Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 4:16

"Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee." — 1 Timothy 4:16 (ASV)

The first thing that every Christian worker must watch is his or her own life —not only one’s outward life but also one’s inner thoughts and feelings. No matter how straight people may be in their doctrine or how effective they may be in their teaching, if there is a flaw in their inner or outer lives, it will ruin them. This is where many ministers have failed tragically. While watching over others, pastors must keep an eye on themselves.

To “persevere” (GK 2152) means to persist in doing something. Paul is instructing Timothy to keep on doing the things he has been writing about. By so doing, he will save both himself and his hearers. For a soul-winner to save others and lose his or her own soul is an unmitigated tragedy. To save one’s own soul and have one’s hearers lost is no less tragic.