1 Timothy 4: About Timothy’s Ministry

• v.1-6 Last Times False Teachers
• v.7-10 Teaching Godliness
• v.11-16 Keeping Timothy on the right ministry path

[Chapter 4 Synopsis: All about Timothy’s ministry: countering false teachers and teaching godliness by preaching and teaching as told by God through prophecy.]

v.1-6 Last Times False Teachers

[Passage Synopsis: You will need to counter false teachers who seek to spoil our enjoyment of God’s provision.]

v.1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

v.2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

v.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.

v.4,5 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

v.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.

[Note: In the last days there will be deception and this will be from liars who seek to curtail people by the law, stopping us receive all of God’s goodness. All He created is good. Teach this well.]

v.7-10 Teaching Godliness

[Passage Synopsis: Godliness isn’t about inhibiting life.]

v.7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

v.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.

v.9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.

v.10 That is why we labor 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.

[Note: Godliness has nothing to do with superstitious myths. Physical care is good, but godliness is more important. Make sure you hold on to this for this is the outworking of our gospel.]

v.11-16 Keeping Timothy on the right ministry path

[Passage Synopsis: Focus the ministry you were given through prophecy – preaching, teaching etc. and keep at it whole-heartedly.]

v.11 Command and teach these things.

v.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.

v.13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

v.14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

v.15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

v.16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

[Note: Keep teaching at the heart of your ministry and don’t let people put you down for being young but demonstrate you’re up to it. Keep on preaching, teaching etc., don’t neglect your God-given gift, give yourself wholly to it and watch for the way you live and what you teach.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: