First Timothy - Chapter 4
THEME: APOSTASY (RENOUNCING FAITH) IN THE CHURCHES
When Paul was in Ephesus he had announced that wolves in sheep’s clothing would come among the believers and deceive them. John had announced that already there are many antichrists. Later in 2nd Timothy 3:1 we will see Paul write that in the last days perilous times would come. In this chapter and in the 2nd epistle, Paul delivers warnings on what he sees ahead for the churches.
4:1
A strong warning is given on those who will be leaders of heresy that will mislead many people. Paul mentions the same matter in 2nd Thessalonians 2 so his concern for the falling away is genuine and repetitive. What is responsible for this issue to face the churches? It is people giving heed to seducing spirits. Satan is a wandering vagabond of evil in our world until the millennium and he has his band of those who were once angels but now are demonic spirits whose work is to diminish the hearts of the faithful.
They have their own doctrines and John tells us in 1st John 4 that we are to try all spirits to discern whether they are from God or from Satan. If any spirit refuses to acknowledge Jesus is manifest in flesh, he is not from God. That type of spirit is seducing believers away from the faith toward apostasy.
4:2-5
One who has become apostate may appear to be pious and strongly religious. They speak with false authority, speaking lies as hypocrites pretending to be something they are not. In our first chapter we were taught that the marks of a faithful Christian are faith, love, and a good conscience. If these are not seen, care should be given about those who show otherwise.
Specific teachings were encroaching on the church of forbidding to marry and the eating of meat which God created for mankind. God’s spirits do not prohibit what God has before prepared for his people. God created marriage in the garden of Eden and he arranged approval for meat consumption after the flood. These who speak against God’s efforts are renouncing Him.
4:6-8
A good minister puts his members into remembrance of holy things which nourishes the words of faith and good doctrine. Old tales that may profane as fables accomplish nothing to build up the faithful so they should be refused as they do not support godly things. Godliness is profitable for faith and brings the promise of a better life now and a much better life later in the kingdom.
4:9-10
Paul summarizes by saying these warnings are a faithful saying and are worthy to be accepted. He basically says that these warnings are something you can count on in the journey of faith. Trust is placed in the living God who is the Savior of all who believe. Here Paul reminds Timothy that reproach will be suffered along the way but that should not diminish his labor for the Lord.
4:11-14
The clear instruction is for Timothy to command and teach these things in his ministry and not to be concerned about his youth for he is to be an example of the believers in word, conversation, charity (love), spirit, faith, and purity. The issue for young Timothy is not his age but his continuing as an example to be followed. He should exhort believers by the reading of holy scripture and the teaching of sound doctrine.
The gifts that are now in Timothy were given by prophecy and by the laying on of hands of men who seek holiness, which signifies a partnership in faith.
4:15-16
As Timothy proceeds he should meditate on all these things and give all of himself to them so that he profits from them and what he has come to profit will be clearly seen by all who are with him. Continuing in these things and taking heed of them shall bring salvation to those that hear him. This last verse reconfirms the value of all those that were listed before and the goal of those verses which is to always be the changed heart for Christ and eternal salvation.
