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.
We
are to labor to live a life of godliness: a life that is simply focused on Christ.
And out of our love for Christ, we will obey Him and we will love others as He
did for our heart is in tune with His heart. As we labor for this type of life,
we will suffer reproach, but don’t be disheartened, for we trust in the living
God, who has laid down His life to save all men and is especially regarded as
Savior by those who Believe on His Name.
After all the things in spoken Paul’s letter up to this point, he commands
Timothy to command and teach. It is very interesting that he uses the word command.
We live in an American culture today that almost rebels against the idea of
commanding anyone to do anything; yet Paul said to Timothy: Command and teach
these things to the Body of Christ—the flock—under your care. Go and do
likewise.
1
Tim 4:10-11 (KJV)
