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1 Timothy 4

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‹ Chapter 3 1 Timothy — All Chapters Chapter 5 ›

“THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY”

Chapter Four IN THIS CHAPTER

  1. To learn what we can about the apostasy foretold by the Spirit

  2. To see what sort of things will make one a good minister of Jesus Christ

SUMMARY Paul begins this chapter with describing how the Spirit has revealed that in latter times there would be an apostasy in which some would depart from the faith. This falling away would come about as people gave heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, leading to their speaking lies in hypocrisy and searing their consciences as with a hot iron. Examples of their false doctrines are given: forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from certain foods. Regarding the latter, Paul makes it clear that all foods are acceptable if they be received with thanksgiving, for they are sanctified by the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:1-5).

In the last half of this chapter, we find Paul instructing Timothy on how he can be a good minister of Jesus Christ. By instructing the brethren in matters pertaining to sound doctrine, he will also be nourished himself. But he should also be careful to avoid foolish fables, and rather exercise himself to godliness, which is of more enduring value than bodily exercise (1 Timothy 4:6-10).

Though Timothy is young, he should not let anyone despise him for his youth. Instead he must demonstrate the proper example of how a believer should speak and live. With further instruction as to what things to give attention, Paul encourages Timothy that by following these admonitions his progress will be evident to all, and he will save both himself and those who hear him (1 Timothy 4:11-16).

OUTLINE I. THE COMING (1 Timothy 4:1-5) A. THE (1 Timothy 4:1-2)1. Foretold expressly by the Spirit (1 Timothy 4:1) 2. In latter times some will depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1-2) a. Giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1 b) b. Speaking lies in hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:2 a) c. Having consciences seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:2 b)

B. THE (1 Timothy 4:3-5)1. Some will forbid to marry (1 Timothy 4:3 a) 2. Some will command abstention from certain foods (1 Timothy 4:3 b) a. Which God created to be received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:3 c) b. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused (1 Timothy 4:4 a)

  1. If it is received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4 b)
  2. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:5)

II. A GOOD SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST (1 Timothy 4:6-16) A. IN REGARDS TO (1 Timothy 4:6-7 a)1. Instruct the brethren in regards to such things as the apostasy (1 Timothy 4:6 a) 2. You will be a good minister of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 4:6 b) 3. You will be nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6 c) 4. But reject profane and old wives’ fables (1 Timothy 4:7 a)

B. IN REGARDS TO (1 Timothy 4:7-10)1. Exercise yourself to godliness, for bodily exercise profits a little (1 Timothy 4:7-8 a) 2. But godliness is profitable for all things, having promise… a. Of the life that now is (1 Timothy 4:8 b) b. And of that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:8 c) 3. Such is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance (1 Timothy 4:9) 4. And to this end we labor and suffer reproach (1 Timothy 4:10 a) a. Because we trust in the living God (1 Timothy 4:10 b) b. Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10 c)

C. COUNSEL FOR A YOUNG (1 Timothy 4:11-16)1. Command and teach such things as previously described (1 Timothy 4:11) 2. Let no one despise your youth (1 Timothy 4:12 a) 3. Be an example to the believers (1 Timothy 4:12 b) a. In word, in conduct, in love b. In spirit, in faith, in purity 4. Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13) 5. Do not neglect the gift in you (1 Timothy 4:14 a) a. Given by prophecy (1 Timothy 4:14 b) b. With the laying on of hands of the presbytery (1 Timothy 4:14 c) 6. In order that your progress may be evident to all… a. Meditate on these things (1 Timothy 4:15 a) b. Give yourself entirely to them (1 Timothy 4:15 b) 7. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16 a) a. Continue in them (1 Timothy 4:16 b) b. In doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:16 b)

REVIEW FOR THE CHAPTER

  1. What are the main points of this chapter?- The coming apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

  1. What did the Spirit reveal would happen in latter times? (1 Timothy 4:1)- Some will depart from the faith

  2. What would such people give heed to? (1 Timothy 4:1)- Deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons

  3. What would they speak? Why? (1 Timothy 4:2)- Lies in hypocrisy

  • Their consciences would be seared, as with a hot iron

  1. List two examples of the sort of doctrines they would teach (1 Timothy 4:3)- Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from certain foods

  2. What foods are acceptable for Christians to eat? What makes them acceptable? (1 Timothy 4:4-5)- Nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving

  • They are sanctified by the word of God and prayer

  1. What would ensure that Timothy would be a good minister of Jesus Christ? (1 Timothy 4:6)- If he instructed the brethren in these matters

  2. As a good minister, in what would he be nourished? (1 Timothy 4:6)- In the words of faith and of the good doctrine which he has carefully followed

  3. What was Timothy to reject? Unto what was he to exercise himself? (1 Timothy 4:7)- Profane and old wives’ fables

  • Godliness

  1. What is the value of godliness? (1 Timothy 4:8)- It has promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come

  2. What was Timothy not to let anyone despise? (1 Timothy 4:12)- His youth

  3. In what areas was Timothy to be an example to the believers? (1 Timothy 4:12)- In word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity

  4. To what three things was Timothy to give attention? (1 Timothy 4:13)- Reading, exhortation, and doctrine

  5. What was Timothy not to neglect? How was it given to him? (1 Timothy 4:14)- The gift that was in him

  • By prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery (elders)

  1. How could Timothy ensure that his progress would be evident to all? (1 Timothy 4:15)- By meditating on these things, and giving himself entirely to them

  2. How could Timothy save both himself and those who heard him? (1 Timothy 4:16)- By taking heed to himself and to the doctrine, and continuing in them

Commentary by David LipscombSECTION TWO TO TIMOTHY 4:1 to 6:2 1.

1 Timothy 4:1-51 Ti 4:1 But the Spirit saith expressly,–There are two kinds of revelations made by the Spirit as presented in the Bible; one was a revelation to an individual for his obedience, the other a revelation by inspiration to enable those inspired to work miracles and teach others. The prophets and apostles were subjects of this latter inspiration. Connected with the knowledge to be revealed was the ability to work miracles to prove that the message was from God. This species of inspiration, miraculous in character, was confined to the apostolic age of the church, and continued in force only until the full revelation of God to man was made and confirmed by testimonies that no one can gainsay. This inspiration was effected by God’s Spirit taking possession of the human body, using the human tongue and through it speaking to the world. God’s Spirit on the day of Pentecost took possession of the tongues of the apostles and gave the very words then spoken. (Acts 2:4; Acts 2:14-36; Acts 2:40.) The Spirit used the apostles’ organs of speech, through which to make known to the world his message. Sometimes the Spirit spoke without the intervention of man’s tongue. (Acts 8:29.) He spoke in an audible voice on the occasion of the baptism of Jesus. (Matthew 3:17.) 1 Timothy 4:1 that in later times some shall fall away from the faith ,–From the time at which he was writing and forward in all periods of the church, men have apostatized from the faith. 1 Timothy 4:1 giving heed to seducing spirits–Spirits that so beguile them as to lead them from the truth. Every spirit that teaches that man can in any manner set aside the law and appointment of God, or substitute man’s devices for the order of God, is a seducing spirit that turns man from the truth. 1 Timothy 4:1 and doctrines of demons,–Demons are the evil spirits. The means the devil used to beguile Eve was to convince her that another way was better than that which God had directed , and thus he beguiled her and led her to follow what seemed best to her rather than to give heed to God’s directions. 1 Timothy 4:2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies,–These seducing spirits speak lies, pretending to lead them into the way that will bless them. No greater hypocrisy was ever shown than that by Satan when persuading Eve to believe that to eat the fruit would bring good to her, when he knew it would bring her and the world into subjection to him, and that the wages of sin is death. These demons work through evil men who hypocritically speak lies to accomplish their wicked designs. 1 Timothy 4:2 branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;–These men have become hardened and insensible to all feelings of justice and right. To live in neglect of a known duty or violation of a principle of right is to demoralize the spiritual man , weaken his moral character, and sear his conscience. This unfits man for the higher duties of life and gradually fits him for a life of sin and wrongdoing. Habitual violation of the sense of right educates a man for doing what is wrong. An occasional outburst, a great wrong repented of is not so fatal in its tendency, not so hardening in its influence on the heart and character of men as a continual violation of the principles of right in what are regarded as small matters. Peter, under the impulse of fear, could deny his Master and repent of it, and yet have a better conscience and a truer character than Judas Iscariot, who, during the time he carried the bag for the disciples, was doubtless guilty of petty peculations and pilferings continually.

