1 Timothy 4

David Lipscomb Commentary On 1st Timothy 41 Timothy 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.)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 nave apostatized from the faith.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.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 4:2through 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 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.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 hid 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 4:3forbidding 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.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.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.and nothing is to be rejected,—It is not the part of wisdom to reject or refuse what God does not reject.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 4:5for 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.]1 Timothy 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.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.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.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 4:7but refuse profane and old wives’ fables.—These may refer to 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 abounds in many ri­diculous and absurd tales of cures performed and wonders wrought.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 4:8for 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.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.]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.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.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. 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.]in word,—This has reference to teaching the word of God, but particularly to his words in social intercourse.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.]in love,—In love to God and man which shows itself in honoring God and doing good to man.in faith,—Faithful in all things, faithful in teaching the will of God, and in being an example of fidelity in keeping its requirements.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 Jus 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.to exhortation,—On these Scriptures exhortations to obedience and faithful living were to be baaed.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.)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.give thyself wholly to them;—He was not to divide his attention with worldly 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.]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.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.

Verse 1 First Timothy Chapter Four “This whole chapter (1 Timothy 4:1-16) constitutes a main division of 1Timothy; it deals with coming heresies and tells how Timothy is to be fortified and is to fortify the churches against them."[1] Lenski also denied the proposition that Paul was here merely writing instructions to the minister of a single congregation. “He is addressing his apostolic representative for the whole territory of which Ephesus is the center."[2] The first five verses (1 Timothy 4:1-5) deal with particular features of the great apostasy which all of the sacred writers revealed would develop during the historical progression of Christianity. Before beginning the study of this chapter, a glance at some of their prophecies is in order. THE GREAT Christ foretold that “wolves in sheep’s clothing” would ravage the flock of God (Matthew 7:15 ff), indicating that the church itself would be the theater of the apostasy. Paul, right here in Ephesus, had warned that the “grievous wolves” would come from the eldership itself, “from among your own selves” (Acts 20:28-30). The Corinthians were alerted to the fact that Satan would seduce them, and that their minds should “be corrupted from the simplicity and purity that is toward Christ”; and the contrast of the bride of Christ with that of Adam points to the church (2 Corinthians 11:3). The apostasy shall occur, or be centered, in the very temple of God, in context a reference to the church, the spiritual body of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). See under those verses above. The falling (apostasy) “away from the faith” in this passage (1 Timothy 4:1-5) carries the presumption that the apostates were once in the true faith. Another phase of the apostasy, namely, its amorality and lawlessness, is stressed in 2 Timothy 3:1-8; and the indifference of Christians to sound teaching and their desire for “teachers after their own lusts” are pinpointed in 2 Timothy 4:1-7. Methods and character of the apostate teachers appear in 2 Peter 2:1-3, where is found remarkably supplementary material for what Paul mentioned in this chapter of Timothy, that the false teachers, greedy for money, teach what they know to be a falsehood. Of course, chapters 17,18 of the Revelation set forth still other characteristics of the apostasy prophesied by the Lord and his apostles; and, in perfect consonance with everything else that was written about it, the heretical and persecuting power is a harlot church. From the above, it is concluded, to begin with, that the fulfillment of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4 must be looked for within the church itself, and not in some obscure ancient sect. [1] R. H. H. Lenski, St. Paul’s Epistles. 