1 Timothy 4 (ESV)
False Teachers and the Love of Money
1 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods 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.
Warning Against False Teachers
Paul warns Timothy about the dangers of false teachers who will depart from the faith in the latter times. These false teachers are characterized by their devotion to deceitful spirits and demonic teachings. They are insincere and have seared consciences, which means they have lost their moral sensitivity and are no longer sensitive to the truth.
The Love of Money
1 Timothy 4:6-10 (ESV)
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 But reject those things which are profane and old wives' tales, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
Paul encourages Timothy to teach these truths to the brothers and to reject false teachings. He reminds Timothy that physical exercise has some value, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
The Good Confession
1 Timothy 4:11-16 (ESV)
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Paul concludes by commanding Timothy to command and teach these things, and to set an example to believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. He encourages Timothy to give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine, and not to neglect the gift that is in him.
