The
First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy Chapter Four
1
Now the Spirit speaketh evidently, that in the latter times some
shall depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of
error, and doctrines of devils,
2
Which speak lies through hypocrisy, and have their consciences burned
with a hot iron,
3
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats which God
hath created to be received with giving thanks of them which believe
and know the truth.
4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing ought to be refused if
it is received with thanksgiving.
5
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt
be a good minister of Jesus Christ, which hast been nourished up in
the words of faith, and of good doctrine which thou hast continually
followed.
7
But cast away profane, and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself
unto godliness.
8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable
unto all things, which hath the promise of the life present, and of
that that is to come.
9
This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received.
10
For therefore we labor and are rebuked because we trust in the living
God, which is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.
11
These things warn and teach.
12
Let no man despise thy youth, but be unto them that believe, an
ensample, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, and
in pureness.
13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to
doctrine.
14
Despise not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by
prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the company of the
Eldership.
15
These things exercise, and give thyself unto them, that it may be
seen how thou profitest among all men.
16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto learning: continue therein: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee
Editor’s
Thoughts:
Verses
1-2 - God, through Paul, is letting us know how there will be spirits
of dissension, confusion (See 2 Kings 22:21-22) and divers others
that will bring about a falling away of even the elect. (See Matthew
24:24) Their minds will be filled with the belief that they are equal
to God, and that God cannot be allowed to place any restraints upon
them, or what they say to be the truth.
Verses
6-8 - Stay true to the instruction of others that are under your
care, whether you be a pastor, or just a man teaching his children,
so that they may remain faithful to the doctrine and Gospel of
Christ. Turn away from all that is mentioned above in verses one and
two, and avoid those that would profess such false doctrines. Paul
goes on to say that will physical exercise does profit the body, it
does not profit the spirit, therefore brethren, feed your spirits
with the word of God and exercise your lives as examples of that
feeding. (See Matthew 4:4)
Verses
12 - Live the life which has now been given to you by Christ. Show
the world the face of Christ through your life and actions. Let your
yea is yea, and your nay is nay(See Matthew 5:37), but do not be of a
wavering mind, for such contains spirits of indecisiveness that will
prove to be a lack of being firm in the faith.
Verses
15-16 - Read Philippians 4:8 and Luke 11:28 - Think about all good
things, and take heed to all that is of Godly wisdom from other men.
For all wisdom is of God, and others, whether knowingly or
unknowingly speak of such wisdom is to be made note of and for us to
take heed. (See James 3:17)
Editor’s
Suggestion:
Brethren,
for additional study, it is recommended that you read either or both
of these two theologians; Matthew Henry; John Gill. Both have much to
say on the entire chapter.
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