1Timothy (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1937), p. 626. [2] Ibid., p. 627. But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times, some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, (1 Timothy 4:1) The Spirit saith expressly … “This means that there was neither doubt nor vagueness about it."[3] The connection of this section with the preceding chapter is seen in the contrast with the triumphant Christ depicted in the final six poetical lines of chapter 3. “Over against the future triumph of the church, assured by the finished work of Christ, we must set the opposition."[4]That in later times … This is not limited to any immediate period after Paul’s letter. “From the time at which he was writing and forward in all periods of the church, men have apostatized from the faith."[5]Some shall fall away from the faith … Paul did not use the same word here for “fall away” which he used in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-11; but as Carl Spain said: The of 2 Thessalonians 2:3 is the same as the here in 1 Timothy 4:1. Both words are from [@afistemi], meaning to abandon, to rebel, to desert. It is translated FORSAKE (Acts 21:21), and “fall away from” (Hebrews 3:12).[6]The obvious connection with other New Testament references to the apostasy requires the deduction mentioned by Ward, “The later times' foreshadow the gathering eschatological storm."[7] The Second Coming is also connected with the final and complete manifestation of this apostasy in <a href="/bible/parallel/2TH/2/1" class="green-link">2 Thessalonians 2:1-12</a>. Lenski made it "the whole time between the two Advents."[8]From the faith ... simply means "the Christian faith," giving further emphasis to the Christian roots of the apostasy in view. Giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons ... It is not taught here that evil spirits actually teach, but that they "through men" (mentioned a moment later) deceived multitudes and are, in fact, themselves instigators of the false teaching. In the Old Testament, the evil spirit who stood before the Lord said, "I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets" (<a href="/bible/parallel/1KI/22/22" class="green-link">1 Kings 22:22</a>); and the same evil power would be able also to corrupt Christian elders, change them into hardened hypocrites, speaking the most glaring falsehood, with no reproach whatever from their dead consciences. Of course, not elders alone, but ministers, church prelates, and the whole echelon of religious hierarchies are included in this. Most scholars accept "doctrines of demons" in this passage subjectively, that is, doctrines taught by demons (through men); but there is a very possible interpretation which construes this as meaning "doctrines regarding demons"; and, as every Roman emperor upon his death became a demon to be prayed to, the historical church herself finally began offering prayers "to" its dead saints, which most certainly fulfills the definition of "doctrines of demons" understood objectively. [3] William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary, 1,2Timothy and Titus (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1957), p. 145. [4] Newport J. D. White, Expositors Greek Testament, Vol. IV (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1967), p. 120. [5] David Lipscomb, Commentary on 1Timothy (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1942), p. 154. [6] Carl Spain, The Letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus (Austin, Texas: R. B. Sweet Company, 1970), p. 73. [7] Ronald Ward, Commentary on 1,2Timothy and Titus (Waco: Word Books, 1974), p. 67. [8] R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 618. Verse 2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;Reference is again made to the passages outlined at the head of this chapter. The very worst mistake that any sincere student of the word of God can make is to assume that teachers of false doctrine are either telling the truth, or that they are unaware of the false doctrines they are teaching. The Scriptures leave no doubt at all on this. Branded in their conscience as with a hot iron ... This is a description of the "hardened," "blinded," deadened soul in whom the truth principle has utterly perished. It begins by rejecting what is known to be true, but in its progression it leaves the "deluded" totally without moral or spiritual guidelines. The Scriptures contain a great deal of material on the judicial hardening of willful sinners; and those interested in further pursuit of the subject will find a discussion of it in my Commentary on Romans, pp. 392-395. Verse 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.Forbidding to marry ... This heads the list of characteristics of the great apostasy that shall seduce and mislead the church of God; and one may only be astounded at the fanciful interpretations of this that one finds in commentaries. Note some of these: False teachers were to arise in Timothy's day, and shortly thereafter who would teach that God did not create matter because matter is evil ... The command to abstain from meats and marriage is based upon the supposed evil of matter.