1 Timothy 4:15,16 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Meditate on these things On the instructions I have given thee, or the things mentioned 1 Timothy 4:13. True meditation implies the lively exercise of faith, hope, love, joy, as it were melted down together by the fire of God's Holy Spirit, and offered up to God in secret. Give thyself wholly to them On this passage Bengelius writes, He that is wholly in these things, will be little in worldly company, in other studies, in collecting books, shells, coins, wherein many pastors consume a considerable part of their lives. That thy profiting Thy proficiency in knowledge and wisdom, holiness and usefulness; may appear unto all To their edification and the honour of the gospel. Take heed unto thyself To the state of thy own soul, thy growth in grace, the motives of thy actions, and thy whole spirit and conduct; and to thy doctrine That it be true, important, and adapted to the state and character of thy hearers. Continue in them In attention to all the preceding advices, and especially in this diligent care respecting both thy life and doctrine. For in doing this With zeal, constancy, and perseverance; thou shalt both save thyself and those that hear thee What a powerful argument is here suggested to engage ministers to preach the doctrines of the gospel with truth, zeal, fidelity, and diligence, and to set a proper example before their hearers! By thus faithfully discharging their duty, they will give satisfactory proof of the reality of their faith and love, and the sincerity of their obedience, and, persevering in this way, will save themselves eternally. In the mean time by their sound doctrine, and, edifying example, they will impress their hearers with such a just sense of the truth and excellence of Christianity, as to induce them also to believe and obey the gospel, so that they likewise will be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.