Author: drthomasclothier

⁷ “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 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.” (1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV),

The Apostle Paul frequently used the metaphor of physical athletics to provide principles for the disciplined Christian life. The thoughts contained in today’s text from I Timothy 4:7-8 are also found in other epistles by the apostle. See 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Galatians 2:1–2; Philippians 2:14–16; Philippians 3:12–14; 2 Timothy 2:5.

It is not surprising Paul invoked the athletic metaphor in his first epistle to Timothy. He wrote, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;” There are two commands in this one sentence; one negative and the other positive.

Paul transitioned from spiritual training to bodily training. He wrote, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way.” Godliness (εὐσέβεια; eusebeia), referring to right beliefs and behavior, is of value (ὠφέλιμός; ophelimos) or benefit in every way (πάντα; panta) or in its entirety.

Why is this the case? The Apostle Paul does not leave believers in Christ to wonder. He immediately provided the answer; “as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Godliness remains the main subject. Godliness provides two lasting benefits.

First, godliness holds promise for the present life. The phrase as it holds (ἔχουσα; echousa) is a present, active participle. It means to presently and actively possess and have something. The something the apostle had in mind was the word promise. Promise (ἐπαγγελίαν; epangelian) refers to the content of what is promised or agreed upon the present life here on earth. Second, godliness holds promise for the life to come in heaven.

“As valuable as physical fitness (training is gymnasia, “exercise,” used only here in the NT) may be (and Paul did not disparage it), spiritual fitness, or godliness, is much more valuable. Physical fitness is profitable only, literally, “for a little.” But godliness is profitable for all things, not merely in this present transient life but in the life to come, that is, for eternity. Godliness colors all aspects of temporal and eternal life, bestowing its blessing on all it touches.^[1]

“The essence and contents of the promise is life, fellowship with God in Christ, the love of God shed abroad in the heart, the peace of God which passes all understanding. Complete devotion, godliness, or godly living, itself the fruit of God’s grace, results in the increasing possession and enjoyment of this reward, according to the teaching of Scripture throughout (Deut. 4:29; 28:1–3, 9, 10; 1 Sam. 15:22; Ps. 1:1–3; 24:3–6; 103:17, 18; 1 John 1:6, 7; 1 John 2:24, 25; Rev. 2:10, 17; 3:5, 12, 21). God has promised this, and he always fulfils his promise. And this life which God bestows, and which surpasses all other blessings in value, is both for the present and for the future, for the age that now is and for the coming age. It can never cease.^[2]

Rev. Aaron L. Garriott concludes, “Christian, your physical body is united to Christ and is the sacred dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. What you will be is shrouded in mystery, but know that you will be like Christ in body and soul (1 John 3:2; see Phil. 3:21). Live accordingly. The destructive lie of gnosticism has undeniably led to all sorts of bad fruit. But a recovery of the holiness of the body will surely bear the good fruit of pure and undefiled piety that cares for the body and the soul (James 1:26–27). God cares about our soul and body. We must not sever what God has bound together. As we belong with body and soul to our faithful Savior (Heidelberg Catechism 1), so we are wholeheartedly willing and ready to devote ourselves with body and soul to Him, both in life and in death.”

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 740.

^[2] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 151–152.

⁷ “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 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.” (1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV),

The Apostle Paul frequently used the metaphor of physical athletics to provide principles for the disciplined Christian life. The thoughts contained in today’s text from I Timothy 4:7-8 are also found in other epistles by the apostle. See 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Galatians 2:1–2; Philippians 2:14–16; Philippians 3:12–14; 2 Timothy 2:5.

It is not surprising Paul invoked the athletic metaphor in his first epistle to Timothy. He wrote, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;” There are two commands in this one sentence; one negative and the other positive.

The Paul transitioned from spiritual training to bodily training. He wrote, “for while bodily training is of some value.” Let’s exegete this statement to understand what the apostle meant by what he wrote.

For while (γὰρ δὲ; gar de) are two conjunctions. They mean because and on the other hand. Paul used these words to express a contrast from what he previously stated. The words bodily training (σωματικὴ γυμνασία; somatike gymnasia) refer to the physical exercise of the human body. This is done to improve the body’s strength and stamina. This is a common and extensive priority in the contemporary culture.

Paul stated such physical exercise is of some value. Is (ἐστὶν; estin) is a present, active, indicative state of being verb. It indicates a present existence for physical exercise. Physical exercise’s existence is of some value. Some (ὀλίγον; oligon) means a little of small amount. Value (ὠφέλιμος; ophelimos) refers to usefulness, benefit and profitability. In comparison to spiritual exercise, physical has little value in promoting godliness.

