Day 194 – Monday, September 29, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

1 Timothy 4

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

The Great Apostasy

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ² speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, ³ forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; ⁵ for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 

(1 Timothy 4:1–5, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• In chapter four, Paul began to talk about the conditions that will precede the coming of the Lord. He starts by talking about a departure from the faith, a falling away, where Christians will be drawn away by false doctrines, spirits, and lies that adulterate the faith.
• Paul named some things that would be proposed, like forbidding marriage, abstaining from certain foods, etc. However, Paul said that all foods, even meats, are not to be refused if taken with thanksgiving to God. The thanks and prayer sanctify the food.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

⁶ If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. ⁷ But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. ⁸ For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. ⁹ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. ¹¹ These things command and teach. 

(1 Timothy 4:6–11, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul then instructed Timothy to teach the church these things. He expresses confidence in Timothy as a good soldier.
• Paul reminded him to reject false ideas and to exercise his spirit in godliness. The well-known passage concerning exercise says that physical exercise has value, but that the exercise of godliness is the most profitable exercise of all. It promises life now and life in eternity.
• The true word of God is faithful and worthy of belief. It is why Paul suffered and served, why he preached and prepared leaders for the early church. Trust the true word of God!

Take Heed to Your Ministry

¹² Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. ¹⁵ Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. ¹⁶ Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 

(1 Timothy 4:12–16, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Paul then shifted to Timothy’s age. He told him not to let anyone question his faith or his abilities because of his young age. He told him to be an example in many areas, and to develop his knowledge even further through reading, preaching, and knowing and teaching doctrine. Show others your value by applying yourself to knowledge.
• He made it clear to Timothy that he must keep the gift alive that was given to him prophetically and by the church’s endorsement. Meditate on the things imparted to you, give yourself to God’s will, and others will take note of your spiritual maturity.
• We all could take that advice. In so doing, as Paul told Timothy, we can save ourselves and those who hear us. Stir up the gift!

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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.