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1 Timothy Chapter Four
(3) Instruction for leaders
Instructions to Timothy
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1) What does the Spirit clearly say, who did
the Spirit say the people will follow, from whom does such teachings come, what
do they forbid people to do, what do they order people to abstain from, for whom
did God create marriage and food, what was everything God created, and why is
nothing to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving?
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The "later times" began with Christ's
resurrection and will continue until his return when he will set up his kingdom
and judge all humanity.
False teachers were and still are a threat to the church. Jesus and the
apostles repeatedly warned against them (see for example, Mark 13:21-23; Acts
20:28-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Peter 3:3-7). The danger that Timothy faced
in Ephesus seems to have come from certain people in the church who were
following some Greek philosophers who taught that the body was evil and that
only the soul mattered. The false teaches refused to believe that the God of
creation was good, because his very contact with the physical world would have
soiled him. Though these Greek-influenced church members honored Jesus, they
could not believe he was truly human. Paul knew that their teachings, if left
unchecked, would greatly distort Christ truth.
It is not enough that a teacher appears to know what he is talking about, is
disciplined and moral, or says that he is speaking for God. If his words
contradict the Bible, his teaching is false. Like Timothy, we must guard against
any teaching that causes believers to dilute or reject any aspect of their
faith. Such false teaching can be very direct or extremely subtle.
Paul says that false teachers were hypocritical liars who encourage people to
follow "deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." Satan deceives people by
offering a clever imitation of the real thing. The false teachers gave stringent
rules (such as forbidding people to marry or to eat certain foods). This made
them appear self-disciplined and righteous. Their strict discipline for the
body, however, could not remove sin (see Colossians 2:20-23). We must not be
unduly impressed by a teacher's style or credentials; we must look to his
teaching about Jesus Christ. His conclusions about Christ shows the source of
his message.
In opposition to the false teachers, Paul affirmed that everything God
created is good (see Genesis 1). We should ask for God's blessing on his created
gifts that give us pleasure and thank him for them. This doesn't mean that we
should abuse what God has made (for example, gluttony abuses God's gift of good
food, lust abuses God's gift of love, and murder abuses God's gift of life).
Instead of abusing, we should enjoy these gifts by using them to serve and honor
God. Have you thanked God for the good gifts he has given? Are you using the
gifts in ways pleasing to you and to God?
2) If Timothy pointed these things out to the
brothers, what did Paul say Timothy will be, how is a good minister in Christ
brought up, what does Paul tell Timothy not to have nothing to do with, what
does Paul say to train yourself to be, what is of some value, what does
godliness have value for, and what does godliness hold promise for?
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Are you in shape both physically and
spiritually? In our society, much emphasis is placed on physical fitness, but
spiritual health (godliness) is even more important. Our physical health is
susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can sustain us through these
tragedies. To train ourselves to be godly, we must develop our faith by using
our God-given abilities in the service of the church (see 4:14-16). Are you
developing your spiritual muscles?
3) Who did Paul say they put their hope in,
who is the living God the Savior of, and especially, of whom is he the Savior?
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Christ is the Savior for all, but his
salvation becomes effective only for those who trust him.
4) What did Paul tell Timothy to do, why does
Paul tell Timothy not to let anyone look down on him, in what way did Paul tell
Timothy to set an example for the believers, and what did Paul tell Timothy to
devote himself to?
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Timothy was a young pastor. It would have been
easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. He had to
earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his speech, life, love,
faith, and purity. Regardless of your age, God can use you. Whether you are
young or old, don't think of your age as a handicap. Live so others can see
Christ in you.
The Scripture that Paul mentions is in fact the Old Testament. We must make
sure to emphasize the entire Bible, both the Old and the New Testament. There
are rich rewards in studying the people, events, prophecies, and principles of
the Old Testament.
5) What did Paul tell Timothy not to neglect,
how was Timothy's gift given to him, and why does Paul tell Timothy to be
diligent in these matters, giving yourself wholly to them?
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Timothy's commission as a church leader was
confirmed by prophecy (see also 1:18) and by the laying on of hands by the
elders of the church. He was not a self-appointed leader. If you aspire to
church leadership, seek the counsel of mature Christians who know you well and
who will hold you accountable.
As a young leader in a church that had a lot of problems, Timothy may have
felt intimidated. But the elders and prophets encouraged him and charged him to
use his spiritual gift responsibly. Highly skilled and talented athletes lose
their abilities if their muscles aren't toned by constant use, and we will lose
our spiritual gifts if we don't put them to work. Our talents are improved by
exercise, but failing to use them causes them to waste away from lack of
practice and nourishment. What gifts and abilities has God given you? Use them
regularly in serving God and others. (see Romans 12:1-8; 2 Timothy 1:6-8 for
more on using well the abilities God has given us).
6) What does Paul tell Timothy to watch, and
why does Paul say to persevere in them?
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We know the importance of watching our lives
closely. We must be on constant guard against falling into sin that can so
easily destroy us. Yet we must watch what we believe ("doctrine") just as
closely. Wrong beliefs can quickly lead us into sin and heresy. We should be on
guard against those who would persuade us that how we live is more important
than what we believe. We should persevere in both.
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Answers 1 Timothy Chapter Four
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1) that in later times some will abandon the
faith...deceiving spirits and things taught by demons...hypocritical liars,
whose consciences have been seared as if with a hot iron...marry...certain
food...by those who believe and who know the truth...good...because it is
consecrated by the word of God and prayer
2) a good minister of Christ Jesus...in the truths of the faith and of the good
teaching that you have followed...godless myths and old wives' tales...to be
godly...physical training...all things...both the present life and the life to
come
3) the living God...all men...those who believe
4) command and teach these things...because you are young...in speech, in life,
in love, in faith and in purity...the public reading of Scripture, to preaching
and to teaching
5) your gift...through a prophetic massage when the body of elders laid their
hands on you...so that everyone may see your progress
6) your life and doctrine...you will save both yourself and your hearers
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Taken from The NIV Life Application Study
Bible, Zondervan Publishers
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