4^rth Chapter of 1^st Timothy (ESV: English Standard Version)

(1Ti 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,

WARNING OF DENOMINATIONALISM (APOSTASY)

The Holy Spirit warns Timothy of impending divisions coming through brethren who abandoned the house of God (become apostate) to follow and devote themselves to demonic teaching and the influences of demons and evil spirits.

This is not necessarily talking about apostasy coming in the future, many years removed from the audience Paul was addressing. No, it was to happen during the current dispensation, the age of Christianity. How do we know? Because he was addressing Timothy and making him aware of something that was to happen during his lifetime.

1Jo_4:1 teaches us to test the spirits. In this case the deceitful (planos: an impostor or misleader: - deceiver, seducing, wandering.) spirits are simply false teachers. Some of these false teachers could even perform false miracles to deceive the people (2Th_2:9-11). Like Satan dresses up as an angel of light, his prophets do the same (2Co_11:13-15). He always mixes truth with lies to deceive even the elect! Pro_16:25 teaches that what may appear right is not necessarily right.

How do you test the spirits? Act_17:11 - The Berean Challenge!

This type of apostasy still happens to this day.

(1Ti 4:2)

through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

The people who will be susceptible to following these influences are those who are insincere, lying in hypocrisy (that is, lying and knowing they are lying to you with the intent to deceive and manipulate) and who have abandoned their conscience by practicing evil and maintaining defiance unto God. That's why their consciences are burned (kauteriazo: cauterized), seared as with a hot iron - irreparable.

They speak very calmly and their lips uplift Jesus and they seem holy to the unsuspecting and the ignorant, but their consciences are seared. They truly believe they are teaching the truth.

For example:

They may teach The Sinner’s Prayer (asking Jesus into your heart) way of salvation

· Jesus loves us and forgives us.

· The sinner’s prayer sounds good because Jesus wants all to be saved.

· They use 1Jo_1:7-9 (confess and He will forgive)

The context of 1 John 1:7-9 is to the believers (use of the word “WE”) who have already been baptized and are already Christians.

They forget to teach Act_2:38- repent (change) and be baptized to be saved! The true interpretation of 1 John 1:7-9 is when a SAVED person falls into a sin they can go to God and seek forgiveness.

These hypocrites believe they are teaching the truth. They feel no guilt despite seeing the Scriptures clearly. They use their own Bible to negate the scriptures (Mar_7:5-9)!

We need to follow Jesus’ example in Mat_4:6-7 when he said to Satan: “It is ALSO written...”

Their teachings may seem innocent but their minds are sold to their own idolatry and stomach. They use the Gospel to feed only themselves (Eze_34:10; Jud_1:12) and so their seeming care for you is insincere and hypocritical.

This is why they cannot even see the truth when you point it out in the Word (Satan has veiled them: 2Co_4:3-4). They refuse to accept the truth because their mind has been burnt, just like when you brand the skin of the animal; the skin dies and has no sense of feeling. These people are without feeling; they have no sting of guilt.

(1Ti 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.

The people who will willingly lie to deceive and whose consciences are burned since they have given themselves to demonic teaching will be identified by two distinct teachings given to us by the Spirit in this passage:

1. They forbid people to marry - Marriage was considered common, so the important people who should be more godly should be unmarried. Celibacy became a requirement for this kind of way of life, creating a distinction between the people and those "closer to God" - a religious class system. Isa_5:20 - The people were taking something good that God created and calling it evil. Marriage is not evil (Gen_2:18). Eph_5:22-33 compares the relationship of a husband and wife to the relationship of Jesus and the Church. The council of Trent (the 19th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic church, was held at Trent in northern Italy between 1545 and 1563) was a group that created rules and regulations for the high church. The tenth article says that whoever said that marriage was better than singleness was to be accursed.

2. They require abstinence from food - "Those who are more spiritual should stay away from certain foods." was the idea. Not eating is more spiritual than eating is the tenet. Certain holy days one must not eat. Not eating is equated to being closer to God. 1Ti_1:7 - These false teachers were mixing asceticism with the old Law. They were binding where God loosened. They didn't know what they were talking about. Rom_14:14, Rom_14:20 says all foods are clean.

The Colossians were also warned about this type of teaching (Col_2:20-23) called asceticism: The belief that you are spiritually purged by the harsh treatment of the body. Self punishment and depravation of pleasures by strict rules and regulations laced with ceremony were the principle ways of becoming more spiritual for the ascetic.

