focus. It was to be a way of life. This encompasses not just the act of teaching, but all the commitment, study, and preparation associated with it. Such a commitment will consume much of the pastor’s time. If it doesn’t, disaster awaits. In this era of Internet accessibility, there is the temptation for the pastor just to download sermons others have prepared, look over them leading up to Sunday, and then preach them as if they were his own.