Verse By Verse Through First Timothy

Chapter Four

I Timothy 4:1-3 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

• The Spirit speaking distinctly (II Samuel 23:1-2, Mark 12:36, Acts 1:16, Acts 13:1-4, Hebrews 3:7-11, and II Peter 1:20-21).
• The Spirit foretold that in the latter times some would depart from the faith. There were many prophecies concerning apostasies that would arise in the near future (Acts 20:28-31, II Thessalonians 2:1-3, II Timothy 3:1-13, II Timothy 4:1-5, and Jude 1:17-18).
• God is certainly aware of what is coming (Isaiah 46:9-10).
• This is not describing an apostasy thousands of years in the future. Timothy himself was warned concerning it, and he was instructed how to address it (I Timothy 4:6). The reference to seducing spirits further places this during the period of miraculous spiritual activity (cf. II Corinthians 11:3-4, I John 4:1, and Revelation 16:13).
• We know that spiritual gifts were temporary (I Corinthians 12:3-13:13). Spiritual gifts were directly tied to the laying on of the Apostle’s hands (Acts 8:12-24 and Acts 19:1-7). So, this specific apostasy is during that time.
• There would be those who worshipped devils (Revelation 9:20).
• Speaking lies (Jeremiah 23:14, Matthew 24:24, and Revelation 16:14) in hypocrisy (Romans 2:17-29).
• A seared conscience (Romans 1:18-32 and Ephesians 4:17-19).
• Marriage is honorable (Mark 10:6-9 and Hebrews 13:4).
• Man cannot create laws that are restrictive even in matters of liberty (Mark 7:1-13, Romans 14:1-10, and Colossians 2:16-23). There is one law-giver (James 4:11-12).
• Remember, this principle also applies to eating (I Corinthians 8:8).
• God permits the eating of meats, as in creatures of the earth as the context bears out in the next verse (cf. Genesis 9:1-3).
• The Law of Moses restrictions (Leviticus 11:1-47) are no longer in effect, for the Law was done away in Christ (Romans 7:1-6). *The next verse speaks further on this.
• Don’t call what God has called clean unclean (Acts 10:9-16 and Acts 11:7-9).
• Saints give thanks for what we eat (Mark 8:6 and Acts 27:35).
• Those which believe and know the truth (Colossians 1:4-6).
• These false teachers progressed from deception to hypocrisy until they bound upon others restrictions God never authorized.

• Every creature of God is good and is not to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving. Before eating, thanks is to be offered (Matthew 15:36, Acts 27:35, and Romans 14:6).
• It is sanctified by the word of God, which declares it clean (Romans 14:14 and Romans 14:20).

• The work of an evangelist very much involves reminding brethren of things they have previously been taught (I Corinthians 4:17, II Timothy 2:14, II Peter 1:12-15, II Peter 3:1-2, and Jude 1:5).
• "These things" refers to the matters discussed in the first five verses of this chapter (I Timothy 4:1-5) according to our modern chapter divisions. Chapter three was mostly about how Timothy was to behave himself in the body of Christ during Paul’s absence regarding putting bishops and deacons in place in the congregation (I Timothy 3:1-15).
• Herein we find Timothy the evangelist (II Timothy 4:5) also called a “minister.” This is not a title. It simply describes him as a servant. It is the same Greek word “διάκονος” (Strong’s # 1249) used to describe the work of a deacon (I Timothy 3:8 and I Timothy 3:12). See the notes there for more on the usage of “διάκονος.”
• This is just further evidence for why “titles” are not to be passed out among workers in the kingdom. Jesus strongly condemned seeking honor through religious titles (Matthew 23:1-12).
• Back to the point… Timothy needs to do the work the right way to be known as a good or "faithful minister" (cf. Ephesians 6:21 and Colossians 4:7).
• By faithfully executing the work of an evangelist it would be evident that Timothy was nourished up in the words of faith and sound doctrine (Luke 6:43-45). We will talk more of that later in this chapter (I Timothy 4:11-16).
• Timothy had been taught the truth from childhood. He has the understanding he needs to have (II Timothy 3:14-17). Remember that before Timothy began laboring with Paul, he already had a good reputation among the brethren (Acts 16:1-5).

• Timothy is told to refuse profane fables [tales; speech] (I Timothy 6:20 and II Timothy 2:14-16).
• Timothy is told to refuse old wives’ fables (II Timothy 4:3-4 and Titus 1:14).
• Those who have been taught right need to refuse that which would cause what they have been taught to be corrupted (Proverbs 14:7, Proverbs 19:27, Matthew 16:6-12, Ephesians 5:6-11, II John 1:9-11, Hebrews 13:9, and Revelation 2:14-16).
• Exercise [γυμνάζω] is defined: “to practice naked (in the games), that is, train (figuratively): - exercise” (Strong’s # 1128). “1) to exercise naked (in a palaestra or school of athletics); 2) to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). Three other occurrences (Hebrews 5:14, Hebrews 12:11, and II Peter 2:14).
• Contextually, this is not about physical; bodily exercise (I Timothy 4:8).
• The point is to get to work on godly behavior (I Timothy 6:11 and II Peter 3:11).

