November 16, 2014
Evening Service

1Ti 3:14-15 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly.  (15)  But if I should delay, that you may know how you ought to behave in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

 

Paul is writing this letter to the church that Jesus established in Matthew 16:18.  This is the foundation we are given to build upon.  The Mediator between God and man is Jesus Christ, who is the Chief Cornerstone of the church.  The roles of men and women have been laid out clearly for us.  This morning we saw the requirements laid out for the leadership of the church.  It also gives us all an excellent guideline for what all Christ followers’ lives should look like as well.  We are all members of the same body and should all be striving to be more like our Savior.  Tonight Paul continues this same thought as we look at chapter 4.

 

   1Ti 4:1 But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,

·         Paul here reminds us of the many teachings and warnings that there will be a “departing from the faith.”  We have certainly seen that in the last generation.  The church has “conformed” herself to be current with today’s society.  They have added things to the scriptures and subtracted many that are not “up with the times.”  A watered down version of the Bible is now preached so no one will be “offended” by the message.  I believe Paul put it like this:

 

Gal 1:8-9  But even if we or an angel from Heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached, let him be accursed.  (9)  As we said before, and now I say again, If anyone preaches a gospel to you beside what you have received, let him be accursed.

·         These new messages are “accursed” because they cause men to “depart from the faith.”  True, sound teaching will point you to the Word of God and encourage you to read and follow what is spoken there.  God’s Word is perfect and no additions or subtractions are needed.

 

Now Paul gives us some direct examples of what he is speaking of.

 

1Ti 4:2-5 speaking lies in hypocrisy, being seared in their own conscience,  (3)  forbidding to marry, saying to abstain from foods which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.  (4)  For every creation of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.  (5)  For it is sanctified through the Word of God and prayer.

·         We see these lies are spoken with hypocrisy.  Hypocrisy suggests “the wearing of a mask.”  Their false teachings resemble the truth but are actually lies taught by those with a “seared conscience;” meaning that they have no problem contradicting scripture if they can justify it in their own minds.

·         The examples Paul gives are teachings on marriage and food.  Some denominations teach that their leaders cannot be married.  We saw this morning how Paul allowed for that for pastors and deacons in chapter 3.

·         Some denominations teach that we are commanded to follow the Old Testament guidelines on which foods we can and cannot eat.  Paul spells out clearly that all things are good and can be eaten if we receive them with thanksgiving and sanctify them by prayer.

·         In the big picture of things these seem like small details, yet Paul is clear that even these teachings are untrue and are harmful to the church.

 

1Ti 4:6-7  If you instruct these things to the brothers, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the Words of Faith and by the good doctrine which you have followed. But refuse profane and old-wives tales, and exercise yourself to godliness.

·         Paul charges Timothy to teach the truth and nothing but the truth.  We are to avoid myths and fables.   We as ministers of Christ must teach solid words of faith and good sound doctrine.  All these teachings must be filtered through our Bibles.

 

1Ti 4:8-10 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the present life, and of that which is to come.  (9)  Faithful is the Word, and worthy of all acceptance.  (10)  For to this we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the preserver of all men, especially of those who believe.

·         Paul is encouraging the church to exercise their faith as they do their bodies.  Push ourselves beyond our normal “safety zones” and stretch our faith to a new level.  The same rule applies “No pain, no gain;” as Paul mentions the struggles he has endured with “laboring and suffering reproach.”

·         The reward of spiritual exercise is profitable to us now and in the future as well.

 

Paul now charges Timothy directly.

 

1Ti 4:12-14 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  (13)  Until I come, attend to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.  (14)  Do not neglect the gift in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the body of elders.

·         Timothy was likely between 30 and 35 years old.  Many believers would be older, yet would have to follow the authority Timothy displayed as the bishop or pastor. 

·         Timothy is charged to be an example in “word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity.”  He, and us, are to be not only hearers, but also doers of His Word.

·          His time was to be spent in reading, exhorting, and teaching the scriptures.  These all encourage the spiritual growth for Timothy and those he ministered to as well.  He continues this thought:

 

1Ti 4:15-16 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them that your progress may evident to all.  (16)  Hold on to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them, for doing this you shall both save yourself and those who hear you.

·         In our study of the Book of Romans, we talked often about the idea of “surrendering ourselves to God.”  Paul s charges Timothy and us to “give ourselves entirely.”  Our walk with the Lord is not to be a passive one.  It takes great effort to meditate on the Word and line up our lives to its teachings

·         The “transforming” we receive now changes our will to His.  We desire what pleases Him and strive to “have a walk worthy of our calling.” (Eph. 4:1)

·         This growth or transformation is something that is obvious to all and would encourage others to follow Timothy as he follows Christ.

·         There also is no place to quit.  We are to hold on and continue in the doing of the doctrine we have been taught.

 

We see tonight the importance God’s Word plays in the operation of the church.  It is with great effort we are to learn and live out this doctrine that we have at our fingertips.  False teaching cannot cause us to depart from the faith, if we know and follow the scripture.  We are encouraged to read and study to build our faith and then exercise that faith to cause us to grow in the Lord.

 

Lord, may our hearts be given entirely to You.