Final Challenge to Timothy

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:20–21

I often smile to myself when I see ring bearers at weddings. Though the rings are usually fake, the idea of entrusting an expensive and important piece of jewelry to a toddler is just funny. They can’t yet understand how important the deposit they are holding is worth.

What is the most important thing you have ever been trusted with?

Stand Guard

“Keep” in this verse means to watch over something or stand guard. The mental picture this should bring to mind is like the Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They pace back and forth alert to any change in the situation.

Timothy was to guard the truth. The truth has been entrusted to his care and now he is to guard it, alert to any threat or change.

His Charge

Timothy is to keep the charge of the gospel that Paul had (1 Tim 1:11) and that Paul had passed on to Timothy (1 Tim 1:18).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is summarized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He rose again. This is our hope for fellowship with God in this life and confidence for eternity. This is a sacred responsibility. Paul felt its weight heavily, now it was Timothy’s turn to carry it on.

The Distractions

Most things that are guarded are never attacked. In fact, most of the guards at stores, banks, federal buildings, and jewelry stores will never even see an attempted robbery.

The guards’ main opposition then isn’t an attack or robbery, but a distraction. If he can be distracted then an attacker might gain the upper hand more easily, and make away with the goods, or break the secured area.

Timothy had several possible distractions, things that if they caught him off guard may in fact spoil his charge.

Profane and Vain Babbling

These would be worldly-wise conversations and endless useless talk.

Believers are sometimes accused of a lack of understanding of the things of this world. I think this would be preferred over entering into a profane conversation.

Often when discussions in Sunday school classes or small group bible studies start to show a lack of scriptural depth, it is the worldly nature of the conversation and the multiplication of words without any depth of meaning.

We must be on guard because of these things. Proverbs warns: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19) Sometimes the best thing we can do for the sake of the gospel is to be quiet.

Words can be the vehicle of truth, even the Gospel. When the Words of Life are mixed with the words of the world or diluted with endless meaningless words the message can be lost. I think this truth is why David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Oppositions of Science

The flip-side of worldly and endless useless talk is “oppositions of science.” Paul is referring to the “special knowledge” that some would claim oppose the teachings of scripture.

Anyone claiming “special knowledge” of God or scripture that you cannot see in scripture should be viewed with skepticism. Be on guard against those who with pride claim special knowledge with or without study. Those with much training can try to set bounds of what they think others can understand. Those without much training can overemphasize their experience as a new standard of truth.

These are falsely called knowledge. Paul makes a point to say this. We know the Gospel because God gave us this knowledge and confirmed the authority of it in His word.

Like with anything else, know your Bible.

Grace

And with the words “Grace be with thee. Amen.” Paul finishes this letter. Timothy would need grace just as Paul needed grace. God’s grace will sustain and enable all who stand guard for the sake of the gospel.

Your Turn

Though Timothy may have received a special call in the service of the gospel, each of us is called to “preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) You have the same charge that Timothy had.

This is a sacred charge.

Set your focus and train yourself to not let distractions spoil your charge. Make your words count, choose words that go with the truth of the gospel. Focus on the truth of God’s word not any special or different teaching others may be peddling.

Live in God’s grace.

You need it. God is offering it to you. Live in it.

Final Word to the Rich

1 Timothy 6:17-19

A Charge to Rich Believers

Though Paul had brought the teaching about money out to an application for Timothy (1 Tim 6:11-16), he again zeros in on the rich, giving them one final “charge” about how they are to live for Christ.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 
1 Timothy 6:17

“Charge” in this verse isn’t a calm recommendation. It’s an impassioned command. Paul wanted them to be urgently warned of these things. This was a commandment of warning. The “gain is godliness” teaching would lay waste to these believers if they didn’t heed these words of warning and instruction.

Trust in God, Not in Money

Money has false security about it. It’s nice to look at your bank accounts and investment portfolios and see large numbers. It’s easy to think that those numbers will insulate you from hardship. But they can’t, and they won’t.

Those that have money will be tempted to think it will save them, just as the healthy may think they are protected by their health from hardship. They may become “high-minded” (arrogant) in the substance they enjoy and put their trust in their riches.