[9](This is an indication) of the impious doctrine of some of the great Gnostic schools ... probably in those early days creeping into the churches. The Jewish sects of the Essenes and the Therapeutae had already taught abstinence from marriage was meritorious.[10]A hundred other instances could be cited in which there seems to be a total blindness to the one overwhelming, universal fulfillment of this very prophecy, namely, that found in the apostate church herself, which there is no need to name, because every child on five continents already knows it. To mention the Therapeutae (as in Spence, above), offers little that is tangile ... We may safely say that no sect that bore this name ever existed.[11]It is only among the more recent commentators that the phenomenal blindness to the historical fulfillment of the apostasy is observed; and therefore we are doubly thankful for comments like the following: The whole monastic system that developed, together with all the lying teachings from which it arose, appeared soon enough. It still flourishes in Rome and in all the rest of the false ascetism.[12]T. Croskery gave the following historical progression of the development of the heresy of forbidding Christians to marry: This notion may already have influenced opinion in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7); it developed in less than a century into Gnostic contempt for marriage; it entered patristic theology in the form of an exaggerated veneration for virginity; it developed in the Latin and Greek churches into the celibacy of the clergy and of religious orders; it was a tendency wholly opposed to Scripture teaching which allows "marriage is honorable in all" (<a href="/bible/parallel/HEB/13/2" class="green-link">Hebrews 13:2</a>); it forbade marriage to church rulers and ministers, despite the fact of Old Testament priests and New Testament elders having been required to be "husbands of one wife." Apostles were permitted to take their wives with them on mission tours (<a href="/bible/parallel/1CO/9/5" class="green-link">1 Corinthians 9:5</a>).[13]Wesley explained the meaning here thus: Forbidding priests, monks and nuns to marry, and commanding all men to abstain from such and such meats on such and such days.[14]There is also the universal prohibition against marriage during Lent, a ban that denies marriage during a specified period to hundreds of millions throughout the earth. Yes, Paul's prophesy was fulfilled in the most comprehensive and extensive dimensions imaginable. Commanding to abstain from meats ... This is partially treated under the preceding verse. Paul's condemnation of such doctrine has in view the fact that Jesus Christ made "all meats clean" (<a href="/bible/parallel/MRK/7/19" class="green-link">Mark 7:19</a>; <a href="/bible/parallel/ACT/10/13" class="green-link">Acts 10:13-16</a>). Them that believe and know the truth ... Once again the order of trust, then knowledge, appears in the New Testament, as in "We have believed and know that thou art the Holy One of God" (<a href="/bible/parallel/JHN/6/69" class="green-link">John 6:69</a>). The knowledge that amounts to an absolute certainty is experiential in that it follows, but does not precede, belief. [9] Ronald A. Ward, op. cit., p. 78. [10] H. D. M. Spence, Ellicott's Bible Commentary, Vol. VIII (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970), p. 196. [11] R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 622. [12] Ibid., p. 623. [13] T. Croskery, The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 21,1Tim. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 75. [14] John Wesley, One Volume New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1972), in loco. Verse 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving:Every creature of God is good ... This is attested by the fact that even those creatures held to be unsuitable for food in some countries are yet considered delicacies in others, as any international market demonstrates. If it be received with thanksgiving ... Thanksgiving at meals is a basic Christian duty, and the same is in view here. Verse 5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.Sanctified ... or "consecrated ..." Ward pointed out the value of this verse in another connection: Paul says the unbelieving husband is consecrated through his wife (<a href="/bible/parallel/1CO/7/14" class="green-link">1 Corinthians 7:14</a>). It cannot mean that the husband is saved because he has a Christian wife. But what does it mean? ... He is not to be regarded as unclean, and therefore divorced; he can continue to be the husband of a Christian.[15]Spence noted that quotations, or allusions, founded upon the Bible often made up a portion of thanksgiving at meals in the Christian community, citing a very old form of the practice from the Apostolic Constitutions, thus: Blessed be Thou, O Lord, who nourishes men from their youth up, and who givest meat to all flesh; fill our hearts with joy and gladness, so that we, always enjoying a sufficiency, may abound unto every good work in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be ascribed the glory, honour and power unto the ages. Amen.