“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to  
teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message  
when the body of elders laid their hands on you.“

1 Timothy 4:13-14

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September 15, 2025

This week, the question we are exploring together is “Why the Word?” To begin, we turn to a passage in 1 Timothy.  

 Here, Paul instructs Timothy in his responsibilities to the church in Ephesus. Specifically, Timothy is to read Scripture in the presence of the congregation, preach to them, and teach them. The people of God need to be fed from the Word of God. This was true in the first century, and it remains true today. 

 As Jesus-followers, we are to be students of the Bible, seeking both knowledge and understanding. At WBC we are taught the Word corporately from the pulpit and in smaller venues (such as Adult Communities and Life Groups). Knowledge is gained from active receiving and study. Understanding is manifested via application of the knowledge of the Scriptures to life. 

 Preaching uses Scripture to exhort us toward godly thinking and action. Teaching illuminates biblical content to increase our knowledge and understanding. Preaching and teaching overlap, for both share a goal: inspiring listeners to respond with a conviction that motivates action.  

 Paul reminded Timothy of his spiritual gifting, instilled via prophetic message presumably from one of the elders who laid hands on him. The gift is not identified, but seems likely to have been related to Timothy’s preaching and teaching. 

 This exhortation to Timothy can easily be extended to other church leaders—but we as a congregation also have responsibilities. As our pastors devote themselves to reading Scripture, preaching, and teaching, we must devote ourselves to active listening, receiving, study, and application. For some this may involve taking notes during the sermon, though this is not everyone’s learning style. Discussion around the Sunday meal or in a life group can be another way to go deeper and pursue application of the teaching to our lives. Our church often posts the passages to be preached or taught beforehand (even providing daily devotions exploring them!), thus reading and meditating in advance prepares our minds and hearts to receive. 

 Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • How do you prepare yourself to receive preaching and teaching from the pulpit?  
  • What is your learning style for gaining knowledge and understanding from preaching and teaching the Scriptures?  
  • In what areas have you practically applied the preaching and teaching you receive at WBC?    

 Church Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 11; 2 Corinthians 4