We too often get pulled away from our trust in God. We can hold money, gather things, talk with people face to face, and yet none of them are as trustworthy as our God. Even in the things we claim we see His goodness and not our own.

Do Good Works

Verse 18 paints a picture of the happiest rich person.

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 
1 Timothy 6:18

They do good. Riches are often associated with those that use them selfishly or hoard them obsessively. Paul doesn’t want that for these believers.

They are unselfish with their actions. Here’s a new kind of wealth to build, good works. Our money won’t last, but the good works we do for the glory of our Savior will last. This is a different way to look at life: “Who’s glory will I seek?” The resounding answer should be “Jesus’ glory!”

They are unselfish with their substance. Paul used two phrases here: “ready to distribute” and “willing to communicate.” By these statements, he means to be a person who gives and lives a giving lifestyle. Being a giving person doesn’t mean that you have to walk around all the time handing out $20 bills. You can, and should, be giving with your money. But you should also share the time God has given you, the food on your table, and the hope of eternal life.

The only way for our money to not control us is to put it into the service of God. Jesus said; “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Our good works and loving deeds and gifts that are given to others will outlast us, that is why eternity must still be our focus.

Look to Eternity

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 
1 Timothy 6:19

Scripture is clear that life on this earth is about more than life on this earth. (Matthew 6:20, Matthew 19:21) We look with anticipation to an eternity away from sin and in perfect fellowship with The Heavenly Father.

We won’t need money in heaven and yet how we use the physical things of this earth can be laid “up in store… against the time to come”.

As we use the things and money God has entrusted to our care for His glory, we will see more clearly the value of eternity and lay up treasure in preparation for eternity.

Your Turn

Are you rich in this world?

Many of us are more wealthy than we realize. God blesses us with many things that we take for granted, or even selfishly use for our own pleasure instead of His glory.

Begin with Trust.

Keep your focus on God. Whether your bank account has $5 or 5 Million in it, you can’t trust it. And you shouldn’t discount God’s faithfulness if He doesn’t provide the way you want Him to provide.

He is trustworthy, trust in Him.

Get to work.

As we trust in God, the next logical step is to do what He says. So pray, be in church, witness to your coworkers and friends. Serve God.

Use whatever you have for God’s glory.

What ever you have, in large quantity or small, lay it daily at the Savior’s feet. Beg Him to use it and You for His glory.

How Does the “Man of God” Act?

1 Timothy 6:11-16

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
1 Timothy 6:11

“Man of God”

The term “man of God” in the Bible is mostly an Old Testament expression. Moses was called “the man of God” several times, as well as David, Elijah, Elisha, and several other lesser-known men. It was used to refer to prophets and others called and dedicated to the service of God. These were usually men who had to deliver hard truths but did it because they valued the truth.

Paul is calling on Timothy’s jewish training, essentially telling him: “You are God’s man now, Timothy. This is how God’s man acts.”

Flee

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things;…”
1 Timothy 6:11a

The pull of money is very strong. In our day money is a god. Even among Christians, money is viewed as the sign of God’s blessing. While God does bless with money, Paul has made it very clear in 1 Tim 6:3-10 that money isn’t the goal; godliness with contentment is the greatest gain. (See last week’s post for more on this.)

Timothy will need to flee the fascination of being rich and the love of money. The meaning of “flee” isn’t vague here: run away! The Man of God cannot be true to the message God has given him if he is seeking personal wealth.

Jesus said,

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (deified money).”
Matthew 6:24

The application is clear to any that would be people of God today. You cannot worship money and be faithful to the call of God in your life. Flee the “gain is godliness” mentality.

But just as there was something for Timothy to flee, there would also be some things to follow.

Follow

“…and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
1 Timothy 6:11b

Follow after righteousness. We have God’s righteousness counted to us when we are saved. This righteousness will change how we live.

Follow after godliness. Here it is again, godliness. This is acting toward God and others in a way that shows the change God has made in us.

