SCRIPTURE 1TI 3:14-16 14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1TI 4:1-16 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 For bidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 T his is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee , which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

MEMORY VERSE 1TI 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

We considered the qualifications for the pastor (elder, bishop) in the first part of chapter 3. We also considered the qualifications of deacons. Deacons have the same type of qualification that demands real character as does the pastor. Both offices are scriptural offices. Both offices are useful offices. There is no conflict between these two offices. The pastor’s office is one of leadership, administration, and direction. The deacon’s office is one of service...releasing the pastor to study, pray, and "feed the flock". The right combination of these two offices makes a very successful church.

VERSE 14 1Tim 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

Paul is writing to Timothy. Timothy is in charge (pastoring) the church at Ephesus. There are some problems. Paul had spent some three years here establishing this church, undergirding it and teaching the doctrines. Paul said that he was with them night and day "with tears". Evidently this church weighed heavily upon Paul.

NOTE: We believe that Paul had a Bible training center here. We believe that many preachers were trained here and went out with the gospel message into Asia. We believe that Paul built a great soul-winning church here.

However, Paul has been removed from the scene through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. It now seems that there is a chance that he will get to come back. He desires to come back.... He wants to visit the church and the people.. He thinks it will be just a short time before he can come. he did come as close as Miletus... called for the elders of the church to meet him there on his way to Jerusalem... He spent some time with the elders and then on to Jerusalem, and ultimately was arrested, imprisoned, sent to Rome and executed.

VERSE 15 1Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

THIS IS THE KEY VERSE. This is Paul’s purpose in writing. He wants to return.. but if under the leadership of the Holy Spirit he does not get to do so... He wants to be sure that Timothy knows what to do. He wants Timothy instructed in the administration of the church. He wants Timothy to be knowledgable in the work. He wants Timothy to take the leadership role and pastor the church.

"Mayest know how to behave thyself" The word does not mean "deportment" as such. Timothy must know how to supervise worship and the selection of officers. He must bear in mind that he has not been entrusted with a private business but with GOD’S HOUSE. Believers are God’s House or Sanctuary... 1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

God dwells in them.

Paul wants Timothy to know how to lead and guide and direct God’s people. He is the under shepherd. They are the "flock of God" over which he has been made the overseer... Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

"Which is the church of the living God," Not the temple of dead idols... such as the Temple of Diana. This refers to a local body of baptized believers. The church at Ephesus was the church of the living God. It was the body of Christ. The baptized believers were "fitly framed together".

NOTE: The church is God’s possession. It belongs to Him... 1Co 6:19-20 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

He purchased it with His own blood. Christ loved the church and have Himself for it. Because it is His... He can and does give us the principles by which it shall be guided and directed. He, and He alone, guarantees it success and ultimate victory. "T he gates of hell shall not prevail against it" Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The pillar and ground of the truth" In contrast to temples of dead gods, this one is living. In contrast to other temples where error is taught.... This church is truth’s pillar. This church is truth’s foundation. 1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

The church is to present God’s truth. The church is God’s representative on earth carrying God’s message.

VERSE 16 1Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

This is a sublime verse. it covers the whole doctrine of Christ... His pre-existence... His virgin birth... his sinless life... His sacrificial death... His glorious resurrection... His High Priesthood at God’s right hand... And this entails His Coming Again to receive us to Himself.

Great is the church because Great is its Head... Jesus Christ. It is Christ who is GREAT... acknowledged by the church in its daily witness, its preaching, and its hymns.

"without controversy" Without argument... no one can successfully argue against it. Without debate... this is not a debatable subject. Without question... Christ is unquestionable the Son of God. This is an indisputable fact. This is a known fact. No one... with any intelligence at all can deny it. The psalmist said... "The fool saith in his heart... NO GOD."

"great is the mystery of godliness" Remember a "mystery" is something that had been hidden that is now revealed. The mystery of godliness... our devotion. This has to do with godly living. This has to do with our lives for Christ.

Christ is the mystery of our devotion... Why will a man give up the world and all that it means? Why will a man suffer for righteousness sake? Why will a man suffer persecution, beatings etc? CHRIST.....

Paul said, "The love of Christ constrains me" Paul’s desire... "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..." Christ unveils the mystery... He is the reason for our godly living.

