1 Timothy 4: Amplified Bible
Warning Against False Doctrine
1 Timothy 4:1-2 (Amplified Bible)
But the Spirit explicitly says that in the latter times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared as with a branding iron.
In this passage, Paul warns Timothy about the dangers of false doctrine and the importance of holding fast to the truth. He writes that in the latter times, some will fall away from the faith, deceived by evil spirits and demonic teachings. These false teachings will be promoted by hypocrites who will speak lies and have consciences that are seared, as if branded with a hot iron.
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
1 Timothy 4:6-10 (Amplified Bible)
If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
In this passage, Paul stresses the importance of sound doctrine and instructing others in the truth. He encourages Timothy to be a good servant of Christ Jesus by constantly nourishing himself on the words of faith and good doctrine. Paul warns against profane and old wives' fables, encouraging Timothy to focus on exercising himself toward godliness, which is profitable for all things, both in this life and the life to come.
Be an Example to the Believers
1 Timothy 4:11-16 (Amplified Bible)
Prescribe and teach these things. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but be an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to the doctrine; persevere in them, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
In this passage, Paul encourages Timothy to be an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. He reminds Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gift and to focus on the public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching. Paul urges Timothy to pay close attention to himself and to the doctrine, and to persevere in these things, ensuring salvation for himself and for those who hear him.
Conclusion
In 1 Timothy 4, Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, warning against false teachings and encouraging Timothy to be an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This passage serves as a reminder to all believers to hold fast to the truth and to persevere in the faith, ensuring salvation for ourselves and for those around us.