[16]In this connection, Gould also pointed out the "table thanks" common among Wesley and his preachers thus: Be present at this table Lord; Be here and everywhere adored; These creatures bless, and grant that we May Feast in Paradise with Thee."[17][15] Ronald A. Ward, op. cit., p. 70. [16] H. D. M. Spence, op. cit., p. 197. [17] J. Glenn Gould, Beacon Bible Commentary, Vol. IX (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1965), p. 594. Verse 6 If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:This is one of the passages which the source critics have bitterly complained about, Faith in the Pauline epistles is a subjective experience, but in the Pastorals it is more objective in character."[18] Of course, this is their excuse for denying Paul wrote the Pastorals. However, as pointed out extensively in this series, it is simply a conceit on the part of scholars that "faith" is usually subjective in Paul's other writings. "Faith" in this place is undeniably objective, being related not so much to "trusting" as it is to piety and good works; and Paul's letters do not contradict each other. See extensive exegesis on this in my Commentary on Galatians, pp. 69,70. In his book on Romans, Sanday tells us that we must distinguish between at least seven different senses given the word "faith" in that one epistle, and he says that Paul has all of these meanings before him.[19]The most widespread theological error of this age is that of misunderstanding the use of "faith" by Paul in his letters, and the unlawful, ridiculous interpretation of it as meaning, invariably, "trust/faith." That it does occasionally have that meaning is certain; but as Dr. Howard of the University of Georgia declared, "The usual meaning of the word in the New Testament is fidelity."[20]Paul's emphasis in this place on sound doctrine is also offensive to some who boast that they do not "preach doctrine"; and such a boast separates one emphatically from the New Testament tradition. "A good minister," in the Pauline definition, is one who is both nourished by and a teacher of the sound Scriptural doctrine upon which the New Testament church is founded. [18] D. A. Hayes, Paul and His Epistles (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1969), p. 453. [19] Ibid, p. 458. [20] George Howard, article: "The Faith of Christ," in Expository Times, Vol. 7 (April, 1974), pp. 212-214. Verse 7 but refuse profane and old wives' fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:"Invented stories and untrue fables have no place in Christian proclamation. The faith is rooted in history."[21]How much of the lore regarding the so-called canonization of the "saints" of the church is pure fable? For example, take the tale regarding St. Patrick who was said to have died in Ireland; but he was so beloved that his friends would not bury him; and on the fourth day his body swelled up, burst, and emitted profusely the most marvelous perfume men had ever smelled! This yarn was told by a clergyman of the historical church in this writer's community, when he was a small boy. Exercise thyself unto godliness ... A moment later Paul would cite the reason for this admonition. Exercise unto godliness leads to eternal rewards; the other type of exercise provides only temporal benefits. ENDNOTE: [21] Ronald A. Ward, op. cit., p. 71. Verse 8 for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.This is denominated a "faithful saying" in the next verse. The contrast between the mere care of the body and the far more important care of the soul is the thing in view. It is incredible how much time, effort, expense and concern men lavish upon exercise and care of their bodies; and, while Paul allows this to be profitable "for a little," that is, "for a little time, only," the far more important requirements of the religious life of the soul should be stressed more than the other. Verse 9 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.Commentators are sharply divided on whether this applies to the preceding <a href="/bible/parallel/1TI/4/8" class="green-link">1 Timothy 4:8</a>, or to the following1 Timothy 4:10. The view preferred here sees it as applicable to the preceding verse, above. As Lenski expressed it: This saying is identical with the dictum in <a href="/bible/parallel/1TI/1/15" class="green-link">1 Timothy 1:15</a>, and does not seal what follows, but what precedes ... (It carries the idea) Trust it or not; it is and remains worthy of all acceptation.[22]ENDNOTE: [22] R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 636. Verse 10 For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.Of the living God ... The Christian hope contrasted starkly with the hope of the pagan world which was set upon dead idols. Who is the Saviour of all men ... "This is not universalism. The key is in the words, specially of them that believe.’"[23] It is a fact, of course, that God is able and willing to save all men, and that all who are ever saved will be saved by him; and it is in this sense that “he is the Saviour of all men.” As Lenski said, “We know why so many are not saved (Matthew 23:37)."