1 Timothy 4

Doctrines of demons

Now the Spirit clearly states that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared as with a hot iron,

4:2 Paul now speaks about those men whom demons use to introduce false teachings into the churches.⚜

3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

4:3 We should not think that these are the only two things these false teachers forbid. There are others besides these. But these two are enough to show that their teachings are not based on the Word of God. Actually they raise their teachings above the Bible. This is one of the very dangerous things about all false teachings.⚜

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be refused, if received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

4:5 God’s Word has consecrated every kind of food for the use of mankind. See the references on verse 3. A prayer of thanksgiving makes the food “clean” and holy for those who offer the prayer.⚜

A good minister of Jesus Christ

6 If you remind the brethren of these things, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and good doctrine that you have followed.

Rejecting unnecessary matters

7 But reject godless stories and old wives’ tales, and, instead, train yourself in godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, holding promise for the present life and for that which is to come.

9 This is a trustworthy saying and worthy of full acceptance. 10 For this reason we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.

Setting a good example

12 Let no man look down on your youthfulness, but be an example to the believers in speech, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, apply yourself to reading, to exhortation, to instruction.

Using spiritual gifts and abilities

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you that was given to you by prophecy, with the elders laying hands on you.

Dedicating oneself completely

15 Meditate on these things, and give yourself wholly to them, that your progress might be evident to everyone. 16 Watch yourself and your doctrine. Continue in it, for in doing this you will save both yourself, and those who hear you.

4:16 Every servant of Christ must be very careful about how he lives and what he teaches. It is not enough to live a holy life if our teaching is not right and it is not enough to teach correct doctrine if our lives are unholy.⚜