成績單

There is one true gospel of Jesus Christ. But there are many counterfeit gospels in the world today. And that is because the devil does not just want to destroy the Bible; he is just as happy to distort the Bible in order to deceive people. It has been estimated that there are as many as 5,000 cults in the world that claim some kind of connection to Christianity.[1] There has always been a steady stream of people entering the church and a steady stream leaving the church to join this or that group that promotes distorted ideas about God and His gospel.

It is tragic, but it should not be a surprise to us at all. In fact, as we sail on our Wisdom Journey into 1 Timothy 4, Paul records this: “The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith” (verse 1).

This departure, or apostasy, will come, Paul writes, in the “later times.” When are these later times going to arrive? We have already seen back in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 that there will be a great falling away before the tribulation period begins. But the expression here seems to refer to recurring periods of apostasy during the church age. Timothy may have seen this in his generation, just as we see it today.

Paul describes the apostasy here in verses 1-2, saying people will “[devote] themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared.” In other words, the origin of false teaching is demonic, and it is propagated by unsaved liars, or deceivers, who present themselves as teachers of the truth.

It is interesting that Paul focuses here on false teaching that “forbids marriage and [requires] abstinence from foods” (verse 3). This is a form of what theologians call “asceticism.” Asceticism teaches that God accepts you based on your denying yourself certain personal desires. This false teaching today shows up in a number of world religions that require fasting at times or teach that marriage is not as holy as singleness.

Paul refutes all of that in verse 4 by affirming that “everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” God created both marriage and food. Your relationship with God is not hindered if you eat meat or get married. Some people choose not to marry, and other people do not want to eat a cheeseburger. And there is nothing wrong with these choices, unless they think denying themselves these things makes them morally or spiritually superior; or worse yet, they think it makes them more acceptable to God.

Starting in verse 6, Paul gives us three ways to avoid false teaching. And this is not just for Pastor Timothy but for all church leaders—in fact, for all believers.

First, teach people the truth. Paul tells Timothy to “put these things before the brothers” (verse 6). Consistently turn on the light of truth. When you do, the darkness scatters.

Second, stay focused on the truth. Paul writes in verse 7, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.” If somebody is teaching self-centered, trivial stuff, it might sound interesting, and it might even sell a lot of books; but frankly, it belongs in the trash can, not on your bookshelf.   

Third, keep exercising your mind with the truth. Paul tells Timothy, “Train yourself for godliness.” “Train” comes from the Greek word gumnazō, from which we get the word gymnasium. Here is the picture: go into the gymnasium of God’s Word and get a spiritual workout program going; you are training for godliness, Paul writes. You do not do it to get into the family of God, but to grow up strong in the family of God. Godliness is going to take effort. A godly person did not become that way accidentally, but intentionally.  

Paul says here in verse 8, “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way.” I know a lot of people who are determined to watch their diet and exercise regularly; and that is a good thing. They remind me that I should say yes to more vegetables and no to chocolate-covered doughnuts—sometimes I do. I am at that age where I have to think about what I eat. Well, we need to think more often about our spiritual diet—reading the Bible and praying. We ought to develop that workout program just as diligently.

This pursuit of godliness is what Paul says in verse 10 “we toil and strive” for. And he gives us the incentive for that kind of diligence: “we have our hope set on the living God.” A runner whose hope is set on winning a race is going to work hard to reach that goal.  

The same holds for Christians. We are focused on running the race well and then seeing our Lord. We are not working at godliness so we can go to heaven, but because we are going to heaven. And that hope-filled anticipation is our incentive for serving and pleasing the Lord.

Paul then describes the living God in verse 10 as “the Savior of all people, especially those who believe.” He is not saying everybody is saved. He is reminding Christians that living a godly life is not just for our benefit, but also for those who need to be saved; our godly lifestyles are a testimony to God’s saving power to those who need the Savior.  

 Paul continues with some additional challenges to Pastor Timothy. He writes in verse 11, “Command and teach these things.” Beloved, this is not just for Pastor Timothy, but for every pastor. Pastors must focus the minds of their congregations on sound doctrine and the pursuit of holy living.

Now, Timothy might be a little intimidated to speak so forcefully to older people. So, Paul writes this in verse 12:

Let no one despise you [look down on you] for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

There’s more instruction in verse 13: “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture . . . exhortation [and] teaching.” Do not miss this: the public ministry of a pastor should be saturated with Scripture. This is not optional; it is essential.

Paul also adds this in verse 14: “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.” The Lord endowed Timothy with some special ministry gift at the time elders ordained him into the ministry. Paul does not give us the details, but what we do know is this principle remains for us all: Use the gifts God has given you today as you serve Him for His glory.

Chapter 4 concludes with final exhortations to be vigilant and persistent. Paul offers some great advice for us all in verses 15-16:

Practice these things . . . 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.

The apostle simply means that as we demonstrate our genuine salvation, we will become an instrument through whom others will be saved.[2]

Think about this: According to Paul, when you got saved, you got a membership card in the Gymnasium of Godliness. So, make use of your membership, and go to that gym and work out every day. Build up your spiritual muscles in the truth as you study the Word of God and pray.

This is not the day to be in bad shape spiritually. Let’s work out, building up muscles of holy living, so that others will see in us the genuine, life-changing reality of the gospel and, ultimately, join us in bringing glory to God.