Follow after faith. Faith involves all of what it means to be a Christian. Simply: Faith is obedience to God based on trust in His person and character.

Follow after love. The Christ-like words and actions of love.

Follow after patience. Cheerfully facing each and every hardship of life.

Follow after meekness. Approaching life with humility and gentleness.

While these virtues may not lead you to more money or prestige, they are the indicators of a Man or Woman of God. They are also inseparably tied to the character of Jesus Christ.

This character is generally peaceful, though not passive. Make no mistake, in following these things the Man or Woman of God will still have a fight on their hands.

Fight

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12

The words “fight the good fight of faith” may bring different things to mind: The Crusades, debating with friends “who are wrong,” or like is meant here: to struggle for the right teaching of God’s word.

The cause of truth is a battle. The enemy has drawn lines of battle and has made no mystery of his intent. The desire to be rich and the love of money will draw people from the truth, and they will be aggressive about it. And though the “gain is godliness” myth will draw some away, the cause of truth has the greatest champion: Christ. Notice the next several verses.

Jesus is the Example

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:13–16

As you read these words I hope you feel the weight behind them, the deep care Paul felt for this young preacher. And even more, the adoration that Paul felt for his Savior.

This charge for Timothy to stay true to the teaching of Christ ends with a Song of praise to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2). We fight because we know we can win, we know we can win because Jesus won. We can be confident because He is faithful and powerful.

Your Turn

Are you a Person of God?

How is this shown in your Fleeing?

Do you run away from the “gain is godliness” scam?

How is this shown in your Following?

Are you seeking these Christlike attitudes?

And in your Fighting?

Do you fight like Jesus HAS won? Or do you fight like you might win?

Pray for God to reveal any ground that desire of riches and love of money hold in your devotion and turn that ground back over to God.

Read the Gospels again to see the character of Jesus and then, by God’s grace, devote yourself to emulating that character.

Money and Sound Doctrine

1 Timothy 6:3-10

Money

What is the relationship of the man (or woman) of God to money? Do we think of our spirituality being showcased by our use of money? Even then, what does money have to do with having good Doctrine?

These are all great questions. When you look among those who have abandoned scriptural doctrine you almost always see people who have decided to go after money.

“Supposing Gain is Godliness”

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:3–5

These are harsh words. Necessary, but harsh.

Paul’s teaching in this letter so far has been to get Timothy ready for the hard road ahead of serving churches, and constantly knocking heads with people who either don’t know the truth or who oppose the truth. Many of those who oppose the truth will do it under the banner of “gain is godliness.”

This idea of “gain is godliness” is everywhere. Our book stores are filled with those who teach that virtue is obvious in those who have money. Your news feeds will be full of articles about how the “25 richest people live.” Even among believers we have to be careful to not look at those who have less and think that God is punishing them.

And yet the question stands: What is the relationship of the faithful believer to money?

Godliness with Contentment

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Timothy 6:6–8

We ought to pursue godliness even at the cost of other, worldly, gain, because “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

All that we have in this life is a gift, or better a stewardship, from our loving creator and redeemer. Would it be showing gratitude to horde these things? Would we honor Him by flaunting wealth? Or worse, can we please Him be merely presenting evidence of a massive bank account?

Contentment is what goes with godliness; not because money isn’t needed, or because God wants us to suffer. But because we can be godly regardless of our physical possessions.

The Love of Money

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:9–10

Two phrases should jump out: “they that will be rich” (v. 9) and “the love of money is the root of all evil” (v. 10). Paul is calling out those who are seeking to be rich and those who love money. Having money isn’t wrong. Being rich isn’t condemned in scripture. Loving money and devoting your life to collecting it are what Paul is cautioning against.

Devotion to money means that all the joy you will have in life is when you get more of it. You will serve it as master, you will be a slave to comparisons and growth projections. And miss the eternal gain of walking with God in godliness and contentment.

Working, but Not for Money

It’s fitting that this passage follows one about the believer at work. We are tempted, I think, to work for our pay check. That train of thought may lead us to keep working for an even bigger paycheck. And though we should be rewarded for our efforts at work, we may miss opportunity of our time at work to put into practice the teachings of God’s word. We may miss the reward of serving as unto the Lord.