The man who cherishes some private or secret sin, which he thinks is petty and unimportant, is gradually hardening his heart and fitting himself for a total breakdown of his moral character that will develop itself in permanent open sinfulness and degradation. The conscience should be kept good and tender; the heart pure. 1 Timothy 4:3 forbidding to marry,–Some of the errors into which they lead men are here enumerated. Now and then men may be found like Paul who can live lives of virtue and purity without marriage and develop themselves more faithfully in the service of the gospel; but usually to hinder a man from marriage is to lead to a life of sin and uncleanness. The universality of marriage is an indication of a high state of virtue and civilization. 1 Timothy 4:3 and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving–God created meats for man and they will administer to his good if they are received with thanksgiving. 1 Timothy 4:4 by them that believe and know the truth.–By those who understand how properly to use them. 1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good,–This refers to all the appointments and gifts of God–marriage and meats. God created all things on earth for man (Genesis 1:28-29), and everything properly used for the purpose for which he created them will bring good to man. 1 Timothy 4:4 and nothing is to be rejected,–It is not the part of wisdom to reject or refuse what God does not reject. 1 Timothy 4:4 if it be received with thanksgiving:–God’s appointments and gifts are to be received with thanksgiving and used as God directs that they should be used. 1 Timothy 4:5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. –but all these blessings given by God should be received with prayer that we might use them as God directs and that we may be blessed in the use of them. This is an indication of how we should pray in all things, as we give thanks to God for our food that we may be blessed in its use and be guided by God in using it. So we should receive all blessings and favors. [Thus all food is sanctified, not only by the thanksgiving before partaking of it, which too often degenerates into a mere form of words–into lip service of the most heartless form. The sanctification to which reference is made is the constant habit of looking to God as the giver of every good and perfect gift.]2. WITH REGARD TO HIS OWN AND CONDUCT 1 Timothy 4:6-161 Ti 4:6 If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, “These things” refer to all the things mentioned in verses 1-5. Timothy as a teacher was to warn the brethren against the teachings of these seducing spirits, to admonish them to receive all the gifts and favors of God with prayer and thanksgiving, and to teach them to receive them in prayer and use them according to the will of God. 1 Timothy 4:6 thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus,–In doing this he himself would be nourished and built up in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine unto which he had attained or had learned. These evils and dangers were coming upon them, and Paul wished them to be warned of it that they guard against them. 1 Timothy 4:6 nourished in the words of the faith,–From early youth he had been carefully trained in the truths of the Old Testament. (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15.) Paul had trained him in the gospel (2 Timothy 3:16) and now instructs him to continue this training by guarding the church against the doctrine of false teachers. 1 Timothy 4:6 and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:–[He had been faithfully taught, and with good understanding of it had diligently followed it.] 1 Timothy 4:7 but refuse profane and old wives’ fables.–These may refer to the Jewish traditions that were handed down and are now found in the Talmud. Many absurd and ridiculous things and fables and tales are told as a part of their religious instruction. The heathen worship also adounds in many ridiculous and absurd tales of cures performed and wonders wrought. 1 Timothy 4:7 And exercise thyself unto godliness:–As the athlete trains his body so do you with strenuous effort train yourself in true piety in your heart and life. A man needs to school himself to the restraint of his passions, lusts, and worldly ambitions, and to the use of his spiritual faculties and powers that he may practice godliness. 1 Timothy 4:8 for bodily exercise is profitable for a little;–The exercise or training of the body to fit it for skill in the athletic games from the Christian viewpoint had but little profit. Any skill or success merely in earthly affairs was of but little value compared with the spiritual and eternal interests. The rewards and honors gained are unsatisfactory and short lived. 1 Timothy 4:8 but godliness is profitable for all things,–[Godliness is not merely an inward holiness, but an operative, active piety, which, springing from an intense love for -God, manifests itself in love for his creatures. This godliness transfigures and illumines with its divine radiance all busy, active life, every condition, every rank in all ages. This surely is that to which every faithful child of God should seek to attain.] 1 Timothy 4:8 having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.–A life according to the laws of God has the promise of protection, help, and the blessings of God in this life , and then all the blessings and powers of the throne of God in the world to come. 1 Timothy 4:9 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation. –Paul emphasizes that this truth is a faithful saying and worthy of a full and hearty acceptance by all. It will bring good to all who follow this instruction. 1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we labor and strive,–He explains that the practice and exercise in godliness that led him to toil and labor and suffer reproach for the cause of God would fit him for the glories of the eternal world. 1 Timothy 4:10 because we have our hope set on the living God,–He did it because he trusted that the living God would bring blessings both in this world and in that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:10 who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe–The law of the Lord meets all the contingencies possible to arise in life. It meets every special case that arises, and in its working reaches every case as fully as God can reach it by special law or interference. God is always present in his laws. What is done through these laws, God does. Those who believe come more fully into harmony with his laws than those who believe not, and so they receive blessings of God more fully than others do. The answer to prayer requires no departure from this principle.

The blessings of God flow through his laws to those who are in the proper state and condition. Tap the channel through which they flow and receive just such blessings as you are fitted to receive. God is personally present in all his laws to bless those who comply with them in spirit and in truth, and to curse those who refuse to comply with them. God is all-wise and all-powerful. He sees the end from the beginning. Eternity, past and future, is an everlasting present to him, and he provides for all contingencies that may arise in the onward march of his forces.

