A Portrait of Faithful Ministry

Aaron Birk September 20, 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

Aaron Birk

Roles

Pastor of Faith West Ministries - Faith Church

Pastor of International Ministries - Faith Church

Bio

B.S. – Accounting and Management, Purdue University
M.Div. – Faith Bible Seminary

Aaron is married to Tirzah and has four children: Zemirah, Boaz, Keziah, and Isaiah. Aaron is the Pastor of Global Missions for Faith Church and Pastor of Faith West Ministries. Aaron oversees Faith Church West, international student and family ministries, missionaries, and short-term missions. He teaches in Faith’s Biblical Counseling Ministries and is certified as a biblical counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).