So work, work hard, but not for money. Or at least not just for money.

Your Turn

Where might you have given yourself to seek money, or love money?

Talk about these things with God. Again, money itself isn’t wrong, but serving it makes it an idol and you won’t know the joy of serving God if you are serving idols.

Are you following teachers that hold up the banner of “gain is godliness”?

Stop it. While we may learn a few good things from these people, their end will be ugly. Don’t get swallowed up in their teaching, charisma, or shallow promises.

How are you seeking godliness?

Seeking godliness is key to having a right relationship with money and, well… anything.

In God’s word read the gospels, but this time read them through to learn the character of Jesus. See His care for others, His contentment, and obedience of The Father.

What about the Pastor?

1 Timothy 5:17-25

Timothy’s primary mission in Ephesus was to establish leadership in the churches. He was also to teach how to deal with problems in the church. How to treat the pastor would be an important part of these lessons. His teaching would be very important in this, but his example would set the precedent for how pastors would be treated for years to come.

The Reward of the Elder (Pastor)

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
1 Timothy 5:17–18

For “elders” in this section think “pastors.” The phrase, “especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” indicates that these are the pastors of the church. Paul wanted these churches to take care of their pastors.

Pastors are to be considered worthy of a “double honor” if they “rule well”. Ruling well means they maintain the order and focus of the church. The double honor could be looked at in a couple of different ways. Some say it means that they should be given monetary compensation for their labor with the respect due to their office. Others believe it to mean that pastors should be paid double the average income of the church. Either way, the pastor is to be rewarded for his efforts.

I can imagine the scenario, a man is ordained as a pastor from within the church. He is laboring, teaching God’s word, and guiding the church. But the church is slow to reward his effort by meeting his physical needs. They may have had a great deal of respect for him, but the meeting of those physical needs was still wanting. Paul is trying to make sure that this teaching was given.

The temptation in some churches, it seems, is to reward the pastor with respect but not care for his physical needs. This must have been the case in Paul’s day as well, verse 18 is all about rewards that meet physical needs in return for labor.

Application

The point here isn’t to make up some pastoral pay scale, it’s to remind that the pastor who is doing the work God called him to should be respected and be rewarded for his efforts in a way that will meet his needs.

Accusations Against a Pastor

19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
1 Timothy 5:19–21

Pastors are humans and aren’t perfect. There may come a time when a pastor will be in sin and need to be held accountable for it. This is a very serious situation, so specific instructions are given.

Require at least two witnesses of an accusation against a pastor. The respect referred to in verse 17 applies here. Require witnesses. This would also help to protect against people with an agenda against the pastor.

Then those who are in the wrong rebuke before all. When a pastor is caught in sin, he must be rebuked. He is to be an example of walking with God, when he is caught in sin he needs to be an example of godly repentance.

Accusations and rebukes shouldn’t be done with any respect of persons. No matter how much you like your pastor, if he is in sin he must be called on it.

Choose Wisely

22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
1 Timothy 5:22–23

The idea of laying on hands would indicate that the authority of a local church has signed off on a person as being qualified to be a minister of God’s word.

No pastor should be ordained to service in a hasty way. Give the man being considered time to prove himself before ordaining him.

Lots of prayer should go into it. Men who are unqualified have been the ruin of many churches. This was probably a contributing factor to Timothy’s stomach problems.

In our day pastors still need to be chosen wisely. Allow men who are gifted the opportunity to serve in the church. This will help to train them and give the church a chance to see their character. Don’t be so quick to bring in an outsider. When someone from another church is called to pastor you haven’t had the chance to observe his character. Try to train up from within. There is a lot to be gained from bringing people from within a church into leadership.

God will Reveal Sin and Good Works

24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1 Timothy 5:24-25

God will be just in every situation. You can count on Him to reveal sin and to reward good works.

Your Turn

Church member:

Value your pastor. Try to get to know him and his family in a personal way. Seek his counsel, and value his teaching. Be sure to provide for his needs and if problems come up handle them in a biblical way.

