1 Timothy is a training manual, given in wartime. This might be hard for us to understand, as we are used to training in peacetime for war. So, what does training in wartime look like? What time do you think you are in? What kind of training are you undergoing?
Receive, don’t reject (1 Tim 4:1-5)
In the closing verses of 1 Timothy 3, we read of how the church was described as the household of God, the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). Now, in 1 Timothy 4:1, we read of how the Spirit expressly says that in later times, some will depart from the faith. The “later times” speaks to the final time following from the ascension of Christ. Do not think that God is surprised when there are those that depart from the faith. This is mentioned here.
1 Timothy 1:1-3 helps us understand the source, cause and requirements that cause some to “depart from the faith”. Regarding the source, we read of those that are devoted to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons (1 Tim 4:1b). What is at stake is not just a difference in ideas but as Ephesians 6:12 states, it is a spiritual war — “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
We also learn of the cause. These false teachers are insincere liars whose consciences are seared (1 Tim 4:2), not able to feel anymore. Pain is a helpful thing because it warns us against danger. It is a good thing when we are unsettled while wrestling to accept truth. It is a good thing when we accept that there is a conscience and we have to listen to it. Otherwise, the consequences are severe.
What is the state of your conscience? Is there any sin in your life that you are not waging war against? Is there any duty of Christianity that you are neglecting? Is there any truth of God that you are neglecting or rejecting?
To live with a good conscience is a blessed thing. This was what we read earlier in 1 Timothy 1:5, as Paul wrote about his reason for ministry — “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
I hope you have the experience of saying that before God, your conscience sits peacefully. Yes, you may not live the Christian life perfectly but you set your mind to obey as best as you can and seek to submit to His word as best as you can. Otherwise, the converse is shown here. Beware a seared conscience, for the state of your soul is at state.
Finally, we also read on the requirements in the teachings of these false teachers. They forbade marriage and required abstinence from certain food (1 Tim 4:3). What’s the problem? These things were created by God to be received with thanksgiving. This means that doctrine matters! The problem here is that they have taken the gospel and perverting it. They are telling the people that they had to take these forms of self-denial and turn it into their self-righteousness. This is a deadly thing.
What grounds does Paul set out for receiving marriage and foods? “For everything created by God is good” (1 Tim 4:4a). But Paul also provides further justification. In 1 Timothy 4:5, he adds that nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, as it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. Prayer reflects the posture of the one partaking in it.
These are related to people leaving the church (1 Tim 4:1a). When you think about people leaving the church today, what is the reason that you’ll cite? Paul is reminding us here that it is spiritual warfare. We are not waging war against flesh and blood. It is important for us to recognise this! If you think it’s a sociological war, we’ll wage against it with weapons that are not suitable for this spiritual war?
Are you clear about the truth of God and our Saviour? Are you alert and aware when someone sneaks something in or adds something or brings forth an insincere lie? Do you know the marks of godly ministry to spot an ungodly one?
(B) Train, don’t trifle (1 Tim 4:6-10)
Thus, unlike the false teachers, Timothy was to put “these things” — “words of the faith” and “good doctrine” — before the church (1 Tim 4:6). These refer to Scripture, and this is what it means to be a good servant of Jesus. This is the minister Timothy is supposed to be, and this is what we are to aspire to.
Timothy is told to have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths (c.f. 1 Tim 1:4) and is to train himself for godliness instead (1 Tim 4:7). Our hearts are wired for the shocking and we are easily tempted and drawn to drama. This is what Timothy is to reject!
What does it mean to train for godliness? It requires discipline, intentionality and regularity. Paul is telling Timothy that he needs a plan and a way to follow through for godliness. Bodily training is of some value (1 Tim 4:8a) and we know its value. Today. we pay so much attention on our step count, our resting heart rate etc for our health. But, have you considered godliness and how you can become more like Jesus? Have you considered how to grow in this way? Or do you think that this present life is all there is? If we reviewed our Google calendars or examined our bank balance sheets or review the time spent in prayer, what does it reveal about our training in godliness?
We know how to dabble and think about some godliness but to train for it? What does it look like to train ourselves in such a way that makes us like Christ? It requires Intentionality in the act. It doesn’t come incidentally, and requires us to do some things regularly in preparation for the moments when we are to respond in obedience. This is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.
Paul also explains to Timothy why Christians toil and strive (1 Tim 4:10). We do so because we have our hope set on the living God who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe. When we fall to do so, we have a crisis of hope. If we are training ourselves for only the things that last in this world, we are training ourselves for dying things. Only godliness will take you through and past the grave. It is a far better thing to set yourself on the living God, who saves all who believe in Him. Every other hope you set your heart on in this world is corrupted and tainted by sin and stops at the grave. He goes beyond the grave, so set your hope on Him! And when we do that, we begin thinking beyond the grave and start thinking about eternity.
Do you know what it means to set your hope on the living God, who extends salvation?
(C) Immerse, don’t ignore (1 Tim 4:11-16)
Timothy is to command teach these things (1 Tim 4:11). He is to bring these things authoritatively and Paul anticipates a challenge. Timothy may be despised for his youth. Instead, he is to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity (1 Tim 4:12). His speech ought to be seasoned with grace and clear. His conduct is to reflect his speech. He should also think about his love and his sincerity to desire good for all around him. He should also model a growing faith and think about his purity. This contrasts with the false teachers who creep and prey on women in 2 Timothy. Timothy was to guard his heart and life.
Godliness has great value for this life now. Do you know those who model what it means to live in this way, to have a genuine affection and care, brotherly love? The community with this kind of godliness provides encouragement, healing and strength.
Christians, desire such leaders. Look for such examples and follow them. Are there such examples in your life? Do you care? Set your mind on things that matter to God, even though it might not be immediately valuable and useful in this world. Put your plan in action.
How can a young man keep his way pure? How can God’s people prosper? Timothy is told to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and to teaching. He is to read God’s word, give meaning and press it in to their hearts. Christians gather around the word, hear it read and explained. What excites you about your gathering? If the word is faithfully preached, would you encourage your pastors to continue to do so? As a member, also seek to prepare your hearts to receive it.
In writing to Timothy, Paul also encourages him to press on as the elders stand behind him (1 Tim 4:14). Timothy is to keep practicing and immersing in these things, that all may see his progress (1 Tim 4:14-15).
Why does this matter in the final assessment? See what is at stake here! God’s outworking of His salvation through the Spirit in and through us is at stake. Don’t fall into the lives of distraction that the world tempts us to live. We are told that we can be God or listless or that everything we do now doesn’t matter. Read 1 Timothy 4:16. As Timothy seeks to work out and persist in the teaching, it has an impact on his hearers in the church. Now, we may not be leaders or pastors, but the promise here stands true. When we treasure and live out His word, we too, can help the world that is lost and needs to hear it.
What would it look like for you to keep a close watch on yourself and the gospel as it is worked out in your life? Can you recognise the marks of godly ministry?
May God help us to understand and obey His word.