In 1 Timothy 4:11-12 by the time Timothy was placed as the pastor of Ephesus the church was pretty well established with seasoned elders and leaders. It was some of those leaders who according to the first chapter verses 3-4 were engaged in false teaching that Timothy was called to correct. To make matters worse these were some of the same men who Paul had also trained but were a good deal older and more experienced than he was.
That’s what this section is all about, “How to stay on the right path while correcting those who are going the wrong way.” Paul starts out in verse 11 saying, “These things command and teach” but in verses 12-16 you will read that every sentence is an exhortation not to others but to Timothy. The word “command” is better rendered as “proclaim” or “announce” and carries the idea of calling one’s attention to something. That reveals a very important truth: “The best way to correct others is by making sure you are correct!” Charles Spurgeon warned, “Beware of being like some, who go about with theological revolvers in their ecclesiastical trousers.” The Bible isn’t to be used like a flamethrower to burn the truth into people; instead it must be modeled and lived out before people!