“Give Attention to the Public Reading of Scripture” - 1 Timothy 4:13-16

Have we made the art of communication of more value than what is communicated?  Marshall McLuhan (A Canadian philosopher who influenced the study of media theory) famously quipped, “the medium is the message.”  Is that where we have ended?  If so then we are in line for the same adjustment Paul meted out to the Corinthians, some of  whom placed great store in the rhetorical art of persuasion.  He was not a trained orator, or if he was, he did not rely on the art of communication to communicate what needed to be communicated.  He put his faith elsewhere, stating the wisdom of this world, and the means of its dissemination, are of no eternal value – on the contrary, it only maintains the systems of this world (beggarly elements) which are by nature the antithesis of the gospel. 

Corinth was steeped in honour culture, social stratification, slaves and masters, the haves and the have nots, which, when echoed in the behaviour of the church militated against the gospel, that calls all God’s people one body, one family with neither male not female nor social status identifying them.  The crucified Lord is the new pattern of life which is inimical to the world’s wisdom.  Our identity isn’t social, sexual, or fiscal - it is being in Christ, together.  

Prayerfully communicated scripture, read to the church, “will save yourself and your hearers.”  (1 Timothy 4:16) You don’t have to be a masterful speaker to masterfully communicate scripture – it communicates itself in the hearing of those listening.  It is by the reading of scripture that faith comes – faith in what Christ has accomplished, faith in God’s nature and being, and more.  (It is faith in, and then by extension, faith for.)  

Do we give attention to the public reading of scripture, or do we employ scripture to validate our messages  - by the which faith certainly doesn’t come?  Is scripture spoken only in passing, or do we give attention to it? It is likely the answer to this will determine the discipleship of our people, the means of their transformation into Christ-mindedness, and even the definition of the church itself. 

Public reading is a shared process – scripture is read, instruction is given, people hear, and faith is built.  Reliance is in the power of God’s word being articulated, not in the rhetorical skills of the speaker.  This may not always draw a crowd, but it will grow the church Jesus promised he would build.

Paul saw the growth and holiness of the people being consistent with their obedience to the word of God.  You won’t grow unless you hear, and you won’t hear unless scripture is prioritised, and you won’t prioritise scripture unless you believe in its inherent efficacy and divine inspiration.  

Give attention to the public reading of scripture – for God’s (people’s) sake.