We are not to be judges by what we eat or drink since Jesus fulfilled all the Law and took away this stumbling block and freed us from the regulations that oppose us. In Jesus all things are restored and therefore we are not to be judged nor judge others by what we eat or drink or anything else that is not in the Word of God.

This passage clearly shows the attributes of those who would bring about a false doctrine into the church, explicitly citing two popular doctrines that would make their way into the church and make it apostate.

One of them being the arbitrary abstinence of certain foods for religious rites or observances and the other was celibacy for certain members of the church, particularly in the case of the Catholic Church, the “priests”. First of all, there is no such thing as clergy (priests) or laity divisions described within the church of the New Testament. That only existed in the Old Covenant. Second, marriage is a must for some members of the church leadership, particularly the elders (bishops, overseers) and deacons! Anyone who can read 1st and 2 Timothy can confirm that.

So, these false teachers need to be able to biblically prove:

1- That celibacy is a command found in the Bible

2- That bishops cannot marry according to the Bible

3- That there is such a thing as clergy and laity divisions in the church

These they cannot prove biblically so there is no case for arguing celibacy.

Col_2:4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

2Ti_2:23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

Tit_3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. See notes on Col_2:23 for more information.

Those who believe and know the truth don't fall prey to these hypocritical teachings, because they are lead by the Spirit and the Word of God. We know how to tell the difference between man made teachings and God's Word, therefore we receive everything with thanksgiving and joy. We don't fear the judgment of man but the judgment of God.

(1Ti 4:4)

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

Those who are spiritually mature and have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil know what God has made as opposed to what has been made by man (Heb_5:11-14). This is a call for maturity. Only the spiritually mature know to distinguish the good of what God has made in the natural order of things. Many things in the world are called evil, things that are amoral (having no ability to have morality in them). Any inanimate thing is amoral. Only people can be wicked or evil, or choose to do good and be obedient to God. The mature in Christ know this and therefore receive things with thanksgiving in their heart as opposed to wicked, hypocritical false teachers who suspect everything and criticize all things.

Only everything made by God is good and has purpose and value. We ought not to reject that which God gives us. Those who reject what God gives do not have thanksgiving in their heart. These are the picky people, who want everything their way; who are always indulging in their fleshly desires.

(1Ti 4:5)

for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

In Luk_9:16 Jesus gave thanks for the food and gave it to the people. We ought to thank God for the meal and receive it with thanksgiving. Act_27:35 Paul also gave thanks to God for the bread. It is good to pray for the food before unbelievers to illustrate the thanksgiving in our hearts, as well as to remind us of the gratitude we need to have to receive the blessings God gives us!

It is interesting to notice that anything we receive with thanksgiving and prayer is made holy by the very fact that we receive it with a godly attitude and that we actually thank God for it. Also, the Word of God makes it so!

(1Ti 4:6)

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

TRAIN IN GODLINESS

A good minister points out the erroneous doctrines and the misconduct of the church. Often good ministers are persecuted, slandered and misconstrued, but as Mat_5:10 says, a good minister is blessed!

A good minister pleases Christ, not men (Gal_1:10). Gal_4:16 says that if you tell people the truth you are their friend. Pro_27:6 says a faithful friends is willing to wound you with truth that you may be saved. Flattery is not love (Rom_16:18).

Mat_15:1-9 teaches how some let go of the Word of God to adapt to man made traditions. This is what legalism is. Holiness is not legalism. A good minister who is correcting ungodly behavior and pointing out erroneous doctrine is not legalistic.

The good minister is being trained (entrephō: to educate: - nourish up in.) in the words of faith and the good doctrine that he follows. The good minister not only knows the doctrine, but he follows it willingly. That is how he is able to point out these things to the church and encourage them by his example to be true to the Word of faith.

(1Ti 4:7)

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;

Paul continues on his discussion of what it means to be a good minister. After discussing the errors of false doctrine in the previous verses, Paul encourages Timothy to have nothing to do with these irreverent myths (false doctrines; old wives’ tales; urban legends; etc.) but to focus on spiritual training (which is eternal and leads to those to Heaven) i.e., godliness. Physical training (which is temporary like false doctrine) will lead a soul to hell if you substitute it for your spiritual training. As ministers (disciples of Christ), we are called to study and apply the Word of God in our own lives so we can share it with others. Those who decide to commit themselves to spiritual training will protect themselves from being deceived by false doctrine.