“ In light of Paul’s later words that “bodily training is of some value, [while] godliness is of value in every way” (1 Tim. 4:8), some get the impression that he has a low view of the body. What matters is the spirit, not the body. To be sure, Paul is adamantly opposed to mere externalism (e.g., 1 Tim. 6:6–10; see also 1 Peter 3:3–4). But he’s not positing a dichotomy between body and spirit; rather, he’s using athletic imagery to show that godliness in all of life is of comprehensive, eternal value. Further, a robust Pauline theology of the body will take into account all of Scripture, including Paul’s forceful dictum in 1 Corinthians 6 that the Christian’s body is holy,” writes Rev. Aaron L. Garriott from his article Holiness of Body and Soul in the July 2024 issue of Tabletalk Magazine.

“Paul says that we are to glorify God in our bodies (v. 20) for two reasons. First, our bodies are members of the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 15). Second, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (v. 19). Contra gnostic conceptions of the body, there could hardly be a greater degree of holiness assigned to our bodies or a greater responsibility to keep our bodies blameless (1 Thess. 5:23). Notice the Trinitarian dimension of our bodily holiness: we are to use our bodies as instruments of righteousness for God, by virtue of our bodily union with Christ and by the residential indwelling of the Holy Spirit. United to Christ, the Christian’s body has been bought with a high price (1 Cor. 6:20) and serves as the abode of the Spirit of God. My body—united to Christ’s body—is sacred, and the Spirit is within me wherever I go and whatever I do. Joined together in vital union to the holy Son of God; a living, walking, sacred temple of God—do you see your body that way, Christian?”

Dr. William Hendriksen comments, “It is not at all surprising that the apostle, with this figure of the gymnasium or its less pretentious substitutes in mind, now draws a comparison between the value of physical training (literally “bodily gymnastics”) and training for godly living. He states that the former is of some benefit. It is useful for something. The latter, however, is of benefit in every way. It is useful for all things. He is by no means belittling the value of physical exercise. He is saying two things: a. that the boon which bodily training bestows, however great it may be, is definitely inferior to the reward which the godly life promises. The former at best bestows health, vigor, beauty of physical form. These things are wonderful and to be appreciated. But the latter bestows life everlasting! b. that the sphere in which bodily training is of benefit is far more restricted than that in which godly living confers its reward. The former concerns the here and now. The latter concerns the here and now but also reaches far beyond it.”^[1]

More to come. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 151.

⁷ “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 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.” (1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul frequently used the metaphor of physical athletics to provide principles for the disciplined Christian life. The thoughts contained in today’s text from I Timothy 4:7-8 are also found in other epistles by the apostle.

²⁴ “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. ²⁵ Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. ²⁶ So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (ESV)

“Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. ² I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.” (Galatians 2:1–2 (ESV)

¹⁴ “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (Philippians 2:14–16 (ESV)

¹² “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14 (ESV)

⁵ “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)

⁷ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV)

It is not surprising Paul invoked the athletic metaphor in his first epistle to Timothy. He wrote, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;” There are two commands in this one sentence; one negative and the other positive.

First, Paul commanded Timothy to “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.” The phrase have nothing to do with (παραιτοῦ; paraitou) is a present, middle imperative verb. Timothy was to continuously, personally, and obediently reject, refuse, and avoid irreverent, silly myths. Irreverent (βεβήλους; bebelous) means pointless and worthless. Silly (γραώδεις; graodeis) literally means to be an elderly woman who tells fairy tales and mythological stories. Myths (μύθους; mythous) are legends and fables.

Dr. William Hendriksen writes, “Timothy must be nourished. Of course he must use the proper victuals. He must not feed on trash. So, Paul continues: But profane and old-womanish myths shun. Note that the apostle definitely continues to tell Timothy what the latter should do in order to be and remain an excellent minister. The expressions: “being nourished on the words of the faith,” “shun profane and old-womanish myths,” “train yourself in godly living,” belong together. Doing the one and shunning the other is, of course, a contrast. Hence, the translation “but” (for δέ) here at the beginning of verse 7 fits excellently.” ^[1]