[24][23] Ronald A. Ward, op. cit., p. 73. [24] R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 639. Verse 11 These things command and teach.Every word Paul addressed to Timothy is Christian doctrine. The order to command and teach those things extends to all times and to all congregations seeking to do the will of the Lord. Paul’s instructions in this letter were not merely personal advice to Timothy, but solid doctrinal guidelines for the church of all ages. Verse 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.White’s paraphrase of the meaning here is as follows: 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.[25]It should not be inferred from this, however, that Timothy was young by present-day methods of reckoning youth. Youth is a relative term, as pointed out by White: “Forty is reckoned old for a captain in the army, young for a bishop, and very young for a prime minister."[26]Gould pointed out that: It is age, rather than youth, that is in danger of being despised today. When a church seeking a minister automatically disqualifies every man on its list who is fifty years old, or older, it has come dangerously near to despising maturity.[27]Despite the validity of what Gould says, there is also a widespread tendency to ignore and bypass men in their twenties when settled churches start looking for a minister. This also is extremely reprehensible. In word … life … love … The conduct of any minister is regulated by this. He must be one whose life measures up to the holy ideals which he preaches. [25] Newport J. D. White, op. cit., p. 126. [26] Ibid. [27] J. Glenn Gould, op. cit., p. 598. Verse 13 Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.Till I come … As previously pointed out, we do not know if Paul ever was permitted to go to Ephesus again, as he planned here to do. Give heed to reading … Despite the obvious application of this admonition to the simple necessity of study on the part of every minister, Lenski was sure that something else was meant. He wrote: Timothy is directed to pay close attention to the reading of the churches, that is, to WHAT is being read, not that should be read, still less that Timothy do the reading but to what is being read."[28]Full agreement is felt with this; and the point is one worthy of consideration by churches everywhere. Some of the “modern” translations being read publicly are near blasphemy in their contradiction of sacred truth; and one finds reason to rejoice that the Hillsboro church in Nashville, Tennessee, laid down the dictum that only certain versions of the Holy Bible were ever to be read publicly from their pulpit. It was a similar concern which Paul enjoined upon Timothy here. ENDNOTE: [28] R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 643. Verse 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.What was this gift, and where did Timothy get it? Lenski answers thus: God gave (it) not by a miraculous gift from heaven, but “by means of prophecy,” by a communication of the word to him, and did that under the tutelage of one of the most capable prophets this word ever had, namely, Paul himself.[29]The gift may also be identified with Timothy’s ability, as Paul’s assistant, to found and establish churches in the truth. From 2 Timothy 1:6, it is clear that Paul himself was present and participated in the laying on of the hands of the presbytery, the same being the occasion when Timothy was set aside unto the attainment of this gift, an attainment which was prophesied at the time. As to what prophet may have spoken it, Silas, who was also a prophet, was Paul’s companion at the time; and either he or Paul could have made the prophecy which was so gloriously fulfilled in Timothy. If on the first tour, Barnabas could have uttered it. ENDNOTE: [29] Ibid., p. 645. Verse 15 Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be made manifest unto all.The utmost diligence and application to the task in hand are indicated by this; and such diligence and perseverance will surely issue in favorable results. It is regrettable that some ministers seem to believe that they can benefit mankind more by who they are and what they imagine themselves to be, than by any diligent application to the work of saving souls. It was a task, arduous, demanding, and constant to which Paul here assigned Timothy. Verse 16 Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.Paul never thought of salvation as a “once procured, final feat, settled and done forever!” No, salvation was a matter of fidelity and perseverance to the end of life. From this, it is also clear that there is a sense in which men must save themselves, not in the sense of either meriting or earning salvation, but in the sense of diligent continuity in the Christian way. There is no occasion in the Christian life when the follower of the Lord may feel free to rest upon his laurels, assume that he “has it made,” or cease the fidelity that should mark the entirety of his whole life. Wallis pointed out that “continuing” is one of the basic words “used to describe the steadfast walk of a Christian (Galatians 3:10; Hebrews 8:9; James 1:25; Acts 14:22 and Colossians 1:23). It is basically the same as ABIDE in John 15,1John."[30]ENDNOTE: [30] Wilbur B. Wallis, Wycliffe Bible Commentary, New Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), p. 856. “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 a) 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)
• A good servant of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 4:6-16)