Sometimes, we can be too focused on studying false doctrine (i.e. the errors of Islam, the contradictions of Pentecostalism, etc.) or to proving to others that the Bible is the truth that we neglect our own spiritual growth. We may be deceived that to believe the key to growth is solely identifying the errors of false doctrine and we forget that it is the Scriptures that enable a man of God to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Remember that to "train" is "to do repeatedly." Therefore, a person who trains in the Scriptures will study and practice "repeatedly" Scriptural teachings.

Train yourself to be Godly:

· Conform to Jesus - Rom_8:29

· Do not dwell on false teachings

· Learn and apply the word of God to your life (train) 2Ti_3:16-17

· Spend time with God's Word and prove it to be true in your life!

· Do not spend time studying Buddha, Muhammad or any others (godless myths)

· Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and others are godless

· To be godly is to be like God; to be godless is to be like men

· 1Pe_1:14-17 - have reverent fear of Him

· 1Jo_3:7-10 The Children of God do the right thing

To train (gumnazo in the Greek) is to exercise; to use repeatedly (over and over) in order to strengthen or develop. It means to use a skill (like a muscle) over and over and it will develop more and more over time and be strong. It is hard when you begin but it gets easier as your skill becomes second nature.

Atrophy happens when a muscle is not used and it loses the tissues and becomes unhealthy and weak. We need to use the spiritual “muscles” so we don’t get spiritual “atrophy” (Pro_4:18 - We want to grow brighter every day and never become weaker due to lack of training in godliness).

Spiritual progress means practicing and training to improve and grow in discernment using the Word of God. To progress spiritually does not mean to grow dimmer and dimmer!

· 1Co_9:27 Train your body to follow God despite how you feel.

· Gal_5:17 Godliness is against the flesh - be led by the spirit.

· 1Pe_1:5-8 Make every effort to be genuine in your faith. It isn’t easy but you must train and exercise yourself.

· Rom_10:17 We heard the word and accepted- we have FAITH.

· 2Pe_1:5-10 Make sure your faith is improving! Love is the ultimate addition! What is love?

· 1Jo_4:7-9 God is love

· 1Co_13:4-8 The qualifiers of LOVE

· Mat_28:20 We have been baptized, now we need to grow

(1Ti 4:8)

for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Remember that training is exercise, meaning you have to do it over and over again.

Physical training:

· “of some value”

· Physical exercise is important to stay healthy in this life

· Keeps your body in shape and ready for service

· Eventually you will die and it won't matter anymore

· It is only temporary; it shouldn't be your focus

Spiritual training:

· Is godliness = being like God in love

· “has value for the present life and the life to come”

· Godliness not only counts in this life- but for eternity

· We will not be affected by Satan in the life to come if we practice godliness

Physical training (i.e. sports, weight-lifting, etc.) is never easy and is very difficult at first. One might have to fight through the temptation to stop and possibly that doubt of wondering if the training is really worth it. Similarly, our training spiritually is quite the same. We often find ourselves struggling with the difficulty of living a spiritual life (too tired to go to services, tempted to retaliate to someone's mockery because we are angry, etc.) because it might be too hard or we wonder if we really will go heaven. Our sinful nature will always put resistance to the will of the Spirit (Gal_5:17). But the individual who makes a conscious decision to follow through will find themselves spiritually strong and recognized by God as a child of the King (1Jo_3:7-10) and growing to the likeness of the King (2Pe_1:5-8).

We are called to excel in this growth. As Pro_4:18 states the path of the righteous starts as gleam of light but then shines ever brighter, so does the Christian who starts out very weak but then (as they continue to train) will only grow stronger and stronger. When one is focused on the path of faith, they will not digress but only progress and never fall victim of ineffectiveness (1Pe_1:13-19).

(1Ti 4:9)

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.

Whenever Paul precedes or succeeds a verse with this comment, we know he is emphasizing it and making it stand out as an everlasting Gospel truth.

It is trustworthy

· It comes from God

· It applies to all men under the sun

· We ought to trust it against our own desires

It deserves full acceptance

· We must accept it in full

· Not accept it partially

· Let it completely convince and convict us of applying it daily

(1Ti 4:10)

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

"To this end" - meaning this is our goal, our purpose - to train in godliness - to become more and more like God in love; for God is love.