"God was manifest in the flesh" His eternal existence is understood... Joh 1:1-14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a wit ness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, a nd the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

He did not begin at birth... any more than He ended at death. At his birth He showed Himself to be a man. He who thought it not robbery to be equal with God... was made in the likeness of sinful man... In order to fulfill the mission on which He embarked... Heb 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

In that human body, He made His appearance amongst men. 1JO 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

That Form, whose feet rod the ways of Galilee was the same form that was the Fourth man in the furnace in Dan. 3:25. Just as He delivered them from the "fire" so HE will deliver us from that "eternal fire".

This is His Incarnation. This is His becoming flesh and dwelling among men. This includes His being tempted in all points such as we... without sin. This includes His expiation for sin on the Cross. This includes His resurrection from the dead. A church that does not uphold that ought to be discontinued.

This is the foundation upon which we rest as a church. This is a declaration of what happened. This is the detailed working out of God’s eternal purpose. This is the way that God planned it in the counsel hails of eternity past. Nothing happens by chance. Nothing happens by an accident.

"justified in the Spirit" God assumed human nature in His incarnation for the salvation of men. In this incarnation, the Holy Spirit justified or vindicated deity and claims. As God in the flesh He was proclaimed to all nations. wherever He was proclaimed, He was accepted by faith. The Father’s reception of Him into glory after His resurrection was a demonstration of His deity in the flesh and a vindication of all His claim while He was in the flesh. The Holy Spirit justified Him: At His baptism... John recognized Him as the "Lamb of God" that taketh away the sin of the world. That knowledge came thru the Holy Spirit.

All His miracles and teachings were by the Spirit resting on Him without measure.

The sacrifice He made in His body for the sins of the world was THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT.

In raising His body from the dead... "He was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, even Christ our Lord."

The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was to a credit or give power to the church whose mission was to proclaim truth.

"Seen of angles" Doubtless angels watched His departure to this earth. They watched His human growth and development to manhood. They watched Him as He was tempted by the devil. They watched Him as He went about doing good. They watched over Him in t he Garden experience. They watched and were ready to come to Him on the cross... but He never called for their assistance. They evidently opened the prison-door of death, and when He came forth from the tomb... they announced His resurrection.

"Preached unto the Gentiles" Rather, to the nations. This news was not for the Jews only... but for the world. Christ is Christianity... or Christianity is Christ. We are to preach HIM.

"Believed on in the world" Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

All thru the ages, this has been true. It is still true... "Whosoever believeth". He is to be believed ON... not ABOUT. We are to abandon ourselves to Him. Heaven is made up of those who believe ON him.

NOTE: Not everyone will believe. Not all will be saved. Not everyone will get to heaven. But those who BELIEVE ON HIM will get to heaven.

"Received up into glory" This is His ascension. If God had not received Him, all of His claims would have been set aside. But the record tells us that the last time the disciples saw him, He was ascending up into heaven. Stephen saw Him standing at t he right hand of God. God saw the travail of His soul on Calvary... was satisfied... and received Him into glory after His resurrection.

1Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; "Now"... literally "but"... contrasting what is about to be said with verse 16 of Chapter 3... The chapter begins with a view of the synagogue of Satan, upholding the Mystery of Lawlessness. 3:16... God’s intervention was a mystery. 4:1... Satan’s intervention is a mystery. These two mysteries are in opposition... One working to man’s salvation.... The other working to man’s damnation.

"the Spirit speaketh expressly" This might have been a direct revelation to Paul It might have been a well-understood thing as taught by the Holy Spirit. However... Paul is speaking directly by the Holy Spirit... he is speaking "expressly"... without argument. There is no mistaking Who or What gave these instructions. These are not a figment of Paul’s imagination. These are not Paul’s "pet-peeves". This was an expression of God, thru the Holy Spirit. This is plain language... not speaking in types , pictures, etc. THIS WAS IMPORTANT. Timothy is to give heed.... to know how to administrate the church.

"that in the latter times" That is under the dispensation of grace... so-called. During the Times of the Gentiles. During the time when God’s plan and program is building to the Day of the Lord.

NOTE: This is NOT just in the end of that dispensation of time... This is DURING that dispensation of time. These things were already in active operation in Ephesus. These things have always been in operation in churches. These things will continue t o be until Jesus comes.

"some shall depart from the faith" They will depart from the body of doctrine as in 3:16. The ways in which they depart is in the following verses. "Some" indicates "few"... not all. Not every one would adhere to what is taught in 3:16. Some will leave that doctrine.