Not a sparrow falls to the ground without a father’s care and the hairs of our head are numbered. Because we fail to see and understand how the laws of the spiritual and material world interlace and harmonize with each other, all composing parts of one harmonious whole, we are not to conclude that they are not such. God is in all his works. 1 Timothy 4:11 These things command and teach.–These truths that God is the Savior of all, desires that none should perish, but that all should repent and live, and that it is man’s highest duty to trust and obey God. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth;–This would indicate that Timothy was quite a young man at the time this was written. The Romans divided life into childhood up to eighteen years, youth up to forty-four, and old age up to death. But Paul’s language would imply that he was of an age that he would be liable to youthful indiscretions and follies. 1 Timothy 4:12 but be thou an ensample to them that believe,–[An example in reference to the firmness with which he embraced the gospel, the fidelity with which he adhered to it in trials, and the zeal which he showed in spreading it abroad. He exhorts him to so live as to be a model or pattern after which the devotion of others should be molded.] 1 Timothy 4:12 in word,–This has reference to teaching the word of God , but particularly to his words in social intercourse. 1 Timothy 4:12 in manner of life,–In conduct, in deportment, in behavior. This certainly is of the deepest importance. [The words of men placed in such a position should ever be true and generous, helpful and encouraging.] 1 Timothy 4:12 in love–In love to God and man which shows itself in honoring God and doing good to man. 1 Timothy 4:12 in faith,–Faithful in all things, faithful in teaching the will of God, and being an example of fidelity in keeping its requirements. 1 Timothy 4:12 in purity.–He should be pure, holy, clean in thought, in life, and actions. Young preachers and all young men need to take these admonitions to heart and be guided by them. 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give heed to reading,–Paul expected to give him more instruction when he would come to see him. Till then he exhorts him to give attendance to reading the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Books were not then plentiful , and the Old Testament foretold the coming of the Messiah. He was to study and use them in his teaching. Philip’s beginning at the prophecy of Isaiah and preaching Jesus (Acts 8:26-40) is a sample of much of the preaching of this early age. It was showing that these Scriptures foretold the coming of Jesus and how he came in fulfillment of them. This reading was to be done in private to instruct and improve himself, and in public to improve and benefit others. 1 Timothy 4:13 to exhortation,–On these Scriptures exhortations to obedience and faithful living were to be based. 1 Timothy 4:13 to teaching.–He was to study the teachings of these Scriptures concerning Jesus and teach these to others that they should practically apply them to their own lives. The Old Testament must still be studied and taught, for it was typical of the New Testament. In the Old Testament we have the example of God applying his law to the conditions of life as they would arise. From these we are to learn how he will apply the spiritual and eternal laws given in the New Testament. 1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee,–This was a spiritual gift qualifying him for the work to which he had been called. Before the completion of revelation spiritual gifts were given to qualify for the work of converting sinners and teaching saints till the completed will of God was fully made known. The gift seems to have been bestowed upon him by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, Paul joining them in it. And by or through his hands the gift was bestowed, for he says: “For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6.) This was possibly done by the elders at Lystra, for he says: “This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare.” (1 Timothy 1:18.) 1 Timothy 4:14 which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.–A prophecy at the time of his conversion or at some period had been made concerning him , to which reference is made in these two passages. I infer that these spiritual gifts needed to be used, not neglected. To be stirred up lest they should be lost through disuse. This is in accordance with the order of God. The talent used multiplies; disused, it is taken from the possessor and is lost. The apostles, including Judas, were gifted before the death of Jesus.

They used these gifts for a time and rejoiced in them. In the later months of the Savior’s ministry, as the dark clouds overshadowed his pathway they seemed to lose faith , ceased to work, and they lost their gifts. Only with the renewal of their faith did the gifts again appear. 1 Timothy 4:15 Be diligent in these things;–Timothy was to give his whole time and attention to the study of the Scriptures and the cultivation and use of the gifts and graces bestowed on him. 1 Timothy 4:15 give thyself wholly to them;–He was not to divide his attention with worldy aims and callings. [He was to devote his whole being, in every faculty of body and mind, to the attainment of that which had been made possible by the gift which had been bestowed upon him.] 1 Timothy 4:15 that thy progress may be manifest unto all.–By this diligence in study and in the gifts bestowed, his improvement would be apparent to all. [There must be no standing still, no resting content with the knowledge already acquired, no being satisfied with the present attainments in the spiritual life; there must be a restless striving after the acquirement of new stores of knowledge ever deeper and more accurate; there must be a ceaseless endeavor to attain to a higher degree of eminence in the spiritual life; and the result of these efforts will be manifest to all.] 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching.–He was to be careful as to his life and conduct, watchful and faithful in the use of the gifts bestowed, and continue in that which he had received from Paul. 1 Timothy 4:16 Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.–Timothy could save himself only by faithfully teaching the word of truth delivered to him through the Holy Spirit. He could save others only by teaching the word which God had given him to teach. In striving to save others, he would really be striving to save himself._____________________________________________________________

Study on 1st Timothy Chapter Four(1 Timothy 4:1-3) The word “now” is de, sometimes continuative in function, but here adversative, “but.” There is a contrast here between the preceding confession of faith (1 Timothy 4:16) and the false doctrines spoken of in 1 Timothy 4:2-3. The word “latter” is husteros, a word referring to that which comes after. No particular period is referred to, simply, things which would come to pass after Paul had written. Expositors says: “In this sort of prophetical warning or denunciation, we are not intended to take the future tense too strictly. Although the prophet intends to utter a warning concerning the future, yet we know that what he declares will be hereafter, he believes to be already in active operation. It is a convention of prophetical utterance to denounce sins and sinners of one’s own time under a form of a predictive warning.” The word “times” is kairos, speaking, not of time as such (chronos), but of the critical, epoch-making periods of time foreordained of God. Those who depart from the faith are not the heretical teachers of 1 Timothy 1:3, but those whom they mislead (Vincent). The word “de part” is aphistηmi, “to stand off from, to fall away.” Our word “apostatize” is the English spelling of a form of the Greek word. The definite article before the word “faith” marks it out as speaking, not of faith as an act, but of the Faith, that body of doctrine which forms the basis of what we as Christians believe. The word “seducing” is pianos, “wandering, roving, misleading, leading into error.” The word “spirits” refers to evil spirits actuating human agents of the spirit of error, namely, Satan (1 John 4:1; 1 John 4:6). The word “doctrines” is didaskalia, “teaching, instruction.” “Devils” is daimonion, demons. There is one devil (diabalos) a fallen angel, and many demons, not angels, but another order of being, who are his servants. It is significant that Paul finds the source of false doctrine in these demons who actuate members of the human race. The words “speaking, having seared, forbidding” refer to the human agents of the seducing spirits. Demons are spirits, that is, free moral agents without physical bodies, and these are the seducing spirits. As to the expression, “speaking lies in hypocrisy,” Expositors says: “The spirits work, and the teachings are exhibited in the hypocrisy of them that speak lies; and this hypocrisy finds detailed expression in regulations suggested by a false asceticism.’’ The clause could be better rendered “through the hypocrisy of liars.” It connects with “departing from the faith.” That is, these individuals depart from the faith through the hypocrisy of liars, the false teachers. These who depart from the faith have their conscience seared with a hot iron. The words, “hot iron,” are superfluous. Vincent offers, “branded in their conscience.” He says, “The metaphor is from the practice of branding slaves or criminals, the latter on the brow.

These deceivers are not acting under delusion, but deliberately, and against conscience. They wear the form of godliness, and contradict their profession by their crooked conduct (2 Timothy 3:5). The brand is not on their brow but on their conscience.” These are branded with the marks of Satan (2 Timothy 2:26) as Paul was with the marks of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 6:17). As to the prohibition of marriage and meats (brτma, food, not particularly animal flesh), Vincent says: “The ascetic tendencies indicated by these prohibitions, developed earlier than these Epistles among the Essenes, an ascetic Jewish brotherhood on the shores of the Dead Sea, who repudiated marriage except as a necessity for preserving the race, and allowed it only under protest and under stringent regulations. They also abstained from wine and animal food. This sect was in existence in the lifetime of our Lord. Strong traces of its influence appear in the heresy assailed in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. The Christian body received large accessions from it after the destruction of Jerusalem (A. D. 70).

