December 4 A READ 1 TIMOTHY 4–6
The Pastor and Personal Progress
OVERVIEW
No single letter could hope to cover all the potential problem areas in a church congregation. But Paul does the next best thing. He gives warning of some of the major dangers Timothy is sure to face in the “last times” (4:1)—a period filled with obstacles and opportunities. False teaching, frivolous speculation, improper conduct, inconsistent example, and greedy motives must be dealt with decisively. There are certain things from which Timothy and his congregation must flee, and there are others which they must pursue if they are to “fight the good fight for the true faith” (6:12).
MY DAILY WALK
Do you have a written (or unwritten) code of conduct at your house, a set of rules each family member is expected to know and abide by? Here is one family’s “Five Commandments for Household Survival”:
1. Eat at least a little of whatever is cooked.
2. No dessert until rule 1 is observed.
3. Sleeping with the dog is forbidden.
4. Telephone calls limited to five minutes’ duration.
5. If you got it dirty, you get it clean.
In the same way, the church—the household of God—needs guidelines if its conduct is to bring glory to God (3:15). Read today’s section with pencil in hand, and circle each command that Paul delivers to Timothy. Pick one that speaks to a specific need in your local congregation, and ask God what he would have you do to promote harmony and growth in the family of God. And don’t forget to check up on your own conduct first. You can’t be part of the solution if you are part of the problem.
THE BEST FORM OF SPIRITUAL EXERCISE IS TO TOUCH THE FLOOR REGULARLY WITH YOUR KNEES.
INSIGHT
Scripture Old and New | 1 Tim. 5:18
Many argue today that New Testament writings were not part of the Bible until the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. Paul, however, quotes not only the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 25:4) in 5:18 but also one of the Gospels (Luke 10:7), calling them both “Scripture.” This, along with 2 Peter 3:15-16, indicates just how early the Gospels and apostolic letters were considered authoritative and inspired by God.
INSIGHT
A Majestic Doxology to Your Majestic Lord | 1 Tim. 6:14
The mere mention of the second coming of Jesus (6:14) immediately catapults Paul into one of the most majestic doxologies to be found anywhere in Scripture. Its theme is the incomparable glory of God. Worship this King over all kings and Lord over all lords by reading verses 15 and 16 aloud—and may “all honor and power [be] to him forever! Amen.”
Warnings against False Teachers
1Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.*
3They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5For we know it is made acceptable* by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters,* Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10This is why we work hard and continue to struggle,* for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
11Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.