1 Timothy 4
16 verses
Paul warns of an eschatological temptation emerging in later times—some will depart from the faith, forbidding marriage and abstaining from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving—combating an early proto-gnosticism that despises matter and the body. The command to train yourself for godliness (gymnaze pros eusebeian)—using athletic language to stress spiritual discipline—establishes that piety requires persistent practice and exertion, not passive reception. Paul's assertion that bodily training is of some value while godliness is of value in every way repositions the body and matter within the Christian economy, affirming their worth while relativizing their ultimate significance. The instruction don't let anyone despise your youth despite Timothy's youthfulness—set an example in speech and conduct, in love, faith, and purity—empowers Timothy with apostolic authority to model Christian virtue despite his age, making character and faithfulness the basis for respect rather than years. The command to devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching articulates Timothy's central ministerial functions, grounding church leadership in proclamation of God's word. The reminder not to neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, given through prophecy with the laying on of hands, connects Timothy's authority to the charismatic gifting of the Spirit communicated through the community's prophetic discernment and apostolic commission.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
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;
0 1Open verse page →
2
Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
0 0Open verse page →
3
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.
0 0Open verse page →
4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
0 0Open verse page →
5
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
0 0Open verse page →
6
If 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.
0 0Open verse page →
His timing, His methods, His purposes — all beyond our comprehension, yet perfectly good.. My grandmother used to quote ...
7
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
1 1Open verse page →
8
For 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.
0 0Open verse page →
9
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
0 0Open verse page →
10
For 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.
0 1Open verse page →
11
These things command and teach.
0 0Open verse page →
12
Let 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.
0 1Open verse page →
13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
0 1Open verse page →
14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
0 0Open verse page →
15
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
0 0Open verse page →
16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
0 1Open verse page →
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
No notes on this chapter yet. Be the first to write one!