The prohibitions above named were imposed by the later Gnosticism of the second century.” It is important to note that the word “meat” in A. D. 1611, meant food of any kind. Today, its meaning is largely confined to edible animal flesh. It must not be taken here to mean only the latter, but to refer to food in general. Asceticism would prescribe the particular kind of food forbidden. The words, “to be received,” are metalambanτ, “to be made a partaker.” These things were created so that those who believe might participate in them. The words “believe” and “know” do not denote two classes but one. Those who believe are described as those who have a precise and experiential knowledge of the truth. The better rendering is, “for them,” not, “of them.” That is, these things were created for those who believe in order that they may participate in them. Translation: But the Spirit says expressly that in latter times some will depart from the Faith, giving heed to spirits that lead one into error, and to teachings of demons, doing this through the hypocrisy of liars, branded in their own conscience, forbidding to marry, and commanding abstinence from foods, which things God created for participation with thanksgiving for those who are believers and who have a precise and experiential knowledge of the truth.(1 Timothy 4:4-5) The word “creature” is ktisma, which is better translated here “created thing.” When we offer thanks at the table for the food we are about to eat, it is sanctified, Paul says. The word “sanctify” is hagiazo, “to set apart for God.” Vincent says: “Not declared holy, but made holy. Thanksgiving to God has a sanctifying effect. The food in itself has no moral quality (Romans 14:14), but acquires a holy quality by its consecration to God; by being acknowledged as God’s gift, and partaken of as nourishing the life for God’s service.” The food is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer Vincent says again: “The custom of grace at meat appears in 1 Samuel 9:13. Christ blessed the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:19; Matthew 15:36). Paul on the ship gave thanks for the meal which the seamen ate (Acts 27:35).” Translation: Because every created thing of God is good, and not even one thing to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is consecrated through God’s Word and prayer.(1 Timothy 4:6) The word “brethren” is the translation of the Greek word for “brother,” adelphos. The word means literally, “from the same womb.” Thus, Christians are brethren in the sense that they have the same heavenly Father. Vincent, commenting on the use of the word here says: “In the Pastorals, it is only here that adelphos ‘brethren’ means the members of the church to whose superintendent the letter is addressed. In 2 Timothy 4:21, they are the Christians of the church from which the letter comes; in 1 Timothy 6:2, Christians in general; and in 1 Timothy, without any ecclesiastical sense.” “Put in remembrance” is from hupotithηmi, “to put under” thus, metaphorically, “to suggest, remind.” Expositors remarks, “a somewhat mild term, as Chrysostom points out; but in some circumstances suggestion is more effectual than direct exhortation.” The word “minister” today generally refers to an ordained clergyman, a pastor of a church. And while Timothy was pastor of the local assembly at Ephesus, yet, the Greek word here does not have the technical meaning which we today give to the word “minister.” The word is diakonos, one of the words used of a servant. It has special emphasis upon the servant as seen in his activity of serving. Our word “deacon” comes from it. Here, the idea is that of a servant, without any official meaning. Timothy is seen here as a servant of Jesus Christ, rendering Him a service by setting himself against ascetic errors.

The words, “these things.” refer to the contents of 1 Timothy 4:1-5. The words, “nourished up,” are a present participle in the Greek, indicating the means by which Timothy may become a good minister. The idea is, “constantly nourishing thyself.” This Timothy has been doing “in the words of faith and of good doctrine.” The article is used with the two nouns. It is “the Faith and the good teachings,” namely, the body of Christian truth as it is found in the Word of God. The case is locative of sphere, indicating the sphere within which the nourishing is taking place, and instrumental of means, speaking of the means employed, namely, the Word of God. The word “attained” is parakoloutheτ, “to follow beside, to attend closely.” The perfect tense is used, indicating that Timothy has done a finished piece of work in thus closely attending to his course of Christian instruction. One could translate, “which you have closely followed.” Translation: Constantly reminding the brethren of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, continually nourishing yourself by means of the words of the Faith and of the good teaching which you have closely followed.(1 Timothy 4:7-8) The word “refuse” is paraiteomai, “to refuse, decline, shun, reject, beg off, get excused, avoid.” The word “profane” is bebηlos, “accessible, lawful to be trodden,” hence, profane in the sense of unhallowed, common, the absense of a divine or sacred character. The word “fables” is muthos “a fiction, a fable, an invention, falsehood.” The fictions of the Jewish theosophists and Gnostics, especially concerning the emanations and orders of the aeons, are called muthoi, myths. “Exercise” is gumnazτ, a word speaking of Greek athletes engaging in athletic exercises in the gymnasium. Here, the exercise is not that of the physical body but that of one’s mind, emotions, will, the spiritual part of man. “Unto” is pros, “with a view to.” Just as a Greek athlete would exercise with a view to winning in the athletic contests, so Timothy is exhorted to exercise with a view to excelling in godliness. The latter word is eusebeia, “reverence, respect, piety toward God,” thus, “godliness.” The words, “bodily exercise,” are found in a parallel passage from Seneca. Expositors remarks that this renders it almost certain that the primary reference is to gymnastic exercises. The context in which it is found in our Timothy passage refers this bodily exercise to an absurd and profane theosophy of which discipline of the body was the chief or only practical expression. The contrast then is not so much between bodily exercise commonly so called, and piety, as between piety (which includes a discipline of the body) and this asceticism spoken of in the context, that absurd and profane theosophy of which the just-mentioned authority speaks. Paul is not referring here to gymnastic exercises as such, and therefore what he says about their value, cannot be inferred from his remarks here. He is referring to ascetic practices which took the form of physical exercise. The latter as such is for the purpose of physical health, not a means of advancing in holiness of life. The apostle says that the bodily discipline which took the form of physical exercise “profiteth little.” The literal Greek is, “is profitable for a little.” The meaning is that the use of physical exercise extends to only a few things. On the other hand, godliness is profitable for all things. The word “godliness” is again eusebeia, “reverence, respect, piety toward God.” Vincent’s note here is helpful: “Godliness involves a promise for this life and for the next; but for this life as it reflects the heavenly life, is shaped and controlled by it, and bears its impress.” One is reminded of Longfellow’s lines in Evangeline: “Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands, darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven.” “Godliness has promise for the present life because it has promise of the life which is to come. Only the life which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:1) is life indeed, 1 Timothy 6:19. (Compare 1 Peter 3:10; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23)” (Vincent). Translation: But unhallowed and old wives’ fictions shun. On the other hand, be exercising yourself with a mew to piety toward God. For the aforementioned bodily exercise is of some small profit, but the aforementioned piety toward God is profitable with respect to all things, holding a promise of this present life and of that about to come.(1 Timothy 4:9-11) The truth stated in 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul earmarks with the statement, “This is a trustworthy word and worthy of every acceptance.” The word “for” introduces a statement in support of his previous declaration in the latter verse. The words “labor” and “suffer reproach” are kopiaτ, “to labor to the point of exhaustion,” and agτnizomai, a Greek athletic term speaking of the participation of the athlete in the Greek games. We get our word “agony” from the latter. Both words denote strenuous and painful effort. The word “and” is ascensive, “we labor, yea struggle.” The word “hope” is elpizτ, and is in the perfect tense. Literally, “we have set our hope upon with the present result that it is a settled hope.” Paul says that the Christian God is the Saviour of all men. This might appear to teach universalism, and hence needs careful exegesis. The word “Saviour” (sτtηr) means “saviour, deliverer, preserver.” The name was given by the ancients to deities, to princes, kings, and in general, to men who had conferred signal benefits upon their country, and in the more degenerate days, by way of flattery, to personages of influence (Thayer). In the Cult of the Caesar, the state religion of the Roman Empire, the reigning emperor was called “saviour of the world,” in the sense that he was the preserver of mankind by reason of his beneficent reign. One could find in this statement the idea that God is the Preserver of the entire human race in the sense of His providential care. But the context, which brings in the idea of faith, seems to indicate that the idea of salvation from sin and the impartation of eternal life is the function here of God as Saviour. He is Saviour of all men in the sense that our Lord is “the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42). He is the actual Saviour of those who believe, and the potential Saviour of the unbeliever in the sense that He has provided a salvation at the Cross for the sinner, and stands ready to save that sinner when the latter places his faith in the Lord Jesus. Translation: This is a trustworthy word and worthy of every acceptance, for with a view to this we are laboring to the point of exhaustion; yes, we are putting forth great efforts against opposition, because we have set our hope permanently upon the living God who is the Saviour of all men, especially of believers. These things be constantly commanding and teaching.(1 Timothy 4:12) Vincent says that Timothy was probably from 38 to 40 years old at that time. Expositors remarks that, “many, probably, of the Ephesian presbyters were older than Timothy,” also, that “in any case, the terms ‘young’ and ‘old’ are used relatively to the average age at which men attain to positions in the world. Forty is reckoned old for a captain in the army, young for a bishop, and very young for a Prime Minister.” The word “despise” is kataphroneτ. It speaks of that contempt felt in the mind which is displayed in injurious action. Moulton and Milli-gan say of this word: “The word does not denote a mere feeling of contempt— it is active.

