1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
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Word by Word Meditations
by Fred Ursell
1st Timothy 4: “clearly” (v.1)
The opening 3 verses are not Paul’s prediction, but a vivid revelation: “the Spirit clearly says that in later times ...” (v.1). So take clear note:
[A] it is not contemporary, but still future (“in later times”);
[B] the dual indicators are [i] “they forbid people to marry” and also [ii] “order them to abstain from certain foods” (v.3);
[C] “such teachings come from hypocritical liars” (v.2) from some who “abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (v.1).
Strong stuff! Nearly 2000 years on, have these things been fulfilled? Is anyone “clearly” advocating celibacy and banning food?
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READING
First letter of PAUL to TIMOTHY
Chapter Four
Read by David Suchet
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OVERVIEW
The First letter of PAUL to TIMOTHY
Overview
(The Bible Project)
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STUDY
Letters of PAUL to Timothy
Study by David Pawson
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