Paul urged Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (Timothy 4:16)
On this day, when the church is graciously observing Pastor Appreciation, I am going to preach to myself though there certainly is application to all believers in Christ. This epistle along with 2 Timothy and Titus have been categorized as Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy that he might know how he ought to conduct himself in the house of God. (See 1 Timothy 3:15.) The house of God was not and is not a building but the church, people whom God has saved. As pastor, Timothy was to pay attention to himself, that is, to be careful how he conducted himself. He was to be an example for the church to follow. (See 4:12) He was also to pay attention to the doctrine which was the Old Testament, and the doctrine he received from the apostles, particularly Paul. By continuing in these two things, he would save himself and those who heard him. Timothy, of course, could not save or grant anyone eternal life, but it was by living and preaching the truth that people could be saved. There were some in Ephesus whom Timothy was to charge to teach no “other” doctrine (1:3). Some would depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. But by living and preaching the doctrine of God, he might save some who were being deceived.
A pastor’s ministry according to this verse includes not only preaching the truth of the gospel but living according to it. The people of the church are to “hear” him that they might be saved. In order to be saved, we must believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and continue in that belief. Jesus said, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).