Tested Metal, Tested Mettle

“‘Be diligent to present yourself approved to God’ (v. 15, emphasis ours) As a young preacher, Timothy was exhorted to exert every effort to present himself to God as one approved. That term comes from the world of industry and coinage; it has to do with the testing of metals”

Olford, Anointed Expository Preaching, (p. 53).

Mulish Preachers

“Unnumbered hours have been spent trying to straighten out men who are too proud to listen to words of caution or counsel. Such preachers attract gullible followers because of their natural charisma and seductive oratory; but they do more harm than can be estimated this side of eternity.”

Olford, Anointed Expository Preaching, p. 40

An Editor Should Have Caught That

[Concerning 1 Tim. 6:3-5] “In Paul’s day, there were liberal teachers and preachers, just as we have them in our time, and Paul was most concerned that young Timothy not be caught up in the ‘battle of words’ which characterized their brand of indoctrination. William Barclay informs us . . .”

Olford, Anointed Expository Preaching, p. 39

Man of God

“In Old Testament times, this appellation was assigned to a person who had been entrusted with a divine office. Moses was called ‘the man of God’ (Dt. 33:1); David was called ‘the man of God’ (2 Chron. 8:14); Elijah was called ‘man of God’ (2 Kings 1:9); the prophets were called ‘men of God’ (1 Sam. 2:27) . . . in the above text [1 Tim. 6:11], however, the apostle has in mind young Timothy, who had been called to be the preacher and pastor of the church(es) in the city of Ephesus and its environs.”

Olford, Anointed Expository Preaching, pp. 38-39

Backbone Not Optional

“‘For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For it I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ’ (v. 10). In the light of these solemn words that Paul boldly asserts, the matter of fearless preaching becomes a ‘must’ to the authentic preacher”

Olford, Anointed Expository Preaching, p. 15