1 Timothy 4
CHAPTER 4
A prediction of apostasy
But the Spirit says expressly, that in the last times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of the idol worshippers, 2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron. 3 Forbidding to marry, and to abstain from food- which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving. 5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
6 If you put the believers in mind of these things, you shall be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself with reverence towards God. 8 For bodily exercise is profitable for a little time; but reverence towards God is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life which now is and of that which is to come. 9 Faithful is this saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we labour and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no one despise your youth. Be an example to those that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, give attention to reading, to preaching, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given to you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be manifest to all. 16 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.
Commentary
4:1 This is a prophecy of how the initially pure Christian understanding would be corrupted by false ideas and practices.
4:3 Forbidding to marry- As the Catholic church forbid their priests
4:3 To abstain from food- As Adventists and others forbid various foods and meats, even though God has given us all animals as a gift, and we can eat them (vv. 4,5).
4:8 A spiritual life not only gives us hope of eternal life, but gives us blessing in this life.
4:15 The things of the Gospel can’t be a hobby, something we show occasional enthusiasm for. We are to give ourselves to them “wholly”.
4:16 Your hearers- Our salvation can to some degree depend upon third parties. If the wrong teaching is taught, the salvation of others may be jeopardized.
