The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy:
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 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 prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:11-16 NIV)
In a day and age where our culture is offended by the idea of absolute truth and the authority and inerrancy of the scriptures, it is worth answering the question:
Do you watch (take heed, guard, protect) the doctrine that you teach from the Bible when you speak?
As a minister of the Gospel, you are called to:
-Set an example...
-Devote yourself (be dilligent, give yourself wholly) to publicly read scripture, preach & teach
-Watch your life & doctrine closely
-Perservere in living a righteous life & in teaching correct doctrine
Insterestingly enough, in doing so, you will save yourself and your hearers.
The next time you are preparing and delivering a message, take sufficient time to ask and answer the question, "How well am I guarding my doctrine."