Se we “labor and strive” to reach this. Our efforts to train in godliness must surpass our efforts to do anything else in this life. Our full attention, thoughts and planning must be devoted to godliness. All our relationships must reflect this effort and toil we put in, if not, we are not readying ourselves for eternity. Don’t allow challenges to stop you, they are there to help you get stronger (Jam_1:2-4).

We toil and strive towards godliness because our hope is not on the things of the world but on our God, who is living and who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who have believed on the Gospel.

· Our God is the God of the living, not of the dead Mat_22:32

· Jesus is the savior of ALL men - Defeats Calvinism’s idea of a “chosen few”

· 1Jo_2:2 - He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world

We labor and strive because our hope is in the living God. If we realize that Jesus has saved us and given us a free ticket to eternity, we, like Paul and those before us, will realize that nothing else matters except the Spiritual Way that leads to heaven. Those who focus on the will of God continue to labor while those who focus on the world will deviate away from the spiritual training.

(1Ti 4:11)

Command and teach these things.

Pass along the line these things (transmit) to the people of Ephesus. People mostly are interested in their own opinion. They only want to believe what sounds good to them. People trust more in their experience than in the Word of God. This is why these things are to be commanded (paraggellō; to transmit a message, that is, (by implication) to enjoin: - (give in) charge, (give) command (-ment), declare) as well as taught.

To teach:

· at the public level of instruction - sermon, bible class

· personal level of instruction - mentorship, counseling

· Only by the teachers of the church

To command:

· As in to warn

· As in to correct

· As in to rebuke

· Only by those who exercise authority

(1Ti 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.

In the Jewish faith, if anyone was in their 30's or 40's they were considered young. They really didn't validate what you said nor considered you worthwhile to listen. They figured you didn't really have much experience living so your words would be empty and full of yourself. Although this may be true most of the time, in Christ we need to set an example no matter what age we are. We need to show ourselves faultless and blameless, especially to those who are older than us. This is done above all by being humble and open to correction.

Timothy's encouragement was to call himself to a higher standard than those around him, since people will try to look for mistakes in your life to discredit what you are teaching.

Let me just add that if someone is open to the Gospel they will be open to receive the word from anyone, including those younger than themselves.

Even though you may be of good character and good habits, training yourself to be godly is arduous and you have to prove yourself consistent. Take the example of Barnabas. Act_4:36-37 teaches how Barnabas was a very generous man, worthy of imitation. Ananias and Saphira tried to imitate him but their character was corrupted by their sinful desires and they even lied about their "good deed" in Act_5:1-5. They aspired to do like Barnabas but they were greedy. Act_11:22-26 tells us of Barnabas' character in more detail. However, a bad example from Peter led him astray Gal_2:11-13. So even though you may be shining you still can be lead astray if you are not careful. Be humble and strive to be an imitator of Christ in all purity and humility. Don't try to impress anyone but please the Lord!

If you have built a great testimony because of your example, it will give power to your words and boldness to your ministry. You need to make sure you are doing this because of the Lord and for your Lord Jesus. You need to set the right example (tupos: a die (as struck), that is, (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy a shape, that is, a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically a sampler (“type”), that is, a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning): - en- (ex-) ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.). It is so important since you are setting a precedent when you set an example. Others will follow what you do. You are called to be a pace setter, which means a person who sets the right example in spite of bad examples all around them. You will either lead, follow, or get out of the way! Those who lead need to be careful of the example they set because others will follow that example! So an evangelist is responsible for the pattern he sets for those who will follow him into the path of righteousness: An evangelist needs to set:

1. Example in Speech (logos: something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that is, Christ): - account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.) - Eph_4:29; 1Pe_3:9-10; Psa_15:1-3; Psa_37:30; Pro_11:12; Pro_12:18 - This means that our pattern in speech, account, words and even reasoning needs to be above the rest. Even in how we think we need to set an example for others. Of course this means thinking of the Lord first, then of others as we serve. If our words are to reflect a godly pattern, then our thoughts must be holy as well.