The key in this is to not allow anything to turn into a conspiracy and to not feed a problem until it becomes a scandal.

Pastor:

Care for your church. Be a faithful steward of God’s word and work. Follow the example of Christ so that you can be the example that your church needs.

If there is a failing, confess it.

Seek out someone to be accountable to for your spiritual growth.

Honoring Widows

1 Timothy 5:3-16

Taking care of widows has been the role of churches since very near the beginning of the church (See Acts 6). This is as it should be. Those who claim to know the love of God ought to be the most open about showing this love to others.

Paul calls the churches at Ephesus to this principle and then offers some important instruction as they care from these dear church members.

The Principle

“Honour widows that are widows indeed.” 
1 Timothy 5:3

“Honour” here means to show value. The context here will be talking about showing value through physical or financial aid.

But there is a distinction. The widows that are to be given this aid are those that are “widows indeed.” These are the women who are over the age of 60, are without family to care for them (see verses 4, 8, and 16), and who demonstrate consistent Christian character.

Testimony of a Widow

“5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.  
6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.  
7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,  
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. ” 
1 Timothy 5:5–7,9-10

Widows can show trust in God in ways that few others can. Scripture and history are full of stories of these saints being an example in prayer and faith. Their good works, experience, and selflessness serve as a living illustration of living in Christlikeness.

Younger Widows

“11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;  
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.  
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.  
14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  
15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.” 
1 Timothy 5:11–15

Paul cautioned against taking younger widows into the role of those being cared for by the church. These are more likely to remarry. Paul even encouraged the younger widows to remarry. Those who don’t remarry haven’t had the life experience to show the character mentioned above. There may even be some who turn from the faith because of the loss of their husband.

The Role of Children

“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” 
1 Timothy 5:4

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 
1 Timothy 5:8

“If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” 
1 Timothy 5:16

Churches are not to take this responsibility from the family of these widows. If a widow has sons, grandsons, or nephews, these should care for her and leave the church free to care for others.

Your Turn

Encourage your church to care for widows.

This may not be full support, even assistance with a few needs can make a big difference. Be sure to help those who’s testimony you can see, and who have been faithful. A few ideas could be grocery assistance, gas money, or helping to catch up with a bill that is close to being late.

Look for ways to help the widows in your church.

Offer to help with yard work or house maintenance. You may never know how encouraging these simple actions could be.

Care for the widows in your family.

Look after their physical and financial needs. Caring for them is pleasing to God.

A Proper Approach to Correction

1 Timothy 5:1-2

As we’ve seen in the issues raised earlier in this epistle, Timothy would need to give correction as it was needed. Timothy was in a position of authority in the churches, but he would still need to give this correction in a good way.

Giving correction in the right way is a learned skill. In this passage Paul gives Timothy a key to start him down the road to some proper correction strategies.

1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;  
2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 
1 Timothy 5:1–2

You may be reading this and thinking, “well, I’m not a Pastor. I guess I’m off the hook.” Jesus had something else to say about this.

Jesus on Correction

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matthew 18:15–17

Jesus is specifically talking about when someone has done something against you. This is one of the most basic kinds of corrections.

When this fault comes you have the responsibility to go and talk to that person. And ONLY that person. The goal here is to “gain thy brother.”

While Timothy’s reasons for needing to correct someone may have been broader. There is something here for all believers: A Proper Approach to Correction.

We need to be thoughtful and careful in our approach to different people when correcting them. This means HUMILITY. The goal isn’t to make sure they know you’re right, the goal is to gain your brother or sister and to strengthen them in their walk with God.

Here are the different groups Paul gave counsel about how to approach.

Older men

The “elder” in this verse isn’t referring to pastors as it is in other places, but to mature older men. It’s very intimidating to correct people who are older than you. Paul’s approach was to not rebuke but to intreat them.

The difference between “rebuke” and “intreat” here is important. A rebuke is a sharper chastisement while intreating seeks to understand the perspective of the other. Once you know their perspective you have the opportunity to point out the flaws in it. You might also find that these older men have something to teach you.

