FIRST TIMOTHY
Chapter Four
(vs 1) "The Spirit saith..." -- This is a revelation from Heaven.
Christ had promised the Spirit's guidance. Jn. 16:13;
Jn. 14:26; Acts 2:4.
"later times" -- from the time he was writing until Christ
returns. Often referred to as "The last days." 2 Tim.
3:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 1:18.
"fall away" -- depart from the truth. Apostasy has been
present ever since truth was given. It continues to be
seen. This very clearly teaches the possibility of
apostasy by God's children.
2 Pet. 2:20-22; Gal. 5:4; 1 Cor. 10:12; Acts 20:29.
People fall away for various reasons: Carnal mind;
Family ties;
"seducing spirits" -- false teaching. 1 Jn. 4:1-6.
NOTE: Satan cannot force his desires upon man any more
that the Lord will force obedience. Each one has a
choice to make. This is true with the child of God
as well as those who are not. "Choose ye this day.."
"doctrines of demons" -- evil spirits teaching contrary
doctrines. 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Jas. 3:15.
(vs 2) "hypocrisy...speaking lies" -- Satan is the father of lies;
John 8:44. Cf. Eve in the garden. Titus 1:10-11.
"branded" -- When cattle are "branded" the skin is singed and
no longer can grow hair. So likewise, when the
conscience is branded, it no longer responds to the
truth. The conscience is hardened, calloused.
"conscience" --The faculty of determining right from wrong.
But, the conscience can be wrongly taught and unable
to make the correct decisions. Paul, Acts 23:1.
(vs 3) "forbidding to marry" -- Some may be able to remain celibate
and live a life of virtue; but look what has been
revealed lately concerning some who choose to not
marry. They have brought reproach upon their individual
religious bodies. Many young men taken advantage of. Of
course, our generation has been conditioned to accept
the homosexual and lesbian relationships; even
accepting a known homosexual as a bishop in their
midst.
There are certain privileges granted to those who
are married that cannot be found in an unmarried state.
"abstain from meats" -- wrong to eat certain meats on certain
days.
"which God created" -- For man, when received with
thanksgiving.
(vs 4) Paul enlarges on verse 3. Things properly used as God so
designed them are for man's good. When God finished
each phase of His creation, He said, "It is good."
"thanksgiving" -- How grateful man must be to God for all of
the blessing He bestows upon us!!! Over and over, the
inspired writers say, "Be ye thankful."
(vs 5) "sanctified" -- Set apart for a holy purpose. Gen. 9:3-4.
"prayer" -- How often we should express our thanks to Jehovah
for the many blessings received. "Our daily bread."
PAUL NOW TURNS TO TIMOTHY'S TEACHING AND CONDUCT:
(vs 6) "put brethren in mind" --Timothy's responsibility. 2 Tim.2:2.
"of these things" -- previously mentioned.
"minister" -- servant, same word as "deacon"
"good doctrine" -- good teaching, healthful teaching.
(vs 7) "profane" -- without God, common,
"old wives' fables" -- Cf. 1 Tim. 1:4.
"exercise" -- put forth effort; as athlete prepares the body
for various accomplishment, so must the child of God
prepare the soul for accomplishing God's desires.
"godliness" -- free from passions and worldly lusts.
(vs 8) "bodily exercise" -- of little value when compared to the
spiritual needs of the soul.
"profitable" -- good for us; beneficial.
"promise...." -- A godly life is not only profitable for the
present time, but prepares us for eternity.
(vs 9) That just discussed can be depended on; faithful. "Godliness
has a promise attached to it; "that which is to come."
Cf. 1 Tim. 1:15 for similar language.
(vs 10) "labor and strive" -- All of our labor and striving will be
well worth the effort.
"hope" -- Faith directed toward the future. Our expectations!
"Saviour of all men" -- God has made salvation for all men
available. If one is saved, it will be by God's
provisions.
"specially of them that believe" -- What God has provided for
all men, He actually gives to those who believe.
Belief here includes obedience. One who does not obey
simply does not believe.
(vs 11) "command" -- Not a suggestion; but, a command; essential.
"teach" -- only method of receiving truth; one must be
taught. Rom. 10:17, faith comes by hearing the word.
(vs 12) "despise thy youth" -- look down upon. Just because one may
be young, it does not follow that one has no
responsibility.
NOTE: The Romans divided life into three sections:
(1) birth to eighteen, (2) eighteen to forty-four, and
(3) forty-four to death.
Paul's language suggests that Timothy was of an age that
would be susceptible to youthful follies.
"an example" -- Set a pattern to follow. Such could be said
of all. Mt. 5:13-16. 1 Cor. 11:1.
He now lists five areas to be an example:
(1) "in word" -- In his teaching of God's word. How careful
we must be in our speech. Col. 3:17.
(2) "in manner of life" -- How one lives; our conduct on a
day by day basis.
(3) "in love" -- to God and to man; Love reflects obedience.
1 John 5:3; Jn. 15:10.
(4) "in faith" -- Heb. 11:6.
(5) "in purity" -- Pure in life, in actions, in dealing with
all segments of life.
(vs 13) "till I come" -- Paul hoped to come and instruct Timothy
personally, but, meanwhile spend time in:
"reading" -- The Old Testament prophecies. Stephen began with
Abraham, ending with Jesus. Acts 7.
"exhortation" -- admonition, encouragement, pleading, etc.
"teaching" -- imparting his understanding to others.
(vs 14) "neglect not" -- "keep on not neglecting," a word of
encouragement, not of rebuke.
"gift" -- Possibly one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.
2 Tim. 1:6 -- Paul imparted a gift to Timothy. Most
likely at the same time the presbytery laid their
hands of Timothy, to set him apart for the work he
was to do. Cf. Acts 13:3.
"by prophecy" -- 1 Tim. 1:18. Most likely at the time of his
conversion, or selection to go with Paul.
Perhaps one of the Presbytery had the gift of
prophecy and predicted Timothy's success as an
evangelist.
(vs 15) "Be diligent..." -- No medium ground, no coasting, no
standing still, work to be done.
"wholly to them" -- Do not divide your attention with worldly
things.
"manifest to all" -- others are watching.
(vs 16) "Take heed" -- keep a close watch.
"Yourself" -- personal responsibility to save self.
"thy teaching" -- be sure its based upon truth. Teachers have
an obligation to be sure that what they teach is in
harmony with God's Word; at all times.
"save" -- The total effort of man should be his salvation;
and the salvation of others. Acts 2:40.
TAKE HEED
TO THYSELF AND THY TEACHING
SAVE
THYSELF AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE
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