A Portrait of Faithful Ministry

Trey Garner September 27, 2026 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Outline

I. A Life Anchored in Truth

1 Timothy 4:6-7 - In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…

A. Nourish yourself on sound doctrine

B. Reject godless myths and old wives’ tales

II. A Life Disciplined for Godliness

1 Timothy 4:7-10 - …On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

A. Train yourself in godliness

B. Labor and strive because your hope is in the living God

III. A Life that Teaches and Models the Gospel

1 Timothy 4:11-12 - Prescribe and teach these things. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

A. Command and teach these things

B. Set an example for the believers

IV. A Life Devoted to Scripture and Ministry Gifts

1 Timothy 4:13 - Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.

A. Devote yourself to public reading of Scripture

B. Devote yourself to exhortation and teaching

C. Do not neglect the gift given to you

1 Timothy 4:14 - Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery.

V. A Life of Progress, Perseverance, and Watchfulness

1 Timothy 4:15-16 - Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

A. Be diligent in these matters

B. Watch your life and doctrine closely

C. Persevere in them

Authors

Trey Garner

Roles

Pastor of Children's Ministries - Faith Church

Bio

B.F.A. - Musical Theatre, Texas State University
M.F.A. - Acting, Purdue University
M.Min. - Grace Theological Seminary

Pastor Trey Garner joined our staff in 2001. He and his wife, Deb, were married that year, and they have two children. Trey oversees our Children’s Ministries, which serves infants, preschoolers, and K-5th grade students. He also provides pastoral care for those who attend the 8:00 a.m. worship service at our east campus.

Read Trey Garner's Journey to Faith for the full account of how the Lord led Pastor Garner to Faith Church.