1 Timothy 4
September 25
Reading: 1 Timothy 4
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
In the previous chapter, Paul wrote to Timothy about the qualifications of leaders in the body of Christ. Now, in chapter 4, he writes about the proper practice of such leaders. The chapter falls into two parts. He begins with a warning.
The warning of verses 1-5 tells us that some will leave the faith to follow doctrines of demons. These are people who look like Christians, or used to look like Christians, but now are teaching lies. The lies here warned about are the lies of legalism, devotion to man-made rules that do not save. Two such rules are mentioned: forbidding marriage and teaching abstinence from certain foods. Are there any religious traditions that do this?
- Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Just think of all the stuff, politics, pseudo-science, opinions, gossip, etc. that gets passed around as truth among even well-meaning people. Don’t do this. Stick to the Bible (vss. 13-16).
- Rather, train yourself for godliness. Godliness is a word used nine times in 1 Timothy, more than in all the rest of the Bible. It is part of the theme of this letter. A Christian leader is supposed to be godly. This means he is to be focused upon God for his direction, information, and behavior. A godly man resists temptation and sin, displays the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and has his mind and speech shaped by the Word of God.
Verses 11-16 comprise a charge to Timothy, as a young pastor and elder, to stick to the Bible. Read it. Preach it. Teach it. Obey it. Paul is commanding Timothy to make progress in the Word of God, the truth. His salvation and the salvation of his flock depend upon this. (vs. 16)
Are you a leader? Are you part of a church? You ought to be if you are not. Is your church focused upon the Bible in all its instruction and practice? If not, that needs to change, or you need to leave.