1 Timothy

4.1-16

In chapter four, Paul shifts to warnings of falling away from the faith and of false teaching. Note the corollary of falling away seen in the disciples' response to Jesus' hard teaching in John 6:66. Paul had just delivered instructions to those who would be qualified by Spirit and deed. He also qualified the office of the bishop (or pastor) as, of "good reputation with those outside of the church" (3:7), and "not a new convert" (3:6). Paul is more than willing to use sarcasm to contrast a good example with a bad one. He does so in 4:6-7 by describing the utility of sound doctrine for the good servant of Christ Jesus, with the godless myths "fit only for old women." This was a common epithet of his day used to represent disdain for a viewpoint lacking credibility, and therefore appealing only to uneducated, unsophisticated, and perhaps senile matrons. No intelligent person would hear it, and the Ephesians would have understood Paul's use of the phrase. Knowing the work of the Spirit is by no means limited, Paul next delivered instruction that served a two-fold purpose for Timothy specifically (as a young pastor), and to newer converts to the faith (as young believers). In 4:12, Paul says, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness..." This should be considered not only for those accepting a call to ministry from a young age but for ANY called to serve the LORD, regardless of "tenure" as a member of the body of believers. YOU, "a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine," are able to testify in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

CHAPTER 4

Some Will Fall Away

1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been seared in their own conscience,
3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God created to be shared in with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister’s Discipline

6 In pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
7 But refuse godless myths fit only for old women. On the other hand, train yourself for the purpose of godliness,
8 for bodily training is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
9 It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance.
10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but show yourself as a model to those who believe in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
14 Do not neglect the gift within you, which was given to you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.