2. What did the Spirit reveal would happen in latter times? (1 Timothy 4:1)

• Some will depart from the faith

3. What would such people give heed to? (1 Timothy 4:1)

• Deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons

4. What would they speak? Why? (1 Timothy 4:2)

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. What was Timothy to reject? Unto what was he to exercise himself? (1 Timothy 4:7)

• Profane and old wives’ fables
• Godliness

10. 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

11. What was Timothy not to let anyone despise? (1 Timothy 4:12)

• His youth

12. 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

13. To what three things was Timothy to give attention? (1 Timothy 4:13)

• Reading, exhortation, and doctrine

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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

Questions by E.M. Zerr For 1st Timothy 41. In what manner does the Spirit speak here? 2. What times are spoken of ? 3. Where is this “ departing-” previously spoken of ? 4. To what .will they give heed? 5. Give another word for this seduction. 6. To whom are these doctrines credited? 7. In what are their lies clothed? 8. Describe the conscience of these people. 9. What will they do as to marriage? 10. Name the institution that fulfills this prediction, 11. State their command about meats. 12. Specify some instance when this is observed. 13. For what are these things created? 14. By whom may they be received ? 15. Nothing should be refused IF, what? 16. By what is it sanctified? 17. What would make Timothy a good minister? 18. Does this require a collegiate course? 19. In what would he be nourished up? 20. What should he refuse? 21. Tell the meaning of fable. 22. State the kind of exercise recommended. 23. What is said of bodily exercise ? 24. Tell what is better. 25. What advantages does it have over the other? 26. Does this teach special providence? 27. What is meant by “ that which is to come” ? 28. State Paul’ s conviction as to this saying. 29. What trust supports him in reproaches? 30. Of whom is God the Saviour? 31. Of whom is he specially so? 32. Distinguish the two thoughts. 33. How urgent must Timothy he in his work? 34. Was Timothy an old man? 35. What is meant by despising his youth? 36. How could he avoid this? 37. Distinguish “ in word” and “ in conversation.” 38. What is another word for charity? 39. How could he be an example in faith? 40. In what way should Timothy use his time? 41. What could he read? 42. Tell the meaning of doctrine. 43. How does it differ from exhortation ? 44. What must he not neglect? 45. How was this gift bestowed on him ? 46. Show that it could not have been inspiration. 47. Had the gift been prophesied? 48. What should be his mental attitude toward it? 49. In what two things must he take heed ? 50. In so doing who would be saved ?

1 Timothy 4:1

1 Timothy 4:1. Speaketh expressly means to speak in express or exact words. This is what is known as verbal inspiration, where the Spirit gives the apostle or other hearer the message in the exact words to be received and communicated to others. That is not the usual method of inspiration, but instead, the Spirit reveals the truth on the subject being considered, but leaves it to the one being inspired to use his own words in handing the message over to others. This accounts for the fact that the various writers can be distinguished from each other by their own peculiar manner of speech; such as that of Paul or Peter or John, etc. But since the Spirit supervises the whole revelation, it assures us that the writings of all these men are inspired and hence what they say is divine truth.

Latter times represents an indefinite date, only that it is in the future from the time the apostle is writing. Depart from the faith denotes a foresaking of the true faith in Christ as it is revealed in the Gospel. While the original Greek word is not the same as that used in 2 Thessalonians 2 regarding the apostasy, the meaning is the same. It is a prediction of the false dectrine of Rome, that came out from those headquarters after the “man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) came into being in his full power. Seducing spirits refers to the deceiving men who pretend to speak by inspiration, such as the clergy of the church of Rome. Doctrines of devils.

The last word means demons, spirits in the intermediate state, which is usually translated by the word “devil.” The Romish church makes great claim of having communications with beings in the unseen realm, and the doctrines (or teaching) that were claimed to have come from the intermediate state were put out by Rome as of great significance, and were believed by the disciples of the “man of sin.”

1 Timothy 4:2

1 Timothy 4:2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy. The last word is from , and its primary definition in Thayer’s lexicon is, “the acting of a stage-player.” When a person goes on the stage to act the part of a certain character, he and everyone else knows he is not really that person–that he is only acting. The word has been appropriated by composers of moral speech to mean a man who pretends to be what he knows he is not. The speakers of Rome, then, know they are expressing lies when they put forth their false doctrine. The question arises, why will these teachers express what they know to be false?

The answer is in the rest of the verse, namely, their conscience has been seared with a hot iron. This is figurative, as we understand, but is used because when a part of one’s body has been seared over, it becomes dull to pain, so that it will not even flinch from a contact that would at other times cause much resistance. At this point I insist that the reader see the comments at 2 Thessalonians 2:11.

