*1 Timothy 4:1-16
Paul warns Timothy of false teachings, emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine for spiritual growth, and instructs Timothy on his role as a leader in the church.
- Warning Against False Teaching:
- Paul warns Timothy about the rise of false teachings in the latter times, propagated by deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
- These false teachings forbid marriage and certain foods, contrary to God’s design and intended purpose.
- Encouragement to Teach Sound Doctrine:
- Timothy is urged to point out these errors to the believers, reaffirming the truths of the faith and the importance of nourishing themselves on sound doctrine.
- He is reminded that physical training has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
- Paul emphasizes the necessity of toiling and striving for the sake of godliness.
- Leading by Example:
- Timothy, despite his youth, is encouraged to set an example for believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
- He is to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
- Use Your Gifts:
- Timothy is reminded not to neglect the spiritual gift he received through prophecy when the elders laid hands on him.
- He is encouraged to practice and immerse himself in these things, so that his progress may be evident to all.
- Timothy is urged to persist in these teachings, for in doing so, he will save both himself and his hearers.
1 Timothy 4:1-16 reminds us to stay strong in our faith, live by God’s truth, and be a good example to others. Paul encourages Timothy to keep growing in his faith, use his gifts, and not let anyone discourage him because of his age. We can apply this by staying focused on God’s Word, making choices that reflect His love, and using our talents to serve others. No matter how old or young we are, we can make a difference by living faithfully and sharing God’s truth with those around us.
1 Timothy 4:1-16 (WEB)
4:1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron, 3 forbidding marriage 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 rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.6 If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come. 9 This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15 Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. 16 Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.