1 Timothy Chapter 4 begins with Paul warning Timothy about the coming apostasy, explaining that in later times some will abandon the faith by following deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. He describes these false teachers as hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared, and who forbid marriage and require abstinence from certain foods, things that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. Paul emphasizes that everything God created is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with gratitude, since it is made holy through the word of God and prayer.
Paul then instructs Timothy on how to conduct himself as a faithful minister, urging him to point these things out to the believers and to train himself in godliness rather than pursuing meaningless myths. He explains that while physical training is beneficial, godliness holds value for both the present life and the life to come, making it a trustworthy saying worth full acceptance. Paul encourages Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth, but instead to set an example for the believers through his speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
He instructs Timothy to focus on public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching, and not to neglect the spiritual gift he received through prophecy and the laying on of hands by the elders. Paul closes the chapter by urging Timothy to give full attention to these matters and to persist in them diligently, so that his progress would be evident to everyone, ultimately leading to salvation for both himself and those who listen to him.
Chapter 4 (BBE)
1 But the Spirit says clearly that in later times some will be turned away from the faith, giving their minds to spirits of deceit, and the teachings of evil spirits,
2 Through the false ways of men whose words are untrue, whose hearts are burned as with a heated iron;
3 Who keep men from being married and from taking food which God made to be taken with praise by those who have faith and true knowledge.
4 Because everything which God has made is good, and nothing is evil, if it is taken with praise:
5 For it is made holy by the word of God and by prayer.
6 If you keep these things before the minds of the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the right teaching which has been your guide:
7 But have nothing to do with unclean and foolish stories. Give yourself training in religion:
8 For the training of the body is of profit for a little, but religion is of profit in every way, giving hope for the life which now is, and for that which is to come.
9 This is a true saying, in which all may put their faith.
10 And this is the purpose of all our work and our fighting, because our hope is in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, and specially of those who have faith.
12 Let no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living.
13 Till I come, give attention to the reading of the holy Writings, to comforting the saints, and to teaching.
14 Make use of that grace in you, which was given to you by the word of the prophets, when the rulers of the church put their hands on you.
15 Have a care for these things; give yourself to them with all your heart, so that all may see how you go forward.
16 Give attention to yourself and your teaching. Go on in these things; for in doing so you will get salvation for yourself and for those who give hearing to you.
Important Verses
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Paul warns Timothy about the coming apostasy, describing false teachers with seared consciences.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 Paul emphasizes that everything God created is good and should be received with thanksgiving.
1 Timothy 4:8 Paul explains that godliness holds value for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:12 Paul encourages Timothy to set an example for believers despite his youth, through speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
1 Timothy 4:15-16 Paul urges Timothy to persist diligently in his ministry so that his progress would be evident to everyone.