"giving heed to seducing spirits" "Seducing " means wandering, roving,

misleading, leading to error. "Spirits" refer to evil

spirits... actuating human agents of Satan... Joh 4:1 When therefore

the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and

baptized more disciples than John,

Satan sends forth demons... these demons enter into false teachers. Satan uses human beings to proclaim his doctrine... just like God uses human beings (led of the Holy Spirit) to proclaim His doctrine.

NOTE: This is a deliberate and concentrated effort on the part of Satan. This is Satan’s method.

"and doctrines of devils" Matt 12:43 speaks of these devils... wandering in desolate places, and going beck to the habitation. The doctrine of devils is in contrast to the doctrine of God. Matt 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

"speaking lies in hypocrisy" Men are led astray by those who are hypocrites... they claim to be what they are not... they are counterfeit... Even then... they can deceive the very elect of God. False doctrines are promoted by hypocrites...

"having their conscience seared with a hot iron..." Their conscience has been branded... This comes from the practice of branding slaves or criminals, usually on the brow... easily detected. These deceivers... ministers of Satan... are not acting under delusion, but deliberately... against conscience. They have to "steal" conscience... sear it... until it becomes unfeeling. They are no longer sensitive to the things of God. They can practice deceit without concern. They can scourge, burn, and kill the innocent without compassion. They do their wickedness under the mask of piety.

"forbidding to marry" This evidently speaks of celibacy and virginity. Those who abstain from marriage are supposedly more holy than those who do. This is the doctrine of Satan. God intended for us to marry... the bed is undefiled. The Bible does not even intimate that a servant of God should remain unmarried... but on the contrary tells us that the bishop should be the husband of one wife. "commanding to abstain from meats" Literally... from all foods... fastings. To withhold foods at certain times .

"which God hath created" God created all things for man’s sustenance. God gave these to man for food. Hence, it could not be a religious duty to abstain from them.

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused... IF it is received with thanksgiving" Every thing that God made is good for the purpose for which God made it. It is good in its place. A thing that is poisonous is not necessarily good f or food... but it is good for what God made it.

We are to receive what God gives with thanksgiving. It is set apart... sanctified... by the Word of God. Or, by the authority and permission of God. It is made for our proper use by His permission. No command of man makes it unholy or improper.

"and prayer" What God gives, we should pray over.

VERSE 6 1Tim 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

"Brethren" concerns those of like faith... those to whom Timothy is to minister. These are those that have been saved. These are those who need to be fed the Word of God.

"Remembrance of these things" Paul tells Timothy to remind the believers of these things. These were subjects that would be taught and preached. They needed to be conscious of Satan’s tricks and power. They needed to be reminded so they could be watchful.

"thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ" The word "minister" here is the word servant. Timothy would be a good servant of Jesus Christ. He would have a balanced ministry. His people would not be caught "off guard".

"nourished up in the words of faith" Paul reminds Timothy of his training and how he had been diligently taught... SO... Timothy is to teach others. Someone was patient in teaching us... we need to be patient in teaching others.

Timothy had been EXPOSED TO GOOD DOCTRINE. He had not been exposed to all the cults. His teaching was positive.. not negative.

He had followed closely after such doctrines. He had not been a disappointment to his mother or grandmother. He had not been a disappointment to Paul. He had not stepped aside to false theories or doctrines. he had not listened to the hypocrites. He was strong in the faith.

VERSE 7 1Tim 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

"But refuse" Refuse to listen. Refuse to pay attention. Reject them forthrightly. Do not consider them of any significance.. Do not let them occupy your time.

"profane" The absence of divine or sacred character.

"old wives fables" Stories that old women held to be important. The word is used in the sense of ‘silly’.

"exercise thyself unto godliness" The word "exercise" speaks of Greek athletes engaging in athletic exercises... Just as they exercised physically... Timothy was to exercise his mind, his emotions, his will... the spiritual part of man.

He was to do this with a view of godliness. He was to do this to keep his mind and body in control. He as to do this so that he could become strong in the Lord. He was to do this so that he would always be strong enough to ‘ward off’ the Satanic doctrines.

VERSE 8 1Tim 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Paul is NOT saying that bodily exercise is improper or unprofitable.

He is NOT saying that it does not have a health advantage.

NOTE: We do know that bodily exercise does profit. It is good for us to exercise the body. exercise keeps the body toned... alive... quick, etc.

