This morning I found myself reading through 1 Timothy 4, a chapter where the apostle Paul speaks to Timothy not just as a leader—but as a spiritual son. As I read Paul’s fatherly counsel, my heart couldn’t help but be stirred by memories of Dr. Morris Cerullo and what he would say to me and to millions of spiritual sons and daughters.
I could hear him giving us the same words of encouragement that Paul was sharing with Timothy.
For nearly 40 years, I had the privilege of standing beside this great general of the faith, who was regarded by many as the “Apostle Paul to his generation”.
Many know my story, that as a young student at Oral Roberts University, God spoke to me:
“What would you think about serving another man’s ministry—one that carries the same passion, the same vision, and the same burden for souls that you have? And by serving him, you could accomplish more for Me than if you went yourself.”
I said, “Lord, if I can accomplish more by serving someone else count me in.”
A few days later, the guest speaker in our chapel service was none other than Dr. Morris Cerullo. That day changed my life forever. God called me to serve him and I’ve never looked back.
Even now—nearly five years since Dr. Cerullo went home to be with the Lord—his influence continues to shape my life and ministry. And as I reflected on Paul’s instructions to Timothy, I realized how vividly Dr. Cerullo lived out these seven timeless principles:
1. Stay Nourished in the Word of God
“If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, ONE WHO IS NOURISHED BY THE MESSAGE OF FAITH and the good teaching you have followed.” – 1 Timothy 4:6 (NLT)
That was Dr. Cerullo’s life. His Bible, now on display at the Legacy Center, is worn, marked, and overflowing with handwritten notes. One of his hallmark declarations was: “Fill your mind with the Word of God!”
Dr. Morris Cerullo
He didn’t just preach it—he lived in it. His strength, wisdom, and authority were fed by daily, disciplined time in God’s Word.
2. Avoid Arguing Over Pointless Doctrines or Politics
“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.” – 1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)
Dr. Cerullo didn’t waste time on theological rabbit trails or political debate. He believed in majoring on the majors—and for him, that meant preaching Jesus Christ and reaching a hurting world with the power of the gospel.
He kept the main thing the main thing—and taught us to do the same.
3. Live a Life of Spiritual Discipline
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
Paul urged Timothy to train like an athlete. Dr. Cerullo was one of the most disciplined men of God I’ve ever known.
Another word for discipline is REWARD! There is increased blessing, anointing and favor on the other side of diligence. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that we must believe that God is a rewarder and that his reward is just on the other side of convenience.
He lived a life of fasting, prayer, giving, and tireless focus. On the platform and off, he was the same man—completely committed to the call of God. He avoided distractions, and never let up on his pursuit of the Lord and His calling upon his life.
4. Set an Example Worth Following
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Dr. Cerullo was a man of integrity and example. He was married to one great woman, Theresa, for nearly seven decades. He lived a life free from scandal, and he led his staff, his partners, and his fellow ministers with conviction and consistency.
His greatest sermon may have been the one he lived, not just the ones he preached.
5. Keep Scripture at the Center of Your Ministry
“Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” – 1 Timothy 4:13 (NLT)
Though known for miracles, prophecy, and the supernatural, Dr. Cerullo was first and foremost a Bible preacher. He built his life and his ministry on the word of God and not on sensationalism.
Even now, as we stream his School of Ministry messages to millions worldwide, I’m constantly amazed at the volume of Scripture in his teachings.
He never chased the trend of the moment. His anchor was the Word of God—and that’s why his messages remain timeless and impact people the same way now as when he was alive.
6. Use and Develop the Gifts God Has Given You
“Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.” – 1 Timothy 4:14 (NLT)
Dr. Cerullo believed in speaking to what a person could become. He used to say:
“God is not depending on anything you possess—He’s depending on what He can make of you.”
Through his ministry, over 5 million ministers were raised up and trained, not because he told them what they couldn’t become, but because he saw their potential and pushed them into it. Morris saw something greater in others than they saw in themselves.
He did the same for me. Over and over again, he pushed me out of my comfort zone and into the greater things God had for my life.
7. Stay Focused on Your God-Given Assignment
“Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress… Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” – 1 Timothy 4:15–16 (NLT)
This was perhaps Dr. Cerullo’s greatest strength: focus.
He never veered from the calling to build God an army and preach the gospel to the nations. He didn’t chase every opportunity—he stayed in the lane God gave him. That laser focus defined his legacy.
Final Thoughts
There are so many ways Dr. Cerullo impacted my life. But as I read 1 Timothy 4 today, these seven principles leapt off the page—and I realized, once again, the incredible spiritual legacy I’ve inherited.
Timothy had Paul. I had Morris Cerullo.
And even now, I consider it the honor of my life to continue standing for the vision, continuing the ministry, and being shaped by the godly example of my spiritual father.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to live out 1 Timothy 4—not just preach it, but embody it—just look at the life of Morris Cerullo!
My hope in sharing these seven things is that they encourage someone today the same way they continue to encourage and shape my life and the lives of millions. These timeless principles didn’t end with Dr. Cerullo’s passing—they are still transforming lives around the world. His legacy lives on, not just in memory, but in motion.
People often ask me, “What are you doing now that Dr. Cerullo is in heaven?” And I tell them, “The same thing I was doing while he was here—serving and extending the vision of Morris Cerullo World Evangelism.”
By the grace of God, it is the honor of my life to now serve David Cerullo and continue to be a small part of helping carry that mantle forward as we continue reaching souls, training leaders, and proclaiming God’s Word to the nations until Jesus comes!
If you’d like to know more about the man who lived these truths so powerfully, I encourage you to visit the official Morris Cerullo biography page. There, you’ll discover how God raised up a young orphan to shake nations with the gospel, train millions of leaders, and leave a legacy that continues to impact the world.
Finally, you may want to check out my book, The Blessing of Serving Another Man’s Ministry: 7 Serving Secrets That Will Sentence You To Success! It shares the story of how God called me to serve Dr. Morris Cerullo and the lessons I learned over nearly 40 years by his side. The book has sold nearly 50,000 copies and includes behind-the-scenes stories, personal reflections, and the seven greatest serving principles that helped shape my life and calling.