We may infer that Timothy is told not to let men push him aside as a stripling; and in all the N.T., passages, the action encouraged by contempt seems implied, rather than a mental state.” The verb is present imperative in a prohibition, forbidding the continuance of an action already going on. Timothy was being despised. Paul says, “Stop allowing anyone to despise you.” Paul means, “Assert the dignity of your office even though men may think you young to hold it. Let no one push you aside as a boy” (Expositors). Today we would say, “Stop allowing anyone to push you around.” And the same authority says that “St. Paul shows Timothy ‘a more excellent way’ than self-assertion for the keeping up of his dignity: give no one any ground by any fault of character for despising thy youth.” The word “be” is not the ordinary verb of being in the Greek, but ginomai, “to become,” Paul saying, “keep on becoming.” “Example” is tupos, “the mark of a stroke or blow, a print, a figure formed by a blow or impression,” in a technical sense, “the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made,” in an ethical sense, “a dissuasive example, pattern of warning, an example to be imitated.” The last mentioned meaning is to be understood in our Timothy passage. Timothy is to be a pattern to them that believe. It is an objective genitive. He is to be such in word, that is, in what he says, including teaching and verbal instruction. The word “conversation” is obsolete English for “behavior, manner of life.” “Charity” is agapη, the love which God is and which the Holy Spirit produces in the heart of the yielded saint, a love whose constituent elements Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 13, a love which impels the one loving to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the person loved. God’s love must be seen in superabundance in the life of Timothy. The words, “in spirit,” are not in the best Greek texts. The word “purity” (hagnos) is always used with a moral sense. It is not limited to sins of the flesh, but covers purity in motive as well as in acts. Translation: Stop allowing anyone to contemptuously push you aside because of your youth, but keep on becoming an example to the believers, in word, in behavior, in love, in faith, in purity.(1 Timothy 4:13) The word “reading” is anagnτsis. The verb is anaginτskτ, “to distinguish between, to recognize, to know accurately, to read.” The verb is usually used of public reading. Here the noun refers to the public reading of the Scriptures in the meeting of the local assembly for worship. In post-classical Greek it is used sometimes of reading aloud with comments. Here we have the three elements in the ministry of the Word, the reading aloud of the Scriptures, exhortation based on the reading and appealing to the moral sense, and teaching, appealing to the intellect. Robertson injects a keen remark when he says that probably Paul does not mean that the exhortation should precede the instruction, but that the instruction should be given first.

Exhortation needs teaching as a basis. This same authority suggests the rendering, “while I am coming,” instead of, “till I come.” “Give attendance to,” is from prosechτ, literally, “to hold toward,” thus, “to give attention to.” Robertson translates, “keep on putting your mind on.” The word “doctrine” is from didaskalia, “teaching.” Doctrine is a systematized body of teaching. Translation: While I am coming, keep concentrating on public reading, exhortation, and teaching.(1 Timothy 4:14) “Gift” is from charisma, “in the technical Pauline sense of extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians and enabling them to serve the church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit” (Thayer). The word refers here to a “special inward endowment which qualified Timothy for exhortation and teaching, and which was directly imparted by the Holy Spirit” (Vincent). This special enduement was given Timothy “by prophecy.” That is, prophetic intimations were given to Paul as to the selection of Timothy for the ministerial office. These prophecies were given by the Holy Spirit who also bestowed the gift. These prophetic intimations were repeated in connection with the ceremony of ordination at which time the hands of the Church elders were laid upon Timothy. The laying on of hands speaks of identification. Here it was the outward act and ceremony symbolizing the fact that Timothy was now to be identified with the elders in the common work of the ministry of the Word. He became one of them and one with them.

The word “presbytery” is from presbuteros, “an older person, one advanced in years,” used in Luke 22:66 of the body of representative elders of the people in the Sanhedrin. Here it is used of the elders of the local assemblies, those church officials charged with the responsibility of supervising the spiritual welfare of the local assembly. The word “neglect” is in the present imperative, which when used in a prohibition, forbids the continuance of an act already going on. One hesitates to translate, “Do not keep on neglecting the spiritual enduement which is in you,” making Timothy guilty of such neglect. But if Paul were merely warning Timothy against such an act, he would have used the aorist subjunctive with the proper negative. Timothy, while a good young man at heart, was rather diffident, and needed periodical prodding by the great apostle. Translation: Do not keep on neglecting the spiritual enduement which is in you, which was given to you through prophecy in connection with the imposition of the hands of the elders.(1 Timothy 4:15) The word “meditate” is meletaτ, “to care for, to attend to carefully, practice.” It was used by the Greeks of the meditative pondering and the practice of orators and rhetoricians, but the context in which it is found in 1 Timothy, indicates that the meaning here is that Timothy is to carefully attend to the public reading of the Word, exhortation, and teaching. The exhortation, “give thyself wholly to them,” is en toutois isthi, “be constantly in these.” The meaning is that Timothy is to throw himself wholly into his ministry. Robertson says that it is our “up to his ears in work” and “sticking to his task.” The word “profiting” is prokopηn, “to cut forward, to blaze the way, make a pioneer advance.” Translation: Diligently attend to these things; be constantly engrossed in them, in order that your advancement may be evident to all.(1 Timothy 4:16) “Take heed” is from epechτ, “to hold upon, to fasten attention on.” The exhortation is, “keep on paying attention to yourself and to your teaching.” Vincent says: “The order is significant. Personality goes before teaching.” “Continue” is epimenτ, “to stay by the side of” a person or thing. The idea is, “stay by them, stick to them, see them through” (Robertson). The word “them” goes back to 1 Timothy 4:15 (these things), and the latter words refer back to the things in 1 Timothy 4:13 which Paul enjoined upon Timothy. Timothy, Paul says, will save himself and those under his spiritual care by giving diligent attention to the public reading of the Word in the local assembly, by exhortation based upon the Word which has been read, and by an explanation of that Word. The salvation spoken of here cannot be the salvation of the sinner nor the preservation of the saint in salvation, for the reason that both of these are a work of God for man. The salvation referred to here is understood by a study of the context (1 Timothy 4:1-3), namely, being saved from the teachings of demon-influenced men. That is, by the reading of the Word, by exhortation from it, and by a clear explanation of its meaning, Timothy and his hearers will be saved from becoming entangled in these heresies. Translation: Keep on paying careful attention to yourself and to the teaching. Constantly stay by these things, for in doing this, you will both save yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy 4:1-3

“THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY”

The Great Apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

  1. Paul’s concern in his first epistle to Timothy is proper conduct “in the house of God, the church of the living God” - 1 Timothy 3:15a. The church Jesus said He would build - Matthew 16:18b. The church Paul wrote that Jesus loved - Ephesians 5:25-27
  2. The Lord’s intent was that there be one church… a. He prayed for the unity of His followers - John 17:20-23b. Paul later wrote that there is one body (i.e., church) - Ephesians 4:4-6;cf. 1:22-23
  3. Yet we see around us so much religious confusion, so many different churches… a. How did it happen? When did it happen? b. What can disciples of Christ today do about it?