2. Example in Conduct (anastrophe: manner of life, conduct, behavior, deportment) - Pro_21:8; Jer_6:15; Jer_17:9-10; Dan_6:4; Phi_1:27; 1Ti_3:15 - Our manner of life is greatly affected by our heart. We are prone to wickedness and selfishness. If we are undisciplined and pride-filled (both go hand in hand) we will conduct ourselves in a way we think is right but in the end it will lead to death (Pro_16:25). The way of our heart, the way which is right in our own eyes leads to wicked conduct which leads to death. Setting an example in godly conduct takes much self-discipline which comes from setting an example in thought pattern and words (Change how you think and how you behave = repent).

3. Example in Love (agape: brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence) - Being an example in love necessitates a thorough study and application of 1Co_13:4-8. Those who are setting the example of godly love understand it is not acting by feelings only, but acting by thought patterns (godly reasoning) that lead to affection and benevolence towards others, particularly your enemies. Love triumphs over wickedness and perfect love casts out fear (1Jo_4:18). If you fear you are not setting a godly pattern of love, but a pattern of jealousy, greed and worldly competition.

4. Example in Spirit (pneuma: the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides; the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one) - this particular pattern mentioned here is only found in the textus receptus. Most newer translations don't list this type of example you need to set, but we cannot overlook it! We need to set an example in spiritual things! If we are to set an example in ways the world needs to see, how mush more should we set an example in the spirit? This is not only talking about our disposition, our enthusiasm or our ability to inspire others to follow the pattern (charisma). I believe it is also talking about how we need to set the example in doing or carrying out spiritual things, like our assemblies, Lord's Supper, Devotional times with our families and even Bible studies. How we conduct ourselves and how our spiritual selves appear need to be a pattern that others recognize as genuine and godly. If we fall into the pattern of the so called "jesus freaks" or "j.w.'s" or "religious fanatics", which are poor spiritual examples or godliness, we have undermined the power of the Gospel in our lives and have fallen slaves to worldly satanic patterns that quell the fervor of the true spirit of God. We cannot appear "religious" in the worldly sense, but truly spiritual people where our spirituality is defined by the Scriptures, not by the perceptions of our culture or times. Our brand of faith in the name of Jesus has to be proven true and genuine, by our character and spirit. We are not mindless robots imitating personalities or styles we see in other disciples or religions, but we are spirits being conformed to the likeness of Jesus as God sees fit. Each of us has different talents and abilities, different personalities that God uses to glorify His name and show his manifold grace. Be all YOU can be in Jesus! Don't try to be someone else! Imitate the faith you see in others, not their personality. Only Jesus' personality is worthy of imitation!

5. Example in Faith (pistis: persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity) - How is our example in faith different from our example in spirit? The Greek suggests that our example in faith is how we show the kind of convictions we have. It has to do with our moral integrity, not our spiritual disposition or attitude. Faith has to do with character. That is what Jam_1:2-4 and Rom_5:3-4 teach us. So being an example in faith teaches others what to do in situations that call for judgment and discernment. For example, what do you do when someone gives you too much change in a purchase? Do you keep the extra money and say that God blessed you or do you return it because you are blessed? Do you cheat on your taxes? Do you take more than what you need? All these are a test of faith; a test of character that reveals your spiritual maturity. This shows whether or not you rely on the Lord for all your needs or whether you are still selfish, ruled by your desires.

6. Example in Purity (hagneia: cleanliness (the quality), that is, (specifically) chastity: - purity) - This not only refers to your inner character and what you allow to infiltrate your mind in terms of lusts and passions that are communicated through images that you see or sounds you hear, but I also believe that how clean you are on the inside (your soul) is reflected on your outward cleanliness and presentation. A disorganized mind that has blurred the lines of purity and corruption will certainly show the fruit of its ways (Ecc_10:18; Pro_24:30-34). It takes discipline and self-control to be pure. Lack of self-control will allow corruption and uncleanliness to seep through the levies of your mind. Do you allow yourself to curse, even if it is just in your mind? That is unclean! How about your judgment of others? Do you reserve those unclean thoughts for yourself or do you take them captive to obey Jesus (2Co_10:4-6)?

These set the stage for a good ministry and are the Qualities of a Good minister in the ways of the Lord Jesus, who forever is to be praised!

(1Ti 4:13)

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD MINISTER (PREACHER)

Aside from the qualities mentioned in the previous verse, which set the stage for what a good minister is supposed to be, Paul adds some more exhortations for Timothy in the following verses:

Devote (prosecho: hold the mind towards, that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to: - (give) attend (-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to, unto) have regard) yourself to:

1. Public Reading of Scripture - There were scarce copies of the scriptures back then. The lack of cheap technology to copy texts left very few with their own copies so the preachers were encouraged to be read the scriptures publicly often. This gave opportunity to the believer and unbeliever to hear the testimony of God.

