My God and My Country

1 Timothy 4:1-51599 Geneva Bible

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 an 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 be received with thanksgiving.
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer.



Lord, hear my prayer this morning that I might understand your word – Amen

Brethren:


The Apostle Paul sets down the glimpse of the great falling away, to believe the lies of Satan and of those that have gone astray, that is to say men. He uses as an example the eating, (or non-eating) of meat which was of the OT. The dietary laws of the OT and since we're no longer under the curse of the law, it should not be despised or refused if offered up with praise and thanksgiving. Every good gift comes from our Father who sits on the throne. (Read James 1:17)


“It is proper to provide against the danger which the Holy Spirit forewarns to be fast approaching, namely, that false teachers will come, who shall hold out trifles as the doctrine of faith, and who, placing all holiness in outward exercises, shall throw into the shade the spiritual worship of God. This warning was advantageous in the age of the Apostle Paul, that both pastors and others might give earnest attention to pure doctrine, and not suffer themselves to be deceived. To us in the present day it is not less useful, when we perceive that nothing has happened which was not foretold by an express prophecy of the Spirit. Besides, we may here remark; how great care God exercises about his Church, when he gives so early warning of dangers. Satan has, indeed, manifold arts for leading us into error, and attacks us by astonishing stratagems; but, on the other hand, fortifies us sufficiently, if we did not of our own accord choose to be deceived. There is therefore no reason to complain that darkness is more powerful than light, or that truth is vanquished by falsehood; but, on the contrary, we suffer the punishment of our carelessness and indolence, when we are led aside from the right way of salvation. It is an argument drawn from contrast; for “holy” and “profane” are things contrary to each other. Let us now see what is the sanctification of all good things, which belong to the sustenance of the present life. Paul testifies that it consists of “the word of God and prayer.” But it ought to be observed, that this word must be embraced by faith, in order that it may be advantageous; for, although God himself sanctifies all things by the Spirit of his mouth, yet we do not obtain that benefit but by faith.”
John Calvin