Guidance For Teaching

In last weeks lesson Paul instructed Timothy, in the care of the church. Dealing with the characteristics of a Bishop, and Deacons. This weeks lesson is dealing more with evangelism, or how the gospel should be spread. This lesson addresses false prophets, and the influence they will have in latter days. Much like what we as Christians are experiencing now. It's important that we recognize and acknowledge positions in the church. Nonetheless we all have a duty. Here we see where Paul, is instructing Timothy, in his personal behavior. We should be walking billboards for our faith. Exhorting and exhibiting sound doctrine, through study and putting the word into action.

1 Timothy 4 1 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; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding 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. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

The holy spirit revealed to Paul, a falling away of the faith by shallow so-called Christians. To sear something, is basically to cut it off. When something is seared, it is deprived of life. The spirit lives in all of us, to teach it's demise promotes death. Latter times speak of the time between the sacrifice of Jesus, and his return with his father God. That could be any time, since we don't know exactly when he will come. It seemed that this issue was present, almost from the start. Paul was preparing Timothy, who was a young leader in a young church. These letters were written, from fifty to seventy years after the crucifiction of Jesus. The lesson background lists 67 A.D. as the year. You already had doctrines developed, to dispute it's teachings. Forbidding marriage and teaching to refrain from meat. Feeling spirituality would be found, in removing oneself away from what was given to man. To deny yourself these things, doesn't bring you closer to God. It only appears impressive, in the eyes of man. God ordained and approved, both these things in Genesis.


Genesis 2:4:4These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
Genesis 9:3:3Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.


For those who take issue with the old testament. Jesus addresses the same issues in the new testament. Everything created by God, is good and has it's purpose. Even though God ordained these things in the beginning. It was necessary for Jesus to reiterate it, in his ministry.


Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Luke 20:34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:


Paul had the distinction of being the only disciple, who never walked with Jesus Christ. All his knowledge and understanding, were received by divine revelation. Notice how the scripture fulfills itself. It's amazing how the prophets, spoke of things that hadn't happened. Hundreds of years later, Paul talked with assuredness and certainty. About things he hadn't seen.


1 Timothy 4:6-10:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.


If you share the knowledge you receive with someone else. You are proven faithful in the ministry. Being a minister, doesn't always mean speaking before a group. It simply means sharing the word of God, with others to build the kingdom. The bible warns us of old wives fables. A fable is a worldly story told so many times, people start to believe it. Fables are the opposite of what is holy. Rather than contemplate these things, focus on righteousness. The words in verse 8 should be a focal point,of many Christians attitude, in the world today. In a world where everyone is so image concious. It doesn't matter how good you look, in that suit or form fitting dress. That's not what God is looking at, he's judging your heart and soul. If your heart is in the wrong place. You'll be a good looking person, burning in the eternal fire. If we could get people excited about Jesus, like they are their looks. That would build some strong and disciplined Christians. Paul in these last two lessons, has provided us with a checklist. This would provide a regimen of sorts, to help build your Christian character. As Christians we should be dedicated to the scripture, like a bodybuilder to his weights. We should labor relentlessly, and fight the good fight. Forging ahead, anticipating our victory.


1 Timothy 4:11-16:11These things command and teach. 12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.


Don't say one thing, and do another. Those looking for a reason not to believe, are those most likely to see you. Remember this was Paul talking to Timothy. That was one of the major issues, his young age. People have a problem listening to people younger than them. That may be the case, when it comes to worldly things. Experience is a teacher. That doesn't apply, to the things of God. The gospel is the same, because one is older, doesn't make them more deserving. The gift each one has might be different, but the promise is the same. Let your life be your witness. Be persistent in your faith. Don't hide your light under a bushel. You have been given a gift, through prophecy and the laying on of hands. This was Paul talking directly to Timothy. This was directly addressed to him, and his situation. It may not be your situation personally. It was a message, to which all believers can adhere. If you practice what you preach. You will be saved, and all that listen to you.