Younger men

The younger men should be treated like brothers.

I’m very blunt with my brothers. We expect honesty from each other and call out error when we see it. We discuss things and sharpen each other’s perspectives.

I am also blest to have some friends that I can talk with like brothers. Sometimes this means correction goes in both ways. Usually, this means we serve together, grow together, pray together.

Older women

Treat the older women as mothers.

This would be with much the same respect you treat the older men. These women have life experience that you don’t, perceptive you don’t.

Younger women

The younger woman should be treated as sisters with all purity. This would be a lot like a brother.

I love the relationship I have with my sisters! They are all bold, smart, and godly woman. I also serve with many godly women who seek God and strive for truth.

How you approach people of the other sex for correction has to be done with great care. Don’t leave any room for an accusation. Don’t allow any inappropriate familiarity.

Your Turn

Handle problems biblically.

Go to your brother or sister in Christ with any problems you have. Go directly to him or her. The more people you bring into these problems the worse they become.

Approach people biblically.

Approach your brothers and sisters in Christ with Humility, Compassion, and Boldness. You’ll find that when you approach people the right way they’ll more often respond the right way.

How to Make a Difference

1 Timothy 4:11-16

The teaching at the beginning of this chapter can be alarming: false doctrine would attack the church (vs 1-5), because of this Timothy and those with him who were faithful would need to be exercised in godliness and look for eternal reward (vs 6-10).

Sometimes after heavy teaching like this, it’s nice to be reminded of what you can do to make a difference. Paul gives this instruction to Timothy now and I think it’s something that will be a comfort and challenge to all who are seeking to be faithful to God in our day.

Don’t Forget the Bad Stuff… But Teach the Good

“These things command and teach.” 
1 Timothy 4:11

The word “command” in verse 11 means to pass on a message. Timothy was to pass on what Paul had told him to the churches at Ephesus. He was to teach them about these things.

The message includes the “bad news” about heresy making its way into the church. It also included the “good news” about how to stay spiritually fit. Timothy would need to pass on and teach all of this.

We can get tunnel vision in how we teach others. There was a time when my Sunday school class heard a variation of the same lesson every week. (Some probably think that they do now.) Another Sunday school worker very tactfully brought this to my attention. It wasn’t anything very dramatic, but my students needed to be instructed from all of what the Bible teaches.

This tunnel vision can happen when we get very narrowly focused on one issue to the exclusion of others.

While we need to be careful to caution others of the pitfalls of the false teaching around us in the world, we CAN’T do it to the exclusion of teaching what is right from scripture.

Be an Example, be Consistent

“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.  
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
1 Timothy 4:12–13

In carrying out Paul’s requests Timothy couldn’t get focused on his own “shortcomings.” He was young, but he could be an example in what he said (word), in how he lived (conversation), in love (charity), in walking in the Spirit (spirit), in faith, and in purity.

He could be consistent in reading God’s word, encouraging the church, and teaching them in God’s way. (More on each of these in a previous post)

Being a consistent example is the most important part of teaching others. How you and I respond to our natural obstacles, live our day-to-day lives, and consistently grow in God’s word will speak volumes to those we are teaching.

Walk with God

“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.  
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.  
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.” 
1 Timothy 4:14–16

Timothy would need the gift God had given him as a pastor. This would only be used to its full potential as he walked closely with God.

He would need to meditate on the things Paul had written him, think them over, contemplate how an application could be made in his own life and in the lives of those he served.

As Timothy walked with God he would be in a position to help others walk with God and see many saved.

Believer, you are gifted for the work God has called you to do. Don’t neglect that gift. Walk with God to make the most of it. Meditate of God’s word to be able to know how an application can be made, then pay close attention as you teach. Many lives can be touched for God.

Your Turn

Whatever heavy news, good news, or other you are facing the steps Paul gave to Timothy are true for you and how you can go on in ministering for God.

Teach God’s word.

Be an Example, be consistent.

Walk with God.

Let me know in the comments below… How do you handle getting bad news?

What examples has God given you in consistency in serving Him?