[Our text (1 Timothy 4:1-3) is one of several passages in which Paul and others foretold of an ‘apostasy’, a falling away…]

I. THE GREAT A. BY PAUL…1. In warning Timothya. Describing how some will “depart from the faith” - 1 Timothy 4:1-31) Giving heed to “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” 2) Forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats b. Describing how some will ’not endure sound doctrine’ - 2 Timothy 4:1-41) Getting teachers who will tell them what they want to hear 2) Turning from the truth, turning aside to fables 2. In warning the Ephesian elders - Acts 20:27-31a. Of “wolves” coming in from outside the flock b. Of men “from among yourselves” drawing disciples away 3. In warning the church at Thessalonica - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a. Of a great “falling away” that must come b. Revealing “the man of sin”, “the son of perdition”

B. BY PETER, JUDE, AND JOHN…1. Peter warned of false teachers to come - 2 Peter 2:1-2a. Who will bring in destructive heresies b. Whom many will follow 2. Jude warned of false teachers who were present - Jude 1:3-4a. Who had crept in unnoticed b. Who were turning the grace of God into lewdness c. Who were denying the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ 3. John warned of “antichrists” who had come - 1 John 2:18-19a. Many, in fact, had come! b. Indicative of living in “the last hour”

[Even Jesus warned there would be false prophets (Matthew 7:15). Before the canon of the New Testament was completed, the apostasy was already underway. As one examines early church history, there are further indications of…]

II. THE GREAT A. IT WAS A GRADUAL PROCESS…1. In many cases, it appeared innocent at first a. Attempting to deal with errors in and out of the church b. Leading to a change in the organization of the church

  1. From autonomous and independent congregations overseen by a plurality of elders (also known as bishops and pastors)
  • cf. Acts 14:23; Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-22) To a collectivity of churches under one bishop - e.g., writings of Ignatiusc. Resulting in centralization of power and influence among key individuals; just as Paul warned! - cf. Acts 20:302. This subtle change made it much easier for error to spread a. When those in power began teaching false doctrine b. Before long, the very errors foretold by Paul were being taught! - cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-31) Such as celibacy
  1. Such as abstaining from certain foods c. Many other errors were introduced during this time, including:
  2. Sprinkling instead of immersion for baptism
  3. Mechanical instruments of music instead of a capella singing
  1. Through slow but gradual changes, the seeds of modern churches were sown a. Producing what later became known as the Roman Catholic Church b. But also many other “orthodox” churches (Greek, Egyptian, Russian, Armenian, etc.) c. And eventually the multitude of Protestant denominational churches – Just as foretold, many departed from the simplicity of the Lord’s church as revealed in the New Testament B. WHAT OF THE LORD’S CHURCH…?1. The Lord’s church has continued unabated a. For not even the gates of Hades could prevail against it
  • Matthew 16:18b. It is a kingdom that cannot be destroyed - cf. Daniel 2:44; Luke 1:32-332. Faithful disciples would have undoubtedly been treated as “heretics” a. For refusing to follow those in “power” b. By those presuming to have “authority” over the Lord’s flock
  1. But where there were faithful disciples, though few and unknown, the church existed a. For the Word of God is an incorruptible seed - cf. 1 Peter 1:22-25b. Wherever the gospel was faithfully preached and believed, souls were saved and added by the Lord to His church - e.g., Acts 2:38-41; Acts 2:47– History may not record (or may misrepresent) the existence of those who remained faithful, but the Lord knows His own!

  1. Throughout the history of the apostasy, many have come to realize what has happened, and efforts made to rectify the problem… a. Appeals to reformation have produced many denominations b. Appeals to new revelation have produced many cults

  2. The only antidote to apostasy is that given by Paul to the Ephesians elders… a. First, take heed to yourself and those around you - cf. Acts 20:28b. Second, be on the watch and remember what the apostles warned about false teachers - cf. Acts 20:29-31c. Third, look to God and His Word (not traditions of men); i.e., diligent prayer and careful Bible study - cf. Acts 20:32 With this “antidote” to apostasy, you can have confidence that God in His grace will “build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified”…!

1 Timothy 4:2

1 Timothy 4:2

1 Timothy 4:3-5

“THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY”

The Christian’s Diet (1 Timothy 4:3-5)

  1. A feature common to many religions are their dietary restrictions… a. Some are known for their vegetarianism (e.g., Hinduism) b. Others for their restrictions against certain meats, such as pork (e.g., Islam, Judaism)

  2. In warning against apostasy, the apostle Paul… a. Foretold the rise of doctrines restricting certain foods - 1 Timothy 4:1-3b. Described the general principles related to the Christian’s diet

  1. The general principles of “The Christian’s Diet” can be stated in this way… a. All creatures are good (for food) if received with thanksgiving b. All foods are “sanctified” by the Word of God and prayer

[The word “sanctified” means to be “set apart, holy”. In what way has God sanctified all foods, and are there any exceptions to the rule? First we note that all foods have been…]

I. BY THE WORD OF GOD A. FOODS CLEAN…1. By Goda. At the Creation, God gave His approval to seed-bearing herbs and trees - Genesis 1:29b. After the flood, moving things were approved as food, with one restriction - Genesis 9:3-4c. During the Mosaic period, dietary restrictions were placed on Israel - cf. Deuteronomy 14:4-212. By Jesusa. Jesus kept the Law of Moses while it was still in effect

  • cf. Matthew 5:17-19b. But His teachings often looked forward to when the Law would cease - Mark 7:18-193. By Paula. Paul’s views came from the Lord Jesus Himself - Romans 14:14b. Thus Christians were free to eat whatever was sold in the meat market - 1 Corinthians 10:25– The Word of God has thus declared all foods clean; this is the general rule B. TO THE RULE…1. Meat sacrificed to idolsa. Christians were forbidden to eat meat when it was part of idol worship, for that would entail fellowship with demons
  • Revelation 2:14; Revelation 2:20; cf. 1 Corinthians 10:18-22b. But not if sold in the market place and connection to the idol lost - cf. 1 Corinthians 10:25-282. Blood and things strangleda. Gentile Christians were not to eat blood and things strangled - Acts 15:20; Acts 15:29; Acts 21:25b. The context suggests this may have been out of consideration for the sensitivities of the Jewish Christians - Acts 15:21;yet cf. Genesis 9:43. When eaten with offense (e.g., doubt)a. To those who consider something unclean, it is unclean
  • Romans 14:14b. It would be evil to eat that which one thinks is unclean
  • Romans 14:20c. Unless one can eat without doubt, it is sinful - Romans 14:234. When eaten to cause offense (i.e., stumbling)a. If our brother is grieved or destroyed by our food, it is wrong - Romans 14:15-16b. It is good to abstain rather than cause a weak brother to stumble - Romans 14:20-21; 1 Corinthians 8:12-13c. Our goal is to glorify God, and cause no offense to man
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31-32– All things are lawful, but not all things edify and are helpful; we must remember this in regards to our diet - cf. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 [Thus every creature (i.e., all foods) has been sanctified by the Word of God; i.e., declared clean. But we should also stress that which is emphasized by Paul in our text, that the food we eat is also…]

