Look at that I am getting behind on my posts again... Maybe I can get two out these week that way I am still on track with where we are at in student study group. In This post I will attempt to tackle all of Chapter 4 of 1 Timothy. There are only two chapters left after this. So here we go chapter 4:
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. (Vs.1-5)
If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (Vs 6-10)
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (Vs 11-16)
Much of this chapter is instructions for Timothy and how he should conduct himself as he leads the church. The first 5 verses Paul reminds Timothy of two things: It should not be a surprise that false teachers a rise in the church...Apostasy has been a pattern since the beginning of the church, no, since the beginning of time. Jesus warned his disciples of it, and so did Paul in some of his other epistles. Church leaders need to be prepared for the false teachings and wrong doctrines to a rise and know how to handle them well: By clearly teaching the good doctrine.
Verses 6 and 7 further encourages Timothy (and future church leaders) to not get caught up in the wrong doctrines, not get caught up in arguing with those teaching false things, but instead focus on teaching the good doctrine and training yourself in the things of God and teach and train others in the same. For as verse 8 says (paraphrased): It is good to exercise the physical body, but far better to exercise and build up the spirit in godliness. Paul also reminds Timothy, in verse 10, that we are not working so hard for an earthly reward but an eternal, spiritual reward. We put off receiving earthly gain to receive a heavenly reward that lasts forever.
Verses 11-16 lay out some practical behaviours for Timothy, which I think are very apt for anyone in ministry...especially young bible college students who may find themselves leading a ministry with church members twice their age; let's break them down:
1. "Command and Teach these things"; Paul once again repeats his charge to Timothy to teach good and sound doctrine to the church.
2. "Let know one despise you for your youth..." With out doing some research I could not give you a guess of Timothy's exact age, but I suspect it would be somewhere between 20-30, and as such there were probably several members of his congregation that were older than him. It is unfortunate, but sometimes older people tend to be very critical and not very trusting of younger people who have been put in a position of authority. Likewise younger congregation members expect a new leader similar in age to them to be "more understanding" (that is not holding them to a standard of integrity). Paul is telling Timothy to not let this happen..how? Paul gives the answer in the rest of the verse.
3. "...but be an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." Timothy, as the leader, should be the example of the Christian life. Being an example will show all members that you have the maturity, ability, and skill to lead. In the next chapter Paul gives Timothy more specific instructions on how to deal with certain demographics, but here he tells Timothy that first and foremost a church leader must be an example in all parts of life.
4. "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching." This is pretty straightforward...Timothy is to continue teaching and building up the church until Paul returns.
5. "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given by prophecy (and the laying on of hands)" Paul reminds Timothy that the council of elders has appointed Timothy, dedicated him for the work. Also that a "gift" was imparted into Timothy when he was appointed, (most teachers and scholars consider this "gift" a special talent or ability to do something in the church or ministry that has been given by God). God gives us skills or gifting or abilities needed to fulfill our purpose. Sometimes we can obtain them through our own work and training, sometimes they can only be received when we submit ourselves to those placed in authority above us. Regardless of how we received these gifts, we need to use them and not neglect them.
6. "Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and the church." Paul once again exhorts Timothy to be the example, to allow the members see his Spiritual growth and maturing. So often leaders think that "to be an example" they must always look perfect, appear to be the perfect Christian, which is impossible. When Paul is telling Timothy to be an example to the church, he is saying: "Timothy, demonstrate to others how one becomes mature in Christ: Conduct yourself well, practice what you teach, guard you tongue, speak well of others, protect your mind and thoughts; and when you fail, allow them to see your humility as you admit your faults and allow God to bring you to maturity." In other words, be transparent.
That is the end of Chapter 4. Thank you for staying with me through this. I will have Chapter 5 up as soon as I can.
Tyler
A Boy WonderLabels: 1 Timothy, Bible Teaching, VABC