Spiritual Fitness

1 Timothy 4:6-10

This is not me, this guy looks way cooler than I do when I run. Photo by Des Tan on Unsplash

I’m not an athlete, not really, but I run for fitness. I like the 3-4 mile range best, you have enough distance to get somewhere, but it still isn’t a huge time commitment for the day. The farthest I’ve run at one time is about 9 miles.

Running isn’t difficult, but there are some skills that help you along the way.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy in this section of his letter mirrors those skills in a lot of ways.

Know the Course

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ…” 
1 Timothy 4:6a

Runners usually develop an awareness for distance, an eye for potential problems and a willingness to guide others through the ground they have covered.

Timothy would need an eye for course ahead of him. Keeping the brethren mindful of the dangers of the false teachings of the last days, but also of the sanctification of “the word of God and prayer.” (v.5)

Here’s where this gets hard. If the details of various false teachers and teachings were all that was preached, how would that prepare the believer for the life of faith?

When I am talking someone through one of my favorite running routes, I’m going to tell him where to run. I’m going to give him the path to follow, not tell him the name of every other street.

Paul’s instruction here is that Timothy should teach them and lead them in “the word of God and prayer” and in the process the false teaching would be made clear as the truth of God’s word and the richness of fellowship with God was more fully known.

Get the Right Nutrition

“…nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 
Timothy 4:6b

As I’m consistent in running I can tell how things like weather, sleep and nutrition affect how I do when I’m running. For instance, I know that the combination of warm temps and high humidity make me uncomfortable. Just like I know that eating a big meal of pizza and Doritos right before a run won’t help me set record times.

The right nutrition for walking with God are “the words of faith and of good doctrine”. This is any teaching grounded in God’s word and explained to give ready application.

Our diet needs to be God’s word. We should be consuming it ourselves daily, we should be sharing it with family and friends whenever and however we can, and we should be seeking to be fed from it in church.

Avoid known Obstacles

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables…” 
1 Timothy 4:7a

I have a terrible problem with dogs when I run. They chase me, I can do everything right and still they’ll chase me. One time I was bit by a big white German Shepherd on a run near my house. I was just running along when it came out of nowhere and then as I was trying to calm the beast down it quickly stepped in and bit me in the thigh. I haven’t run passed that house since without checking, and I’m MUCH more aware of my surroundings as I run.

Timothy would need to be aware of the potential obstacles in his path as well. The coming heresy of the end times isn’t the only issue Timothy would face, he needed to refuse the “profane and old wives fables” the false teachings that were already being seen in churches of his day.

The “profane and old wives fables” were probably the jewish extra-biblical teachings, and possibly the old religious ways of the people at Ephesus.

There are a lot of things like this that we can carry into religion today. Far from being an indictment of elderly woman, this would involve any purely traditional practice that is given the weight of scripture. Traditions such as this have the potential to be more than just “extra”, they can be dangerous, weighing down the believer with baggage that God never intended for him or her to carry.

Get the Right Exercise

“…and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.  
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.” 
1 Timothy 4:7b-8

Running for exercise isn’t the only form of exercise I should get if I want to be truly fit and to have the joint and core strength I need to keep running. I also need stretches and core strength training.

Instead of carrying the extra weight of these fables and traditions the man of God is to be exercised in godliness.

When I exercise I know that I am working out the body God has given me so that I can use it for His glory. But my exercise in godliness has a profit both now and into eternity.

Look for the Reward

“9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.  
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.” 
1 Timothy 4:9–10

As we exercise and get our diet of healthy doctrine, we are looking for the reward of our Savior.

Runners put their bodies through all kinds of physical training to reach certain goals or prepare for certain events. Those events come, the winners are rewarded and you enjoy the achievement, but it’s short-lived.

The faithful servant of God is looking for the return of his Savior and will live in the joy and reward of a race well run, eternally.

Your Turn

Run well

Do you know the course that is before you? Take some time over the next months and years to get to know some faithful servants of God who have been serving Him for years. Learn the course from some that have gone before.

Think about your spiritual diet. Will your diet naturally lead to godliness?

