5 Paul's Charge Concerning False Teachers
Paul’s Charge Concerning False Teachers Letters to Timothy #5 –1 Timothy 4:1-16: Paul’s Charge Concerning False Teachers
Recognizing false teachers (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
Accept the reality of false teachers (1 Timothy 4:1 a)
They are predicted by the Holy Spirit
They have “departed from” (deserted, abandoned) the faith
They have done this purposely (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
We dare not pretend that all differences over doctrine are a result of sincere disagreement or a need for more teaching!
There are people who deliberately infiltrate and undermine congregations in order to reshape them (Ephesians 4:14)
Sources of their false teachings
They are “addicted” to these teachings (same word as in 1 Timothy 3:8, “addicted to much wine”)
They follow deceitful spirits & doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1 b)
The Devil is actively working to undermine sound doctrine
It is not the Holy spirit who leads people into division!
A seared conscience (1 Timothy 4:2) – literally “cauterized” – it is no longer capable of sensing right and wrong behaviour
Actions of the false teachers coming to Ephesus (1 Timothy 4:3)
They appear to have been early Gnostics, who became a much bigger problem in the 2nd century A.D.
They were “dualist”, believing that the universe is made of matter (inherently evil) and spirit (inherently good)
They believed that one became more godly and spiritual through suppression of the flesh (cf. Colossians 2:20-23)
Forbidding marriage – believed human sexuality was inherently dirty and repulsive
Forbidding certain foods – believed that enjoyment of foods was vulgar and worldly
Paul’s refutation of these false doctrines (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
God’s creation was inherently good before the Fall
Sexuality was part of God’s creation (Genesis 1:27-28)
Enjoyment of food was part of God’s creation (Genesis 1:29)
These things are still good and pure, if they are kept within God’s limits, and with an attitude of reverence to God
How to counter false teachers (1 Timothy 4:6-11)
“Set these things before the brethren” (1 Timothy 4:6 a)
Paul has just given an example of how to react...
Expose and explain the false teaching
Counter it with correct, Bible-based teaching
“Inoculate” the brethren by preparing them ahead of time to resist the false teachings they are going to encounter
Train in the word & doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6 b)
Literally “brought up in” (cf. Hebrews 5:12-14)
It cannot be an on-again, off-again, hit-or-miss approach
This “upbringing” has to be consciously provided for by the elders of the church (Titus 1:9)
This “upbringing” has to be consciously received by the individual Christian through Bible class, personal study, etc.
Avoid foolish arguments (1 Timothy 4:7 a)
Some people just like to argue, and don’t intend to listen
If they don’t listen, move on to those who will (Luke 9:5)
Sometimes answering a foolish question only encourages them to ask another
Train in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
“Train” is “gumnazo”, from which we get “gymnasium”
Just as we need to train in our knowledge of the Scriptures, we need to train in our practice of the Scriptures!
Staying in “spiritual shape” is just as hard as staying in physical shape, and is far more important
Don’t get distracted from the goal (1 Timothy 4:10)
A runner has to focus on the goal to win (1 Corinthians 9:24)
Will we get to heaven by accident?
How to handle yourself in the process (1 Timothy 4:11-16)
Instead of sinking to their level, set an example
Devote yourself to teaching sound doctrine
Devote yourself to the practice of sound doctrine (Ezra 7:10)
Keep an eye on your own spiritual condition as you look after others (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)