READ: 1 Timothy 4
The teachings and schemes of demons continue even today, and the inoculation of false doctrine is Christ's true and faithful doctrine. “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.” - 2 Peter 2:1 - 1 Timothy 4:1-5 - “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times (a fixed and definite time) some (tis: certain some, ones) will depart (aphistemi: withdrawal oneself) from the faith (pistis: Gospel) by devoting (apply, attach, hold, cleave oneself) themselves to deceitful spirits (actuated or moved by, attitude, disposition) and teachings of demons,(teachings disseminated by evil spirits and seducing people from the truth) 2 through the insincerity of liars (lies, false teachings, hypocrisy) whose consciences are seared, (conscience is burned in with a branding iron)[see 1 Tim 1:5-7] 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods (a false sense of a high moral standard, self-righteous by following the law) that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
Faithful men commit to the full Gospel and sound doctrine by which they can avoid false and silly doctrine. “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” - 2 Peter 3:17-18
- 1 Timothy 4:6-7a - “If you put these things (supply these instructions) before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained (en-tref-o: to educate, form the mind) in the words of the faith (words of the Gospel of Christ) and of the good doctrine (teachings of Christ) that you have followed. (par-ak-ol-oo-theh-o: conform oneself to) 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, (profane) silly (grandma, old womanish) myths.” (fiction, falsehood)
*my big fat greek wedding*
Men of God fight, contend for the sound doctrine of God by the constant study of the word and must expose all who contradict it. “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
- Titus 1:9
- 1 Timothy 4:7b-10 - “Rather train yourself for godliness; (purpose to exercise vigorously the mind to become godly) 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (promised lifepresent and future, more perfect state of things) 9 The saying (vs. 7&8) is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil (labor) and strive, (contend) because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially (chiefly) of those who believe. (believers) 11 Command and teach these things. ”
Men of God keep careful attention to that which is entrusted to them, the word of God and the Gospel of Christ. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” - Hebrews 10:23
- 1 Timothy 4:12-16 - “Let no one despise (think little, disdain) you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote (devote thought and effort) yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not [imperative statement] neglect (am-el-eh-o: careless) the gift (God given power to discharge the office of evangelist) you have, (en soo: in you) which was given you by prophecy (that which comes through and by the gospel) when the council of elders (presbyterion) laid (ep-ith-es-is: imposed) their hands on you. 15 Practice (attend carefully) these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. (make known your progress) 16 Keep a close watch (give attention to) on yourself and on the teaching. (what you’ve been taught, doctrine) Persist in this, (in the work of teaching) for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