How are you exercising yourself to godliness? Are you practicing the reps of self-denial and stretching the muscles of faith?

Don’t lose sight of the eternal reward. We can sometimes talk ourselves into earthly exercise for the effects it has on a day, our spiritual strength and endurance training is vain without the goal of entering eternity and hearing “well done” from our Savior.

How to know You’re Living in the Last Days

1 Timothy 4:1-5

The roles of Pastor and Deacon are necessary for a church to function as God intended. But God wanted Paul to pass on some further teaching to Timothy about the condition of the church, and how he could respond to it.

The Holy Spirits Told about the Last Days

“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;” 1 Timothy 4:1

“the Spirit speaketh expressly”

God the Holy Spirit has a specific message that Paul had received, that Timothy needed to be aware of and that we feel the implications of today.

Paul had warned the leaders of the Ephesian church about this before. He told them that there would be attacks from outside the church and apostasy from inside the church.

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:28–32

Departure from the Faith

Apostasy – Warren Wiersbe defines apostasy as “a willful turning away from the truth of the Christian faith.” (The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 224). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

These are people who have been in church but are choosing to leave the truths of God to go after something else. They are leaving truths taught in the kinds of churches Paul and Timothy are planting.

We see this in churches today as well. Young people who grew up in church are being drawn away in large numbers to go after some other kind of teaching.

Paul doesn’t leave us guessing about the source of this other kind of teaching.

Seducing Spirits

These are spirits that are meant to deceive.

There are many counterfeits of the Holy Spirit in this world. They are presented in false teaching, in great shows of spirituality, and external displays of piety.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t have to be conjured through empty babbling. His work is seen even when the background music hasn’t been perfectly timed to start with the last point of the message.

Beware. Run away from anyone who claims a special message from God that you can’t see clearly in scripture.

Doctrines of Devils

Where it’s not a seducing spirit these false teachings come as doctrines of devils.

The devil is just as willing to attack truth head on as he is willing to imitate it and distort it.

Watch out for those who constantly question the teaching of God’s word. This was the original tactic of the Devil in the garden (Gen 3). Doctrines of devils will rarely come with anything that resembles biblical authority or local reason. They only exist to cast doubt.

Grow in your personal knowledge of God through His word.

The Last Days are Characterized by Certain Types of False Teachers

“Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Timothy 4:2

While false teaching may vary from person to person, time to time, and area to area; there are some things that are consistent about the teachers of false doctrine.

Speaking Lies in Hypocrisy

False teachers are very consistent in teaching people to live in a certain way, and then proving that they are unwilling or unable to live that way themselves.

Conscience Seared

These false teachers have consciences that are seared. They have no feeling to alert them to sin their own life, or to the pain, they bring on other people.

The Last Days are Characterized by Certain Types of False Teaching

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 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:3–5

False teaching may come in many different forms but there are a few points where we see a lot of consistency over the years. Paul points out two of these here and then responds to one of them.

Unbiblical teaching about marriage and food are linked with just about every form of false doctrine. It was no mistake that Paul mentions them here.

Forbidding to marry

Not allowing marriage has come in many forms. From the Roman Church not allowing priests to marry (we see the evil that has come from that) to the modern doctrine of devils about the biblical need for marriage in our day.

God intended Biblical marriage to be a source of good, happiness, and blessing and the evil workers of the last days will do everything they can to undermine it.

Commanding to not eat certain meats

Just like marriage, food becomes an easy tell for falser teaching.

Anyone who equates what you eat, or don’t eat, with spirituality is not teaching biblically.

Paul’s Response

Paul’s reaction to the issue of food is pretty straightforward.

Everything is good… if it is received it with thanksgiving and sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Your Turn

Hold to the Truth

In these last days, we as believers need to have a firm grasp on the truth. Study God’s word to find it. Be the faithful student of God’s teachers as they present it in a biblical church. Learn it well enough to begin teaching it yourself.

Turn back to God

You may be reading this and have turned away from the faith. God will welcome you back.

Come back to Him, grow in His teaching. This may mean losing a friend or two, God will help you through these struggles.