1 Timothy 4:3

1 Timothy 4:3. Forbidding to marry. This is a specific prediction of the doctrine of Rome, for no one of the clergy of that institution, from the pope down to the ordinary priest is permitted to marry. It makes no difference to them that Paul declares that “marriage is honorable in all” (Hebrews 13:4). The edict of the “man of sin” is of more weight to them than a declaration of an apostle. Abstain from meats.

The last word may include anything that is used as food, but in this passage it refers to the flesh of animals. Even in our day the members of the church of Rome are told not to eat the flesh of animals on any Friday. They make an exception by permitting the use of fish on that day. Their inconsistency is proved by Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 15:39, that the bodies of fishes is flesh also. This is another one of their “lies in hypocrisy.” Paul declares that every creature that God made is good for food, and is so regarded by them which be-lieve and know the truth. This gives us the conclusion that the devotees of Rome do not believe the truth.

1 Timothy 4:4

1 Timothy 4:4. Paul is not posing as an authority on diet, or presuming to decide on what might be liked or disliked as an article of food. He means there is nothing that is wrong from a religious standpoint. There were certain things forbidden by the law of Moses, but that system as a, religious course of conduct, was taken away by the Gospel and therefore no one has the right to impose restrictions on the people of God concerning what they may eat. (See Colossians 2:16.) The privilege of eating the various articles of food is on condition that they be received with thanksgiving. It is an obligation upon all disciples to give thanks for their food (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17). The writer has been in homes of disciples where the practice of offering thanks for food was evidently not done. This was indicated by the embarrassment manifested by the host in requesting the guest to “please ask a blessing.”

1 Timothy 4:5

1 Timothy 4:5. To be sanctified means to be set apart or devoted to a righteous use. The word of God says it is right to use these creatures as food, and the thanksgiving prayer gives the disciple a right to eat it; the two factors thus sanctify the food.

1 Timothy 4:6

1 Timothy 4:6. Brethren need to be told over and over again the things they have known as the truth (Hebrews 2:1; Peter 3:1). Timothy was an evangelist and would be in various places to work with the Gospel. The present verse states a qualification that would make him a good minister. That term is not a title as the present day usage of religious language would express it. The word minister is not used in any place in the New Testament as a special class of public speakers.

It comes from the same Greek word as servant, and may apply to any member of the church. Paul shows that doing one’s duty toward his brethren, in reminding them of their obligations, will constitute him a good minister (servant) of Jesus Christ. Being equipped with the wisdom of the world does not constitute one a good minister, although such seems to be what is demanded by the popular notions of the day. Instead, being nourished up (informed) in the words of faith which constitutes good doctrine. will equip him for acceptable service to the Lord. Whereunto thou host attained. This denotes that Timothy was not lacking in these qualities, and other passages indicates the same accomplishments in him (1 Timothy 1:18-19; 2 Timothy 1:5; Acts 16:1-2).

But Timothy was no exception to the rule that servants of Christ need to be reminded of their obligation to Him.

1 Timothy 4:7

1 Timothy 4:7. Profane means something that is common or worldly; heathenish and useless. Old wives fables refers to myths originating with foolish old women who have no substantial basis for their shallow stories. Timothy had no time to waste on such useless subjects. The kind of exercise worthy his attention was godliness or piety.

1 Timothy 4:8

1 Timothy 4:8. Bodily exercise refers to the gymnastics or training that the Greeks and other ancient nations practiced, in order to get themselves prepared for the combat in national games. Profiteth little. Those performances brought some advantages of a temporal nature, but the benefits were small and did not last very long. The exercise that counts most is of a spiritual kind, consisting of a godly or pious mode of conduct. Such training did not restrict its benefits to this life, although it included that in the highest sense.

That is, such a life helped the body to have a healthy condition, which has many advantages even in this world. But that kind of training prepared one to win in the combat against evil in the world, and also developed a character that will be acceptable to the Lord in the life to come. The man who performs bodily training only, it victory’ gets nothing out of but a over another like contestant. with nothing to look forward to after this life ends.

1 Timothy 4:9

1 Timothy 4:9. Faithful saying means that what Paul has been saying is true, and hence is worthy of being fully accepted. Of course, if a man does accept it wholeheartedly, he will regulate his life accordingly, and prepare himself for the greatest possible usefulness in this world, and for eternal happiness in the world to come.