The pagans used bodily exercise as a means of worship. And Paul is saying this is of little or no value in building the spiritual man.

"godliness is profitable unto all things" There is not an interest of man, in reference to this life, or the life to come... which godliness would not promote. It is favorable to the health of the body... promotes temperance, industry, and frugality. I t is favorable to the mind... it produces intellect. it is favorable to the conscience... makes a man sober, honest, prudent, and gives a man a good name. It brings comfort in trial, in death, and immortal peace beyond the grave.

Real godliness injures no one... It does not destroy health. It does not enfeeble the intellect. It does not disturb the conscience. It does not diminish the honor of a good name. It does not promote crime. It furnishes the promise of whatever is really necessary for us in this life. Psa 1:1-6 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psa 23:1-6 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matt 6:25-33 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air : for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day i s, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

There is nothing that a man really NEEDS in this life, that is not promised by a right relation with Christ. "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seen begging bread."

VERSES 9,10 1Tim 4:9-10 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Paul’s exercise was different from the pagans. "we both labor and suffer reproach" Labor... to the point of exhaustion. Suffer reporach... a word from which we get our word ‘agony’. Both words denote strenuous and painful effort. "we labor, yea struggle".

The reason for this strenuous and painful effort is "we trust in the living God" Our God is not dead...lifeless...helpless. Our God lives. We can well afford to labor to the point of exhaustion. We can well afford to agonize in painful effort.

"who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." He is a Savior to all men... In the sense of His providential care over them. In the sense of His preservation of them. In the provision of salvation for them. HOWEVER.... those that believe are really saved. His death was sufficient for all... His death is efficient to those who believe.

He is not teaching universal salvation. he has provided salvation for all... and stand ready to save any sinner that will believe.

VERSE 11 1Tim 4:11 These things command and teach.

Paul solemnly charges Timothy to command and teach these things. These are things that not only Timothy should know... but he should teach them to others also. There is more to do that "just get people saved." They are to be taught to "observe all things..."

VERSE 12 1Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Timothy was a young man... some think about 38 or 40. Probably many of the Ephesian elders were older than he.

The words "young" and "old" are used relatively to the average age at which men attain to positions in the world. 40 is old for a captain in the army... young for a bishop... and very young for a Prime Minister.

"Despise" means contempt felt in the mind which is displayed in injurious action. Paul is telling Timothy not to let men PUSH HIM ASIDE as a stripling. "Stop allowing men to despise you... "Assert the dignity of your office even though men think you are too young to hold it." Timothy was not to give them any ground for despising his youth. Paul tells him to live so that they will not despise his youth.

"an example to the believers" He was to "keep on being an example..." He was the leader, the shepherd... the overseer. He was to "do and he wanted them to do." His life was a pattern, the which that every one of them should follow. "Be ye followers of men, even as I am of Christ."

"in word" His daily talk... his teaching and instruction. he was to be an example in his words. he was to talk right, teach right.

"in conversation" In his mode of life. His manner of life was to be an example to the flock. He was to so live that others would follow him.

"in charity" This word is LOVE. 1Co 13

"in spirit" This has to do with the meekness, mildness, and the forgiving disposition.

"in faith" At all times and in all trials to show believers by your example how you maintained confidence in God.

"in purity" Purity of mind, of thought, of motive, of life... There was to be no indiscreetness in life so as to cause others to misunderstand.

VERSE 13 1Tim 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Timothy is to read... to study to show himself approved unto God. He is to read the Scriptures in the assembly. He is to exhort on the basis of what he reads. He is to teach them the doctrines of the Word.

VERSE 14 1Tim 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

The give was that given from God by the Holy Spirit... It was a gift to teach. This gift was afore prophesied to Paul... evidently had something to do with the choice Paul made in putting Timothy over the church. The laying on of hands was ordination... This was an act of identification.

VERSE 15, 16 1Tim 4:15-16 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them t hat hear thee.

He was to meditate... He was to give himself wholly... sell out to Christ. In so doing, the blessings of God upon him would be seen by others. They would see how God was blessing. He was to "take heed unto thyself" We are to watch ourselves. We are to take heed to doctrine. We are to continue in these doctrines.

The salvation here is not the salvation of the soul. It is salvation from false doctrine. It is salvation from demonized men. It is salvation from the errors of false gods. it is the salvation of the life.