2. Exhortation - (paraklesis: exhortation, admonition, encouragement; persuasive discourse, stirring address; comforting, consolation, solace.) Luk_4:16-21 shows how Jesus stands in front of the synagogue and reads from the scriptures. Preaching (a form of exhortation; see notes on Eph_4:11) and teaching are ways to explain the scriptures being read. Act_13:15-43 shows how exhortation, in the public reading of scripture, was commonly practiced. The leader of the synagogue basically asked someone to inspire them to act on what they had just heard from the scripture. Exhortation and teaching always come together. The inspiration must come from true doctrine, not just things that sound nice. The one doing the exhortation should also be a living example of the doctrine (1Ti_4:16) that the message may not be maligned. From the previous verse we know the preacher is to set an example, so he must be living what he is teaching. As a matter of fact, his teaching will be most effective when others know he is living life that way.

3. Teaching - (didaskalia: instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching) refers to the task of learning what the doctrine is and how to live it.

Paul wanted Timothy to be doing these things on a continual basis until he was able to get there. Perhaps Paul was going to instruct him on further things when he would arrive. In any case, the church leadership needs to be devoted to these things in order for the church to grow and to glorify God. This is what good ministers do; those who set an example to all the believers.

(1Ti 4:14)

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

One who has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit cannot neglect (ameleo: to be careless of: - make light of, neglect, be negligent, not regard) that gift. The Holy Spirit gives many gifts, and in the case of someone appointed to the task if the evangelist, he may have several of the gifts listed in Rom_12:4-9. One of these is the gifts of prophesying (preaching). Someone appointed to exhort the congregation cannot treat this gift lightly or be careless in its use. God will inspire the church to do its task through these men who posses such gifts. Do not neglect it!

Act_13:1-3 Shows how the church at Antioch had prophets and teachers. Some of the teachers are listed. The Holy Spirit often asked them to set apart some for a special work. So we know Paul and Barnabas were set apart that way and Timothy as well. Placing of the hands is a sign of ordination.

(1Ti 4:15)

Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

Practice (be diligent: meletao: meditate; think upon) these things. Set your mind on these things and give them your full mental attention. Be absorbed in them. Be engrossed in them. We need to be occupied by these things and we won't be complaining or unappreciative of things because we will understand God's will and Hs grace for us. When you are absorbed in these things everyone will be able to see your progress because you will advance beyond your physical capabilities. Rom_12:2 says you need to be transformed by God's Word, not conformed to the world's thinking.

Only clay that remains moldable will be shaped up faster by the Master Craftsman. The clay that hardens will not be molded so quickly.

God is all about love and impacting people. That is His devotion! Call those whom you pray for and visit those who are sick and follow up on those you contact or meet to share the Gospel. If you focus and devote yourself to this you will be built up and refreshed as surely as you have built up others and refreshed others. Don't just write prayer requests, use that list to impact!

(1Ti 4:16)

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.

Practice what you preach! Let others see Jesus more and more in you; but for that to happen you have to set the example more and more and allow the Spirit to mold you and guide you. You need to be watchful of your lifestyle and your teaching. Don't focus on others but keep a close watch on your example in everything. Watch your lifestyle that it may match the pure teaching of the Gospel Don't let go of one without holding onto the other - avoid all extremes (Ecc_7:16-18).

Persist (epimeno: abide in; live in) in being watchful of your life and doctrine. Don't just do it once a month - keep yourself under close watch always. Make sure your doctrine is "thus sayeth the Lord" and your lifestyle "I love you and care about you". Persisting means that you will overcome straying thoughts by taking captive every thought or opinion that sets itself against the knowledge of God (2Co_10:3-6).

You will save yourself and those who hear you when you are persistent in being watchful over your life and doctrine. If your goal is to live faithfully then your attitude will be that of diving headfirst no matter how wild and chaotic the river looks. Sink or swim you're diving in with Christ!

Abiding in the word of God is the mark of a true disciple (Joh_8:31-32). The truth will set you free; you will be saved if you persevere in the word of God and in your transformation. You will save yourself and impact others onto salvation.