• Physical training profits little because your physical body is going to perish (Ecclesiastes 3:20-21, II Corinthians 4:16, and Hebrews 9:27).
• No matter how physically healthy you are, you can’t stop time and chance (Ecclesiastes 9:10-12).
• Realize that you are a soul with a body, not the other way around (Genesis 2:7 and James 2:26).
• But godliness is profitable unto all things (I Timothy 6:3-12).
• Having said all of that, there is a degree in which we must think of and take reasonable care of our physical bodies (I Corinthians 6:12-20).
• Godliness has the promise of the life that now is (I Timothy 6:6).
• Godliness has the promise of the life to come (Titus 2:11-14 and II Peter 3:9-14).

• In contrast to the profane fables (I Timothy 4:7), what Paul has just stated is a faithful [trustworthy] saying worthy of all acceptation (cf. I Timothy 1:15).
• The inspired Apostle Paul (I Corinthians 2:1-13 and Galatians 1:10-12) is writing the truth (I Timothy 2:7).

• “For therefore” ties back to the faithful saying concerning godliness being profitable and having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (I Timothy 4:8-9).
• Saints, especially those doing the WORK of an evangelist (II Timothy 4:5), must be willing to work in a godly fashion for life now and to come (Isaiah 3:10-11, John 5:28-29, Romans 2:1-6, I Corinthians 15:58, and Galatians 6:7-10).
• Think about the penman of this verse [Paul] and his attitude regarding spiritual labor (I Corinthians 15:9-10).
• Saints must be willing to suffer reproach [be reviled] in a godly fashion for life now and to come (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-26, I Peter 4:12-19, and Revelation 2:10).
• What keeps us moving is our trust [hope] in God (I Timothy 6:17 and I Peter 1:13). We are saved by hope, patiently waiting for what we do not yet see (Romans 8:24-25).
• God is the living God, in contrast to the other gods men look to (Jeremiah 10:1-10).
• God is our Savior (Luke 1:46-47, I Timothy 1:1, Titus 2:13, and Titus 3:3-7).
• Regarding the phrase “specially those that believe” cannot mean that all men will ultimately be saved, because that would contradict Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 25:31-46, II Thessalonians 1:7-9, I Peter 4:17-19, and numerous other passages.
• The only meaning that makes sense is that He is the only savior for all through Jesus Christ (I John 2:1-2). Yet, particularly those who are obedient believers (Hebrews 5:8-9).

• The work of an evangelist is, in part, to “preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2).
• So, of course, that means to cover what Paul had written because that is, in part, the word (I Corinthians 2:9-13, I Corinthians 14:37, Galatians 1:10-12, I Thessalonians 4:1-2, etc.).
• To “command” is to “to transmit a message, that is, (by implication) to enjoin: - (give in) charge, (give) command (-ment), declare” (Strong’s 3 3853). We have seen this word already in this letter (I Timothy 1:3). While this is certainly the same word used in Matthew 10:5, Mark 6:8, Acts 17:30, and other passages that include authority, remember something about the authority of evangelists. Evangelist have limited authority (I Corinthians 4:17, II Timothy 2:2, and Titus 2:15).
• To “teach” is to: “A prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω daō (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): - teach” (Strong’s # 1321). Thayer defines the term as: “1) to teach; 1a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses; 1b) to be a teacher; 1c) to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one’s self as a teacher; 2) to teach one; 2a) to impart instruction; 2b) instill doctrine into one; 2c) the thing taught or enjoined; 2d) to explain or expound a thing; 2f) to teach one something.” There is to be work in teaching beyond just stating the truth (Nehemiah 8:1-8, Acts 17:1-3, Acts 20:20, and Acts 28:23).

• The word “despise” [καταφρονέω] meaning: “to think against, that is, disesteem: - despise” (Strong’s # 2706).
• Timothy is being directed not to allow his youth to be something that someone thinks against. There are things that tend to be seen among the young (cf. II Timothy 2:22).
• Wisdom is generally thought to be found among the older ones (Jeremiah 5:5). Of course, there are exceptions (Job 32:9).
• Timothy has to be on guard. He has to show wisdom beyond his years. He has to be diligent in showing himself approved unto God (II Timothy 2:15).
• He is to be an example of believers (Titus 2:7-8).
• He is to be an example of believers in word (Ephesians 4:29).
• He is to be an example of believers in conversation [behavior] (James 3:13).
• He is to be an example of believers in charity (Ephesians 5:2).
• He is to be an example of believers in spirit (Ephesians 4:23).
• He is to be an example of believers in faith (Hebrews 10:22).
• He is to be an example of believers in purity (I Timothy 5:22).

