Introduction: Paul wanted Timothy to have a successful life and ministry which could withstand criticism. In 1 Tim 4:12-16 he gives him fundamental advice. Like painting a landscape, a life-ministry has multiple layers: background, foreground and highlights. 12a Let no one look down on your youthfulness, 12b but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. • Background: these things are common to the lives of all Christians. Like a horizon is common to the background of all landscapes, we are all to be of Christ. • Your (what you say and what you do) should be by love and by faith and result in a life that is . 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. • Foreground: each of us has a spiritual gift. Combined with our personality it lies in the foreground of our life and it makes us . • Your spiritual gift will be by and used for the of the church when you seek to discover what it is and put it into . 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16a Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, • Highlights: It’s the painstaking details that set the painting apart and bring it to life. • The model Christian life is not half-hearted or easy. It will require , and . 16b for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. • The are high. Your life and ministry can have a tremendous impact on you, the church and the lost world around you. Commit to pray and examine the canvas of your life and remember: “YOU’RE A WORK OF ART. BE A MASTERPIECE!”