Read 1 Timothy 4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+4&version=NIV
4:1–5 Paul set forth instructions for dealing with false teachers. God has a certain intention for those who believe and know the truth: the enjoyment of creation. But false leaders have rejected what God called good, his creation (Gen. 1–3 is still on Paul’s mind). These teachers are liars and hypocrites. The later times (4:1) is a term equivalent to “the last days” (2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; James 5:3; 2 Pet. 3:3) and refers to the latter days of the present age, the age of promise, which anticipates the age to come, the age of fulfillment. The false teachers’ consciences were dead so that they had lost sensitivity to moral issues (4:2). The practices of celibacy and fasting are not meritorious in themselves; in fact, their practice may imply unbelief in the complete and free salvation God does provide (4:3). Paul’s words, along with Acts 10:15 and Mark 7:19, demonstrate that the Jewish distinctions in food (Lev. 11) are no longer valid (4:4).
4:6–16 Paul explained the nature of beneficial discipline. Timothy was to feed on the word of God. He was to be constantly nourished in and trained by its teachings (4:6). “Godless myths and old wives’ tales” (4:7) refer to the Jewish myths mentioned in 1:4. Satan loves to get believers sidetracked to speculations on religious trivia. The phrase “train yourself” (4:7) comes from the Greek verb from which the English word “gymnasium” is derived. Like the disciplined athlete, the Christian is to pursue the development of his spiritual life. This is a continued corrective to the severity of 4:3. Profitable teaching, not fables, is needed.
First Timothy 4:9–10 refers back to 2:3–4. Timothy was to strive for the maturity that counts (4:11–16). The verbs in 4:11 encourage Timothy to keep on prescribing and teaching these things. Paul kept going back to the basics. Modeling is an essential component to education (4:12). Paul listed five areas in which Timothy should serve as an example. Timothy’s young age was not of ultimate importance. All three terms of 4:13 describe an area of public ministry: “reading” Scripture in worship services, “preaching” people to respond, and “teaching”—formal instruction based on the word of God.
In 4:14 it is debated whether Paul was referring to Timothy’s spiritual gift or his spiritual office. Spiritual gifts are divine enablement’s for service in the body of Christ. The laying on of the elders’ hands, an act of identification (Acts 13:3), accompanied Timothy’s prophetic training. The result of Timothy’s training and “gift” was a transparent character (4:15–16). “Save” (4:16) refers to deliverance from the reigning power and influence of sin, the present aspect of salvation (also referred to as sanctification).
Discussion & Reflection question
Paul tells Timothy not to “neglect his gift.” One, do you know what your gifts are and two are you using them or neglecting them?
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Oh goodness, how I have struggled with this! I look around me and see people using their God-given gift (or gifts) and keep asking myself if I even know what mine is. When I look deep inside myself I think mine might be compassion, or a willingness or gift of listening and being there when someone needs to talk. I guess that's a gift but it seems that when I am put in that position, the other person appears to feel safe in opening up to me and sharing whatever it is they need to talk about.
ReplyDeleteI volunteered to be a small group facilitator with the youth and I had 12 & 13 yr old girls in my small group. Even with them I felt they trusted me and were willing to open up to me when they hadn't with others.
Like I said, I guess this would be a gift!
I don't use it like I should as it's very easy to get caught up everyday life. I try when possible to be aware of other's needs in this area but admit I should be better at seizing those opportunities.
I have for many years felt a great compassion for those who are hurting, especially those who are on a path they did not choose. I have been involved in the Widow/Widower support group for ten years and am now becoming a part of Celebrate Recovery. This will help me to delve into some issues that go back to my childhood. Unfortunately, both of these groups meet on the same night, not sure exactly what I will do about that. I'll work it out. I studied Human Relations in high school and completed eight psychology classes in college. I was always the friend who would listen. I look forward to more opportunities to use the feelings I have to benefit others and perhaps acquire additional skills to help me.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same. I feel like others open up to me & enjoy visiting with me. People are open to me & feel comfortable. I have quite a few friends & coworkers that have just sat down and started telling me about their concerns. I would like to help out more, In retirement I would like to help others through hospital volunteer or even Stephen Minister.
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