II. BY PRAYER A. WITH …1. Stressed twice in our text a. Foods were created by God to be received with thanksgiving

  • 1 Timothy 4:3b. Nothing is to be refused if received with thanksgiving
  • 1 Timothy 4:42. We should be thankful for everything a. We should possess an attitude of gratitude - Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18b. Certainly for our daily bread, for which we are to pray!
  • cf. Matthew 6:11– When received with thanksgiving offered in prayer, food is sanctified B. OF THE RULE…1. Jesus offering thanksa. When feeding the 4000 - Matthew 15:36-38b. When observing the Last Passover - Luke 22:15-202. Paul offering thanksa. On the ship to Rome - Acts 27:35b. A practice alluded to in his writings - Romans 14:6; 1 Corinthians 10:30– Paul sought to imitate the Lord, certainly we should imitate them both! - 1 Corinthians 11:1

  1. When it comes to “The Christian’s Diet”, all foods are sanctified by… a. The word of God b. The prayer of the Christian

  2. The exception to the rule is when… a. Fellowship with idols and demons is indicated b. Fellowship with brethren is threatened

Have you given thought to how the food you eat affects your fellowship with God and others…?

1 Timothy 4:4

1 Timothy 4:4

1 Timothy 4:5

1 Timothy 4:5

1 Timothy 4:6

1 Timothy 4:6

1 Timothy 4:7-8

“THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY”

Physically Fit, Spiritually Alive (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

  1. Many people place great emphasis upon physical well-being… a. Note the number of gyms, tennis courts, swimming pools, health clubs b. Seeking to improve the quality of life, as well as the quantity of years

  2. For some, physical exercise comes close to being a religion in of itself… a. I’ve personally known runners to admit as such b. Sunday for them is a day of sport, not worship

[Physical exercise and well-being has its place, but must be kept in perspective. One passage that helps us to do this is our text (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Note first what we can learn about…]

I. BODILY A. DOES PROFIT A LITTLE…1. Makes for a well-rounded development - Luke 2:522. Enhances the use of our “instruments of righteousness” (bodies)

  • Romans 6:12-133. Extends the time we can glorify God - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20– There is some value for a healthy routine of physical exercise B. DOES HAVE …1. Beauty is deceitful - Proverbs 31:302. Attraction can be incongruous - Proverbs 11:223. Strength will eventually fail - 2 Corinthians 4:16– Physical exercise alone cannot meet all our needs, and will eventually fail us [There is another exercise of which our text speaks, which those concerned with true fitness do well to consider…]

II. GODLY A. DOES HAVE PROMISE FOR THE LIFE THAT NOW IS…1. Daily renewal for the inner man - 2 Corinthians 4:162. True peace, joy, and hope - Romans 14:17; Romans 15:133. Winsome personality - Galatians 5:22-234. Extended family - Mark 10:28-30– These are wonderful benefits that godly exercise offers in this life! B. DOES HAVE PROMISE FOR THE LIFE TO COME…1. Eternal life in the age to come - Mark 10:28-302. Everlasting fellowship with God - Revelation 21:1-7– Here is where godly exercise truly excels over bodily exercise! [Both bodily exercise and godly exercise therefore have their value. Understanding their respective values should help in…]

III. A HEALTHY BALANCE A. WHICH IS MORE …?1. In expenditure of time?a. Some health officials recommend exercising 30 minutes a day b. Do we spend an equivalent amount of time in prayer, Bible study, or service to God? 2. In expenditure of energy?a. Physical fitness often requires a great expenditure of effort b. Are we willing to make similar efforts in our service to God? – Do we spend as much time and energy exercising ourselves unto godliness as we do engaging in various forms of bodily exercise? - cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16 to 2 Corinthians 5:1 B. WHICH COMES FIRST…?1. When conflicts arise? a. Sport events or exercise routines often conflict with duties to God b. Do we have the same convictions as Eric Liddell? - cf. Chariots Of Fire2. When time is limited? a. We only have so much time b. If we must cut back on some activity, will be it a spiritual or physical one? – Do we have our priorities straight, is our emphasis properly placed? - cf. Matthew 6:33

  1. Whether young or old, physical fitness has a place in our lives as Christians… a. Taking care of our bodies, temples of the Holy Spirit b. Making good use of our bodily members as instruments of righteousness c. Improving the quality and length of service we can offer the Lord in this life

  2. But physical fitness without godly exercise is vanity… a. The outer man will eventually fail us b. The inner man is the true measure of character and spirituality

Maintaining a proper balance will help us to be truly “Physically Fit, Spiritually Alive.” Speaking of being spiritually alive, have you been born again…? - cf. John 3:3-5; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4

1 Timothy 4:8

1 Timothy 4:8

1 Timothy 4:9

1 Timothy 4:9

1 Timothy 4:10

1 Timothy 4:10

1 Timothy 4:11

1 Timothy 4:11

1 Timothy 4:12

“THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY”

Be An Example To The Believers (1 Timothy 4:12)

  1. Instructing Timothy as to his obligations, Paul charges him to “be an example to the believers…” - 1 Timothy 4:12
  2. The word “example”… a. Comes from the Greek word “tupos"b. Used here in the sense of being a pattern, an example, for others to follow

[We shall examine what sort of example Paul has in mind, but let’s first stress that Timothy is not the only person who ought to be an example…]

I. THOSE WHO OUGHT TO BE A. OF THE GOSPEL…1. Such as Timothy - 1 Timothy 4:122. Such as Titus - Titus 2:7-8– Preachers and evangelists should certainly set a good example for others B. OF THE FLOCK…1. As Peter charged the elders - 1 Peter 5:1-32. As the Hebrew writer encouraged his readers to follow their faith - Hebrews 13:7– Elders (i.e., bishops and pastors) should provide an example worth following C. …1. Certainly true of mature Christians - Philippians 3:15-172. Can also be true of new Christians (e.g., the new church at Thessalonica) - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-83. And true of younger Christians (e.g., Timothy) - cf. 1 Timothy 4:12 a– All Christians, young and old, should strive to be examples to one another! [Now let’s consider…]

II. THE KIND OF WE SHOULD BE A. AN EXAMPLE IN “WORD”…1. Many understand Paul to refer to speech, personal conversation (cf. Barnes) a. Certainly Christians are to be careful in their speech - cf. Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 4:31; Ephesians 5:4; Ephesians 5:12b. Their speech should be with “grace” (remember Jesus?) – Colossians 4:6; cf. Luke 4:222. Others think Paul was referring to doctrine, what one taught (cf. Clarke) a. That one teach nothing but the truth, that which accords to God’s Word b. Timothy was to be careful regarding doctrine - cf. 1 Timothy 4:6; 1 Timothy 4:13; 1 Timothy 4:16– Whether in private conversation or public teaching, Christians should set an example of speaking the truth with grace B. AN EXAMPLE IN “CONDUCT”…1. The KJV uses the word “conversation”; the ASV has “manner of life” a. The Grk. is anastrophe - “manner of life, conduct, behavior, deportment” - Thayerb. “The word ‘conversation’ we now apply almost exclusively to oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly confined to that and is never so used in the Scriptures. It means conduct in general - including, of course, our manner of speaking, but not limited to that - and should be so understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible.”

