1 Timothy, Chapter 4
© Copyright 2002, Darroll Evans, all
rights reserved
Jesus taught openly!
And, in these last days, the Holy Spirit also
has spoken through God’s chosen---openly!
Far too many "teachers" do not
understand that the falling away will not be from among the chosen.
It shall be among pretenders within the
Churches, those that deny the power of God.
In many ways, they have already given their
main attention to false doctrines.
The pretenders among us, tares among the
wheat, are being seduced by deceitful spirits.
Because of their denial of Christ’s power,
the pretenders’ minds have been seared.
Their hypocrisy is being rewarded.
Some pretenders lay down ungodly rules of
life.
Many such rules come from an inaccurate
reading of scripture.
When used properly, everything created by God
is good.
All His creation has a purpose.
Unfortunately, we do not always use His
created goodness for its intended purpose.
While physical foods may be sanctified by the
word of God and prayer, it is spiritual food (the word of God and prayer) that
nourishes our souls.
Common sense is not anti-Christian.
Using words of faith and sound doctrine leads
to a better life.
I know of one man that uses extreme profanity
to "prove" that he is under grace.
Such a false concept is biblical stupidity.
We are not to be guilty of profane language or deeds.
Spreading fables and myths is not a Christian
exercise!
We are to live disciplined lives.
Physical exercise may help a little, but God
is no respecter of persons (appearances).
We are not chosen due to our body types or
fashion taste.
On the other hand, godliness is very
profitable.
Have you noticed how Verse 9 comes between verses
8 and 10.
Have you ever wondered why?
Yes, I did study math!
Verse 9 may be used to emphasize both verses.
To me, the placement is pure genius.
Have you ever read this verse?
Do you believe it?
Do you believe that man’s power to sin is
greater than God’s power to save?
This verse says explicitly that The Living
God is the Savior of ALL men!
That teaching is opposed by traditional
mainstream theology.
This verse refers to sound doctrine.
The Greek text says that we are to openly
declare sound doctrine.
One year’s experience repeated 20 times is
not twenty-years’ experience.
Be honest with yourself, are you repeating
the same years over and over, or are you growing in Christ?
Christians are supposed to grow in the Word,
in their manner of living, in love, in things of the Spirit, in faith, and in
purity.
Paul had plans. And, as all fathers and
fathers-in-the-Spirit do---he had plans for Timothy’s growth.
He reminded Timothy to pay attention to the
public reading of the Scriptures, to exhortation and teaching sound doctrine
until he came.
We do not know if Paul saw Timothy
again.
This personal message to Timothy may also be
ours to claim.
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee."
God has given you a gift. Use it!
The Greek text says to practice "these
things."
We practice Christianity over and over and
over each and every day.
We may not reach absolute perfection, but we
will become mature in the faith.
Are you a radical Christian?
Do you believe that Christ saved you
radically?
Do you believe that Christ will save all who
sincerely come to him?
Then, you are a radical Christian.
The text tells us to continue to observe the
doctrine of Christ as our personal belief.
All too many Christians become rather loose
in their practice of Christianity.
People judge Christ by what they see us do
and hear us say.
Are you a good advertisement for Christ?
Appearances may not be everything, but to
others they go far in confirming the work of Christ within us.
Paul says that our correct actions shall save
us and those that hear us.
How can that be?
How does the plan of salvation work?
The entire plan involves two steps:
1. We hear from God.
2. We respond appropriately.
We were saved to serve not to sit.
When others hear us and respond to the words
God gives through us they to hear and respond.