• Paul was hoping to come to Timothy soon (I Timothy 3:14-15).
• Until Paul came, Timothy was to attend to reading (Ephesians 3:4, Colossians 4:16, I Thessalonians 5:27, II Timothy 3:15-17, and Revelation 1:3).
• Until Paul came, Timothy was to attend to exhortation [“imploration, hortation, solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty” (Strong’s # 3874).] (Acts 13:15, Romans 15:4, and Hebrews 13:22).
• Until Paul came, Timothy was to attend to doctrine [instruction; teaching - Strong’s # 1319] (I Timothy 4:16 and Titus 2:1).

• There are multiple things in this verse to consider. For one, there is the gift that was given by prophecy. Secondly, there is the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
• I can confidently say that Timothy received a spiritual gift through the laying on of the hands of Paul (II Timothy 1:6-7). Paul was not part of an eldership. He did lay hands on individuals toward them receiving spiritual gifts (Acts 19:1-7 and Romans 1:11; cf. I Corinthians 12:1-11).
• By saying something is with something that does not mean it has to be by that something. Example: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Salvation does not come “by” fear and trembling. Salvation has come by our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thessalonians 5:9-10).
• The word translated “presbytery” [πρεσβυτέριον] means: “the order of elders, that is, (specifically) Israelite Sanhedrim or Christian “presbytery”: - (estate of) elder (-s), presbytery” (Strong’s # 4244).
• The laying on of hands was used in setting apart men for a work and was not always done by elders (Acts 6:1-6 and Acts 13:1-4).
• Whether abilities are natural or, as in Timothy's case, supernatural, saints are to use what God has given them to His glory (Matthew 25:14-30 and I Peter 4:11).
• There were “prophecies” about Timothy and the Lord’s work (I Timothy 1:18).

• To meditate [μελετάω] upon is to: “to take care of, that is, (by implication) revolve in the mind: - imagine, (pre-) meditate” (Strong’s # 3191).
• We can look back at things written under the Old Law that gives us insight into what Timothy was to do (Joshua 1:7-8, Psalms 1:1-2, Psalms 119:15, Psalms 119:97-105, and Psalms 143:5-6).
• Timothy needed to be “all in” (so to speak) on the instructions given to him (wholly). It is not just a job. Being an evangelist requires continual thought and thorough effort (I Thessalonians 2:1-12). Always ready and fully carrying out the work (Colossians 4:17 and II Timothy 4:1-5). There has to be an unselfish desire to accomplish the work above all other things (Acts 20:24). To do so, an evangelist has to balance things that can be a distraction (I Corinthians 9:1-14 and II Timothy 4:3-4).
• Others are to see, in Timothy or by extension other evangelists (II Timothy 2:2), how being fully committed to and continually thinking about the Lord is profitable (Titus 2:7-8). This is in addition to what he was told already in this context (I Timothy 4:12).

• “Take heed” [ἐπέχω] is: “to hold upon, that is, (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication of G3563) to pay attention to: - give (take) heed unto, hold forth, mark, stay” (Strong’s # 1907). Also translated, “when he marked” (Luke 14:7), “stayed” (Acts 19:22), and “holding forth” (Philippians 2:16).
• This is the “practice what you preach” principle. Hypocrites often say the right things while they do the opposite (Matthew 23:1-4 and Romans 2:17-24).
• “Take heed unto thyself” is the instruction to pay attention to you first (Deuteronomy 4:9). No one has the right to teach someone else until he or she has his or her life right (Matthew 7:1-5 and Luke 6:41-42).
• Taking heed to oneself requires diligently watching for personal spiritual failures that could cause one to fall short (Hebrews 12:15-17).
• The elders in Ephesus were told to “Take heed therefore unto yourselves” in light of what they had been taught and the warning Paul gave about what was coming in their future (Acts 20:26-31).
• Timothy was also instructed to take heed unto the doctrine (Colossians 2:4-23 and Hebrews 13:9).
• Those teachers who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have a relationship with God and are to be avoided (Romans 16:17-18, I Timothy 6:3-5, II Timothy 2:14-18, II Timothy 3:1-5, and II John 1:9-11). Therefore, if Timothy failed to take heed unto the doctrine and began teaching contrary to the doctrine of Christ, faithful brethren would have to avoid him.
• Timothy was not only to begin in obedience to the doctrine of Christ, but to continue therein (Colossians 1:23 and II Timothy 3:14-17). This includes personal conduct and the doctrine.
• By doing these things, Timothy could save himself and those whom he taught. His life and doctrine working together would influence others toward salvation. He could be a living sermon, providing an example that faithful brethren could safely follow (Philippians 3:17, Philippians 4:9, and II Thessalonians 3:7; cf. I Corinthians 11:1). There is repetition here from I Timothy 4:12.