*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.
4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
4:11 These things command and teach.
4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.