Take Heed to Yourself

One such old book that has helped add colour to my own study is Sir Stevenson Arthur Blackwood’s (1832-1893) compilation of “sevens” of scripture, itemised by biblical book. This study is itself fascinating, and in the past, I have often enjoyed comparing and sharing observations of these patterns with more than one young fellow-believer as we’ve moved through the scriptures. 

Many examples are thought-provoking; we recognise the seven sayings of Christ on the cross – less obvious are the seven sayings of God in Eden (Genesis 3). Perhaps many know of the seven signs/miracles of Christ in John’s Gospel – what of the seven prayers of Christ, in Luke’s? How appropriate these latter seem, whilst portraying Him respectively as both the Son of God and the dependent Man. Blackwood says, “we are confronted by the fact that this has been selected by Him”. 

Helped by many such observations of others, we can be alert to similar patterns as we study. Whilst reading Blackwood, I found renewed enjoyment in observing anew other “sevens” in scripture, amongst them those which speak to the discipline of young men and maintenance of spiritual vision. 

One such set occurs within Paul’s writing to his son in the faith, Timothy.

Paul’s epistles deal with many subjects relevant to the arena Timothy has entered. External circumstances, the nature of the times, and hostile characters matter. But to Paul, writing to a young man who he already trusts and values, there is one consideration of paramount importance: Timothy’s own state. 

Paul would have agreed with Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ priorities in preaching/teaching ministry; “At first one tends to think that the great thing is to prepare the sermon, and the sermon does need most careful preparation. But altogether more important is the preparation of the preacher himself." Seven times then, Paul directs the young man Timothy in the epistles to attend to himself. 

Firstly, Paul is concerned that in the company of the saints and house of God, Timothy should “know how to behave yourself.” Conduct in the presence of God should be circumspect, and consciously so. Notice that firstly there is a knowledge of what behaviour is fitting, coupled with a reverence that cares deeply to see such a behaviour practised. This involves sensitivity to the holiness of the place where God presences Himself. His behaviour within the house of God (1 Tim 3:15) ought to be worthy of such a place – which is pillar and ground of the truth. I noticed as well that this is particularly “if I tarry;” that is, even (or especially) in the absence of the mentor or older man. Do we, as younger men, exhibit such conscientious behaviour in ‘house of God’ from convictions formed independent of the quiet influence of older men? 

Not only so, but then “exercise yourself” (4:7). The possession of much energy must be acknowledged in a young man’s mind and life, and yet that energy is a currency to be spent and invested in spiritual activity. Even more than mere activity in fact; spiritual growth. There is implied intent in this command; it becomes much more than opportunistic actions or saying ‘yes’ to invitations for meetings. It is not just a busy calendar. There is unobstructed vision and discipline towards the objective, as there would be in an athlete. The most successful athlete will not jump online each weekend to see what events they can attend; the likelihood is that their entire calendar has one single target. This command amounts to training with a goal – each day being both individually and cumulatively profitable, invested in objective progress to be more like Christ, who Himself evidenced godliness; the Life of God upon earth (1 John 1). 

Personal examination then, is a must. Timothy had much to monitor in terms of others’ behaviour within and without, but Paul reminds him, “take heed to yourself.” This came hard on the heels of specific items which Timothy would need to be attentive to, with reading, exhorting, and teaching (1 Tim 4:13-14) amongst them. Doing this (paying close attention to his own state) would be a preservative for him firstly, and inevitably for those who were to hear him in his teaching ministry (4:16). 

Does this seem like too obvious a directive to give? Timothy was unlikely to let his charge fully escape his mind such were the strength of the reminders from Paul, but distractions can creep into our spiritual sightline. We see the work to be engaged in, but do we have regular sight of our own condition spiritually? The prompt here is to assess our own state and ensure that we are, in fact, giving the diligence to growth that we imagine we are giving to service. Those who we serve will benefit even more. 

Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843) once noted his watch “kept better time in the city than in the country” after a change in ministry location. Habitually, even subconsciously, he would have compared the time shown on his wound pocket-watch with so many other clocks readily available in the city – towers, churches, and shopfronts. In the countryside, with none around, he commented on how poor time his watch began to keep! This anecdote resonated with me, given as it was by M’Cheyne to illustrate something specific – namely, how easily we as Christians can slow spiritually with periods of reduced company, or exposure to “iron sharpening iron” with fellow-Christians. M’Cheyne took heed to his state and noted this, remedying it by prayerful study and companying with saints, and returned to examine it often. 

Paul says of those same items in 4:13-16, “give yourself” to them. Your life is to be given over to study, to the executing of gift in service of others, to be an example of the believers in the spiritual conduct of your life. It is to be devoted to this – a life’s work and love. 

Because of the scale and worthiness of these things, “keep yourself pure” (5:22). In context, it is the avoidance of being easily accused of hasty action against someone, or hasty action alongside someone; both are unwise. The pronoun “yourself” is emphatic – whatever they do, maintain your purity. We are measured in our relations. Yes, this seems insular, but it is simple due diligence. We are always responsible if we engage another person hastily. Further, there are in fact those from whom Timothy is to “withdraw yourself” (6:5). If we are careful and concerned with our own spiritual state, there are brands of company which we avoid. Those who teach contrary to scripture and who delight in the scepticism and cynicism of the world, are not fit company for the young man who aspires to be a man of God. 

In Paul’s last words to Timothy, he challenged him: “Give diligence to present yourself to God as one approved” (2 Tim 2:15). Here we see the standard of self-examination: we do not stand, or fall based upon self-assessment, but we must meet the approval of God. Is this presenting in the here-and-now, or perhaps before the judgement seat of Christ. Scripturally, the latter is not a day which we “present ourselves” – future ‘presenting’ is done by Christ. The former then seems closer to Paul’s immediate thought; always considerate of whether our movements meet the approval of God, and diligent to ensure they do. Our self-appraisal must be honest, because our subjective standard is not the final authority; rather, it must be based upon His Word, and please His eye. 

Prepare yourself, Lloyd-Jones urged each of the younger men he mentored. Paul drew Timothy’s attention to that priority also. Work and service follow. Do not let other items rush you through a transparent assessment of your state in the sight of God, remembering that though we attend to ourselves prior to serving, our work is not for ourselves, but for Him. 

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