  • Barnes2. Regarding our conduct or manner of life, it should: a. Demonstrate meekness and wisdom - James 3:13b. Display holiness, reverence, purpose - 1 Peter 1:15-19– Not only is our conduct to be an example to the believers, but honorable among unbelievers - cf. 1 Peter 2:11-12 C. AN EXAMPLE IN “LOVE”…1. The KJV uses the word “charity”; most other translations have “love” a. The Grk. is agape - “brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence” - Thayerb. A popular definition is “active good will”
  1. The love we are to display is to be manifested toward: a. God and our brethren - Matthew 22:37; 1 John 4:11b. Our fellow man including our enemies - Matthew 22:39; Matthew 5:44– In a world where love is often lacking, Christians should exemplify the virtue D. AN EXAMPLE IN “SPIRIT”…1. Most translations omit the phrase “in spirit”; not found in the oldest manuscripts
  2. The Grk. is pneuma - as used here, it refers to zeal, disposition or attitude
  3. That Christians should be fervent in spirit is clearly taught elsewhere: a. In reference to good works - Titus 2:14b. In reference to our service to the Lord - Romans 12:11; Revelation 2:4c. In reference to our love for one another - 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 4:8– Christians should provide an example of enthusiasm in their service, not lethargy! E. AN EXAMPLE IN “FAITH”…1. Nearly all translations read “faith”; the ISV reads “faithfulness” a. The Grk. is pistis - “assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity” - Strongb. It can refer to either the belief one has (as in God), or to the fidelity and faithfulness of one’s character
  4. Both should be true of the Christian: a. Possessing a strong belief or faith in God and Christ – Hebrews 11:6b. Displaying the character of faithfulness and dependability
  • Revelation 2:10– “At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God.” - Barnes

F. AN EXAMPLE IN “PURITY”…1. Virtually all translations use the word “purity” a. The Grk. is hagneia - “purity, sinlessness of life” - Thayerb. In the NT, used only here and in 1 Timothy 5:22. Moral or sexual purity, both in thought and act, seems to be the idea a. “There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex that would give rise to scandal.” - Barnesb. “Chastity of body and mind; a direction peculiarly necessary for a young minister, who has more temptations to break its rules than perhaps any other person.” - Clarke– As Paul would instruct Timothy later, all Christians should “flee youthful lusts” and “pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace…” - cf. 2 Timothy 2:22

  1. Are we calling on the Lord out of a pure heart…? - cf. 2 Timothy 2:22a. Calling upon Him for our salvation? b. Calling upon Him for our sanctification?

  2. Then let our example be one that illustrates the power of the gospel to impact… a. Our words b. Our conduct c. Our love d. Our spirit e. Our faith f. Our purity

What kind of church (people) would we be if everyone followed our own example in these things? May this question motivate us to examine our lives and correct any deficiencies that we may find…

1 Timothy 4:13-16

“THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY”

That Your Progress May Be Evident (1 Timothy 4:13-16)

  1. In 1 Timothy 4:13-16, we find Paul telling Timothy things to do… a. Until Paul was able to come to him b. That would make Timothy’s progress evident to all c. That would save himself and those who heard him – These instructions were related to Timothy’s work as an evangelist
  2. Yet are there not applications that all Christians can take from this passage…? a. As we await the coming of our Lord? b. That would make our own progress evident to all? c. That would save ourselves and those near us? – Indeed, these instructions are worthy of our careful consideration as Christians! [With this in mind, what can be gleaned from Paul’s charge in this passage so “That Your Progress May Be Evident”…?]

I. GIVE YOUR A. TO READING…1. In Timothy’s case a. It may refer to public reading of Scripture, a custom in the synagogue that was continued in the church - Luke 4:16-20; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:27; Colossians 4:16; Revelation 1:3b. It may also include private reading, for the benefit of personal growth - Joshua 1:82. In our case a. We should certainly give attention to daily Bible reading for spiritual growth - Psalms 1:1-3b. We might also read other books to encourage our walk with God - Philippians 4:8– At the very least, reading God’s Word is essential to our spiritual progress! B. TO …1. In Timothy’s case a. It likely refers to public teaching or preaching, in which one exhorts others - Romans 12:8b. It may also include private exhortation, as one encourages another - 1 Thessalonians 5:112. In our case a. We exhort one another by our frequent assembling - Hebrews 10:24-25b. We can also exhort one another daily - Hebrews 3:13– Exhorting another person not only blesses them, but ourselves as well! C. TO …1. In Timothy’s case a. This refers to the teaching or instruction he would do as a minister - 1 Timothy 4:6b. It was a charge that was especially given to him - 1 Timothy 4:112. In our case a. We may teach in various ways, in public or private, in example or word, but teach we must - Hebrews 5:12b. We may be limited where we may teach, but teach we must

  • 1 Timothy 2:12; Titus 2:3-4– Those who teach, benefit greatly through the preparation required to teach! D. TO YOUR GIFT…1. In Timothy’s case a. It referred to a gift given through the laying on of hands
  • 1 Timothy 4:14b. He had a gift imparted by the laying on of Paul’s hands, that required some reminding; likely a miraculous gift
  • 2 Timothy 1:62. In our case a. There are gifts given related to our function in the body of Christ - Romans 12:3-8b. It is important that we administer our gift in service to our brethren - 1 Peter 4:10-11– Certainly as one exercises their gift, their progress will be evident to others! [Paul’s instructions to Timothy can easily be applied to ourselves, can’t they? Let’s now endeavor to apply his remaining charges to Timothy, which can be summarized by the phrase…]

II. GIVE A. ON THESE THINGS…1. Dwell upon the things commanded in this passage 2. Are you reading that which will build you up? 3. Do you exhort your brethren, are you teaching them in ways that benefit them? 4. Are you utilizing your God-given abilities and opportunities, or are you burying them? – Perhaps the parable of the talents will help in your meditation

  • Matthew 25:14-30 B. TAKE HEED TO …1. Do not neglect your own spiritual development (which is why you should read)

  1. Do not neglect your own brethren (which is why you should exhort them)

  2. Do not neglect your own opportunities (which is why you should teach them)

  3. Do not neglect your own gift (which is why you should develop and utilize it) – We can be so busy, that we neglect ourselves and not be prepared - cf. Luke 21:34 C. TAKE HEED TO THE …1. We must be true to the Word of God

  4. We must avoid being misled by false teachings

  5. We must be sure that what we teach others is true – Fellowship with God and brethren are affected by doctrinal faithfulness - 2 John 1:9-10 D. IN THEM…1. These exhortations are not to be soon forgotten

  6. These duties require perseverance – Eternal life comes to those who patiently continue to do that which is good - Romans 2:7

  7. What benefit could Timothy expect by heeding these admonitions…? a. He would save himself! - 1 Timothy 4:16b. He would save those who heard him! - 1 Timothy 4:16

  8. Is that not a goal worthy of… a. Giving attention to these things? b. Giving ourselves entirely to them?

So if we desire to have progress evident to all, and in the process save ourselves and others, then apply these admonitions as though they were written to us…!

1 Timothy 4:14

1 Timothy 4:14

1 Timothy 4:15

1 Timothy 4:15

1 Timothy 4:16

1 Timothy 4:16

‹ Chapter 3 1 Timothy — All Chapters Chapter 5 ›

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