September 22, 2019
Morning Service

Paul continues to instruct Timothy with a purpose in mind.  That he “may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth.”  In chapter 3, he listed the qualifications that are required to fill the offices of the church.  The standards are set high, as they should be, for those who are called to accept these positions of great responsibility.  We were each challenge to aim to meet all those same goals to be pleasing to our Lord and Savior and to help make our Fellowship of the Lord’s church the best it can be.  This morning Paul continues his instructions as he touches on false teachers and the importance of living out our faith.

1Ti 4:1-5 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, (2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, (3) forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.  (4)  For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; (5) for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

            Paul prophesies correctly here as he states “that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”  The “latter times” or some translations say “last days” is the period of time from the resurrection of Jesus until His return.  We are living in the “last days” period of time and can certainly recognize what Paul speaks here as coming true before our eyes.  Notice how he describes these teachings as not just misunderstanding of the truth, but he calls them coming from “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”  These are evil teachings inspired by our enemy to fulfill his job to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10).  These teachings which he called “lies and hypocrisy” are designed to deceive and pervert the truth by offering a clever imitation of the real thing.  They will come from teachers who appear to be speaking in the name and authority of God, but are hypocrites who have had “their own consciences seared by a hot iron.”  They are not just confused believers, but have allowed themselves to be tools in the hands of Satan and spreading confusion and lies without any regret or fear of God.  They are destroying people’s lives and don’t even care.

            Some of the things Paul mentions here are pretty basic such as marriage and the food that we eat.  These false teachers were teaching stringent requirements on how not to marry and what they were allowed to eat appearing to demonstrate self-discipline and righteousness.  Neither of these things can “cleanse” you from your sins or “earn” your salvation as that comes only from faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.  God designed marriage and food to be enjoyed with the proper perspective and understanding that they also can be abused and cause harm as well. A God centered marriage is a beautiful thing that God will bless your through it (Heb. 13:4).  Just because we are free to eat whatever we want if we offer prayer over it does not mean we should (Col. 2:16).  We need to have wisdom on the healthy aspect of what our bodies need to feel good and prosper.  Neither of these things will be a point that our salvation is judged upon.

 

 

 

  1Ti 4:6-10 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.  (7)  But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.  (8)  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.  (9)  This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.  (10)  For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

            Paul here instructs us to exercise (discipline or train) our spirit and faith much like we do our physical bodies.  Our bodies get stronger and build endurance as we exercise the muscles pushing them to higher limits than normal use.  The same is true with our spiritual muscles.  We are to use them as we discipline ourselves to focus on the truth of God and the live the lifestyle He has laid out for us to follow.  Physical exercise helps you live a healthier life here on this earth, but spiritual exercise helps you now and for all eternity.  Putting our relationship with God first in every aspect of our lives will result in us being spiritually strong and healthy.  Just as a healthy body is able to resist disease and sickness, a healthy spirit can resist our falling into temptation and straying from the truth.  Just as a healthy diet fuels the body with energy, Paul tells us we will do good if we are “nourished in the words of faith and of good doctrine.”  You are what you eat as the old saying goes.

  Paul gives us the motivation to be spiritually disciplined in the simple fact that “we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men.”  “If your love Me, keep my commandments” is how Jesus encouraged us to follow Him.  Be strong in your faith by reading, studying, attending church, and loving your neighbor as yourself and do it because you love Jesus.  Paul now encourages Timothy some directives for his ministry and explains some areas we all need to focus on in building our spiritual strength.

 

 1Ti 4:11-16 These things command and teach.  (12)  Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  (13)  Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  (14)  Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.  (15)  Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.  (16)  Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

            Timothy was younger and Paul encouraged him not to let that be a deterrent in his willingness to minister and teach others.  He commands him to live a lifestyle that reflects the deep understanding that he has been given of the truth.  It is not enough to only study to know the scriptures, but we must be able to put it into practice.  Here Paul gives Timothy five areas of his life that he (and we) need to be living as an example to other believers.  He encourages us to be an example to others “in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity.”  We are to strive to live out our faith as we love others with a pure heart.  Allow the Holy Spirit in your life to guide you into the changes you need to make in your life that you too may be a good example to others of what a Jesus follower looks like.  Your life may be the only Bible someone reads. Change in our lives is what reflects that we are truly following and are not just along for the ride.

 

 

 

            He then defines some of the disciplines that we need to focus in on.  Paul tells us read and exhort others and give attention to be sure we are following the true doctrine of Christ (on the right path).  These are the exercises (disciplines) that we need to instill within our lives that will become part of our lifestyle and help us to fulfill all that God has planned for us.  Bible study and positive interaction with others are basic requirements that we need to become spiritually strong; both of which we get through the church.  He encourages Timothy to stir up his gift of teaching and leadership that he has been blessed with.  This is true for all of us as we all have been given a gift and need to be sure we are using it for the good of all.  Look at how diligent Paul says we need to be about doing performing these disciplines in our lives. (Read verse 15-16).  “Meditate on these things give yourself entirely to them” is a great way of saying we need to be all in with Jesus striving to put Him first in everything that we do.

 

How are you doing with these things this morning in your life?

 Are you exercising your spiritual muscles? 

Are you watching your spiritual diet?

 Are you living a life that is an example of a Jesus follower?

  Have you given yourself entirely to following Christ?

 

            Notice verse 16: “In doing this you will save yourself and those who hear you.”  Your life of following Jesus can change those around you.  You can make a difference in their lives and in the kingdom of God.  Give yourself entirely to them.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful plan of salvation and thank You for the hope that our choice to follow You can make a difference in those around us.  Give us the courage, faith and strength to faithfully follow.