By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
STAYING ON COURSE
1 Timothy 4:1–13
If we are to stay on course we cannot be deceived by false doctrine. We need the good, sound, healthy doctrine of Scripture. Southern Baptists, we must teach the truth of God’s word and we must learn it, live it and love it.
Be Aware (1–5)
The Holy Spirit has warned us that false teachers will arise and seek to deceive God’s people. We should not be surprised at the false teaching present in our world today. God has alerted us so we can be aware and be on the lookout for it. Just because someone opens a Bible and reads a verse does not mean he or she speaks for God. Satan and demons do that.
False teachers led by deceitful spirits declare they are truly spiritual. They have had dreams and seen visions. They possess unique spiritual insight. By constantly arguing with conscience, stifling its warnings and ignoring its siren, they at last have reached the point where conscience no longer bothers them.
False teachers in Ephesus were denying two great gifts from God: marriage and food. The Bible is clear that God created both marriage and food for His glory and our good. In Genesis, God created human beings as male and female. God created Adam first and said it’s not good for the man to be alone. God’s answer was a woman — not a hobby, a golden retriever or a fishing pole. It is glorifying to God for men to walk with Jesus, find a job, get married and have children. Blessed is the man whose minivan is too small.
The false teachers taught people to abstain from certain foods in order to become more holy. The Bible teaches everything is good if we use it as it was created and intended to be used. The word of God enables believers to have a proper understanding of food and by prayer we acknowledge food as a good gift from God.
Be Disciplined (6–10)
False teaching leads to corrupt living. The remedy for false teaching is faithful, accurate biblical teaching that flows from a consecrated teacher. Paul exhorted Timothy to be a good or excellent servant of Christ Jesus. He was not to get caught up in pointless silly myths but rather to train himself for godliness. This important word occurs 15 times in the New Testament, 13 times in the pastoral epistles and 9 times in 1 Timothy. Godliness is to be “God besotted” or God-centered — to have a right attitude and response to God.
No effective spiritual ministry exists apart from personal godliness since ministry is the overflow of a godly life. Therefore just as a young person in the gymnasium exerts himself or herself to the utmost so too must the believer, by God’s grace and power, spare no effort to reach the goal of godliness. Put away the things that hinder you from pursuing personal godliness.
Be an Example (11–13)
In spite of opposition from the false teachers in Ephesus, Paul commanded Timothy to teach in accordance with the word of God and not back down or compromise for anyone or anything. It would not be easy but it was essential for the spiritual health of the Ephesian believers.
Timothy must set the example for believers in his speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
English Puritan church leader Richard Baxter said, “It is a palpable error of some ministers … who study hard to preach exactly yet study little or not at all to live exactly.”
Built on the foundation of his godly character Timothy was to read and proclaim the truth of God’s word. Without the centrality of the word of God and its exposition no biblical worship occurs.
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