Bible Diary - 1 Timothy 4:1-16
February 27, 2008
Today we, like Timothy, are living in the “later times.” I understand that this period will continue until history as we know it comes to an end with the promised return of Christ and the final judgment. Then, as now, some professing Christians deny the faith by adding special requirements to the gospel, like prohibiting marriage or abstaining from certain foods. Paul deals with the latter by simply saying all food is acceptable if it is received with thanksgiving. Why? Simply because food is part of God’s creation for the benefit of mankind.
Timothy’s Ministry in the Later Times
4:1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings, 4:2 influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 4:3 They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4:4 For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 4:5 For it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.
4:6 By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 4:7 But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness. 4:8 For “physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” 4:9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 4:10 In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.
4:11 Command and teach these things. 4:12 Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. 4:13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you. 4:15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress. 4:16 Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
Timothy is encouraged to train himself for godliness and not neglect the spiritual gifts he has been given. By so doing he will be able to confront the false teachers confidently and prevent others from being seduced by those “whose consciences are seared.” I also will do well by taking this advice to heart. I understand Paul’s thinking of training for godliness as being much like physical training to compete in a foot race. If the race is worthwhile, let alone eternally important, it deserves serious training.
Like many young men, Timothy may find himself intimidated by older and presumably wiser men. Paul says that if Timothy keeps his eye on the ball and absorbs himself in proclaiming the gospel in both words and the way he lives, he can be confident. Godly wisdom trumps worldly wisdom.
Dave, older but not necessarily wiser.
-sdg-
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