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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 14 August 2024:
1 Timothy 4:1 – 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….
Yes, some will ‘fall from the faith.’ But genuine faith does not fail. Those with genuine faith, a gift not earned, have complete assurance in their salvation.
1 Timothy 4:3 — …who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
Be careful of works-based religion and false gospels of self-salvation taught by various preachers and teachers who do not truly know God. Religious disciplines which help you draw closer to God can be helpful as much as they do, in fact, increase your soul-rest in Him, reliance on Him, and conformity to His character, as much as they help the unseen you look more like our unseen God. However, religious practices can actually draw you further away from God as Jesus tried to teach the Pharisees. They can become a form of prideful, self-righteous externalism which seeks to earn God’s salvation or blessings as well as, perhaps, the respect of others – “Lord, look at all the sacrifices I have made for you; now, please give me the blessings I certainly deserve.” The above verse points out that people who think they deserve something from God are not going to be thankful for what God has given them freely. On the contrary, those “who believe and know the Truth,” are always thankful for what they have received from God though wholly undeserving. As the old children’s song said, “Pharisees are not fair you see; and Sadducees are just sad you see.” Are you making your life and the lives of those around you miserable by trying to earn what can only be received freely with thanksgiving? Are you focused on doing better things rather than becoming a better person? Seek God Himself rather than seeking to earn His blessings, and rejoice in whatever He perfectly provides.
1 Timothy 4:7 – Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness….
Godliness requires training.
1 Timothy 4:12 — Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Timothy desired to serve the Lord, yet he lacked confidence. He was young and sickly, and he did not possess the outward bearing that would instantly command the respect of others. (1 Tim 5:23) He, no doubt, seemed an unlikely candidate to boldly preach the Gospel to both believers and unbelievers during an age of persecution in the Roman Empire. Paul urged Timothy not to let his insecurities thwart him or cause him to be influenced by those bolder, more confident, more accepted, seemingly more successful teachers who preached popular lies.
Paul urged Timothy NOT to argue with those who proclaimed “irreverent, silly myths.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Rather, Paul urged him to live as an example of godliness – “train yourself for godliness” – with the same diligence a professional athlete would have to train for the games – “toil and strive.” He urged Timothy to live a life that was spotless in “speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” to be a model for others to follow.
Timothy’s life was to be the evidence of the God who called him. And from that position of holy credibility, Timothy was to preach the truth boldly and fervently (as opposed to living just a quiet example as some Christians suggest we should do). Paul told Timothy to “command and teach these things” – yes, command! Despite his youth and physical frailty, Timothy had some distinct advantages over his seemingly more powerful adversaries – he was empowered by the Holy Spirit; he was sincere; and he was well trained and experienced “in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine.”
Paul urged Timothy to confidently press forward as a well-trained Ambassador of Christ under the authority of Christ – “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” And Paul encouraged Timothy to continue to strengthen his abilities – “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.”
Paul reminded Timothy of the two indissoluble, essential attributes that make a great leader – character and competence – and he reminded him to be self-aware of these attributes in his life: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” Timothy was not to reduce himself to the level of those who desired to fight him – “Never wrestle with a pig in the mud because you both get dirty, and the pig likes it.”
Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Under the authority of Christ who has empowered us with the Holy Spirit, we have been called to serve as his Ambassadors, a kingdom of priests, proclaiming the truth to the kingdoms of the world, commanding obedience to the LORD. Our strength and authority doesn’t come from our human abilities or position. Nothing should intimidate us. Even our weaknesses are used by God to demonstrate to the world His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9) We should “boast all the more gladly of [our] weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon [us].” I am afraid that the “seeker-sensitive” church has become too concerned about appealing to the world through superficiality rather than living holy lives while shamelessly proclaiming the truth to those who need to face the realities of sin against a Holy God. As Proverbs says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love…. and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Don’t remain silent, and don’t argue; just lovingly and graciously speak the truth straight from the word of God, and let the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of others. Our words should be like “public reading of Scripture,” teaching and, yes, even exhorting, but always with love, gentleness, and humility. (1 Timothy 4:13)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 14 August 2024: Train for godliness today. (1 Tim 4:7)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 