1 Timothy 4:10

1 Timothy 4:10. Paul’s confidence in the principles that he had just expressed, induced him to labor (spiritual exercise or gymnastics of the inner man), even though it would bring reproach upon him from the enemies of righteousness. The apostle was so certain of the promises of the living Gad, that he looked upon the mistreatment coming from the enemies as a “light affliction,” and that as a result it would work for him " a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Saviour of all men, especially, etc. If one man is saved at all, how could another be especially saved? The idea involves the sense in which all men are saved, which is that God provided salvation for the whole world (John 3:16), but only those who believe (and obey) will actually get the benefit of the plan; in that sense they will be especially saved.

1 Timothy 4:11

1 Timothy 4:11. Command and teach. Not being an inspired man, Timothy could not speak with authority. However, he could deliver the communications as the express commands of the apostle, then explain their meaning and urge their observance.

1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 4:12. Moffat translates the first clause, “Let no one slight you because you are a youth.” Timothy could avoid being belittled (the meaning of despise) or his teaching underestimated by proper conduct. Otherwise it might be said that he was but a youth, and it would not be necessary to take him very seriously. When he would insist on others leading a life of devotion and self-denial, they would be convinced he was in earnest if he led the way by an example in his own life. In word. His speech should be pure and respectuful towards God and man.

Conversation means conduct or manner of life. Charity means a sincere interest in the welfare of others. In spirit. By the proper kind of conduct, Timothy would show that he was mindful of the teaching of the Spirit; that his own spirit was being regulated by the influence of the Spirit of Christ. In faith. His manner of life should be such as that of one who believed from the heart in the Saviour he professed to serve.

Purity denotes a life unmixed with the evils of people in the world who care not for the Lord.

1 Timothy 4:13

1 Timothy 4:13. Till I come is a repetition of Paul’s expressed purpose, which he stated in chapter 3:14 . Timothy was not an inspired man, and hence needed to obtain his instructions by hearing another or by reading what was written for him. Likewise, when he preached to others, he had to give them what had been written in the law of Moses or by the apostles. Furthermore, he needed to make a personal examination of all such reading matter, so that he could make the proper application to others. (See 2 Timothy 2:15.) To exhort another means to insist on his doing what he has learned to be his duty. Teaching includes the impartation of truths hitherto not known, and/or the explanation of those truths after having been communicated to others.

1 Timothy 4:14

1 Timothy 4:14. Given thee by prophecy. This refers to the prediction of those achievements which one set to teach the Gospel wil accomplish for the kingdom of Christ. The prediction was made by those having the gift of prophecy, at the time hands were laid on Timothy and he was about to be sent forth. We do not know just what the gift was, but we do know that it was not the gift of inspiration as that term is usually taken, for such a gift could not be neglected, which Timothy was told not to do. (See the comments at chapter 1:18.) Presbytery means the group of elders over the congregation. Acts 8:14-18 shows us that it required the hands of an apostle to confer the spiritual gifts.

However, when such a performance was to take place in a locality where there were elders, it was fitting that it be done in conjunction with them, in respect for the dignity of their office. In such a circumstance, the laying on of the elders’ hands would only be a formality to show their approval, in much the same spirit that the “right hands of fellowship” were given to Paul and Barnabas in Galatians 2:9.

1 Timothy 4:15

1 Timothy 4:15. Thayer defines meditate, “to care for, attend to carefully, practice.” The definition agrees with the rest of the verse, for it emphasizes the thought by the instruction to give thyself wholly to them, which is to result further in his improvement as a teacher. Profiting refers to the good fruit that would be borne of his meditation, and it would be so practical that all people could see it.

1 Timothy 4:16

1 Timothy 4:16. This verse sets forth an idea that is couched in a familiar saying, namely, “practice what you preach.” Timothy was to take heed unto himslf (his practice) and unto the doctrine or teaching (that which was preached). This sort of conduct was not to be observed occasionally only, but he was to continue in them. This kind of life would benefit two groups; himself and his hearers. That is because such a life would be carrying out the conditions on which a man may be saved, and it would be convincing to the hearers of the righteousness of the doctrine, to the end they would also accept it and be saved.