“The profane and old-womanish myths which the apostle tells Timothy to shun are the “endless myths and genealogies” mentioned in 1 Tim. 1:4. In contrast with the heresy against which Paul warned Timothy in the section which has just been discussed (1 Tim. 4:1–5), a heresy which had reference largely, though not exclusively, to the future, these inane Jewish anecdotes, by means of which errorists were trying to embellish the law, pertained to the present. Timothy should refuse to be bothered with them (cf. 2 Tim. 2:23). He should “beg off.” These myths are profane, fit to be trodden under foot (see on 1 Tim. 1:9). They are nothing but drivel, and belong to the category of silly superstitions which old women sometimes try to palm off on their neighbors or on their grandchildren.”^[2]

Second. Paul’s positive command was “Rather train yourself for godliness;” Rather (δὲ; de) is a contrasting conjunction. It means but, on the other hand, or instead. What Timothy ought to do is train (γύμναζε gymnaze). Train is a present, active imperative verb. Timothy is to continuously, actively and obediently discipline himself. The English word gymnasium comes from this Greek word. Yourself (σεαυτὸν; seauton) makes this command emphatic.

The obedient and personal training Paul’s protégé must discipline himself for is godliness (εὐσέβειαν; eusebeia). Godliness is personal piety, accurate beliefs and biblical behavior toward God and others.

“The figure which underlies the passage is, of course, that of the Greek gymnasium (or its popular imitation), comprising grounds for running, wrestling, etc. It was a place where stripped youths by means of physical training would try to promote the grace and vigor of their bodies. Timothy, then, is told to gymnasticize. But, in keeping with the immediately preceding context, which pictured him as being nourished on the words of faith and as shunning profane myths in order that thus he may be (and may continue to be) “an excellent minister of Christ Jesus,” he is told to train himself with a view to godliness or godly living. The exercise which he is urged to take is to be of a spiritual character.”^[3]

What Paul had in mind, accordingly, must have included one or more of the following comparisons:

(a) Just as a youth in the gymnasium exerts himself to the utmost, so you, too, by God’s grace and power, must spare no efforts to attain your goal.

(b) Just as that youth discards every handicap or burden in order that he may train the more freely, so you, too, should divest yourself of everything that could encumber your spiritual progress.

(c) Just as that youth has his eye on a goal—perhaps that of showing superior skill on the discus range, that of winning the wrestling match or boxing-bout in the palestra, that of being the first one to reach the post which marked the winning-point on the running track, at least that of improving his physique—so you should be constantly aiming at your spiritual objective, namely, that of complete self-dedication to God in Christ.^[4]

It is the goal of godliness which all believers in Christ are to train for and pursue. How are your spiritual workouts going? Are you getting stronger, healthier, and increasingly disciplined in God’s Word? I urge you to press on to the goal of godliness of faith and faithful living.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!  

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 150.

^[2] Ibid., 150.

^[3] Ibid., 150–151.

^[4] Ibid., 151.

^“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.” (1 Timothy 4:6 (ESV)

What does God promise for believers in Christ who seek to glorify Him by using all things God created for His glory? What results when followers of Christ reject their own self erected altar, which is being the master of their own self-importance?

The Apostle Paul shared encouraging words to Timothy. These self-same words are also for our encouragement. They are explicitly formed and fashioned into three precious promises but they all include an implicit warning.

The apostle began with the phrase “If you put these things before the brothers.” If you put…before (ὑποτιθέμενος; hypotithemenos) means to presently and personally make known or give instructions. These things (Ταῦταl tauta) refer to an entire previous discourse (I Timothy 4:1-5). The brothers (ἀδελφοῖς; adelphos) are fellow believers in Christ.

This future promise for doing so is the individual in question will be a good servant of Christ Jesus.  Good (καλὸς; kalos) means to be praiseworthy and fine in God’s sight. Servant (διάκονος; diakonos) refers to a servant minister who helps believers. The English word deacon originates from this Greek noun. The phrase of Christ Jesus (Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ; Christou Jesou) refers to the servant belonging solely to the only Savior and Anointed One for the believer’s salvation; Jesus Christ.

As a good servant minister brings biblical truth to their fellow believers, they themselves are being trained in the words of the faith.  The phrase being trained (ἐντρεφόμενος; entrepphomenos) refers training of a skill in practical knowledge God provides the servant minister. It is an instruction God gives the servant minister.

Pastors and lay persons who preach and teach God’s Word often learn more than their students. Their preparation to bring God’s truth to the church, Bible college and seminary students, small groups, or any gathering for biblical instruction results in the preacher and teacher growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord as much, or even more, than those they teach.

What God is training the servant minister in are the words of the faith. Words (λόγοις; logois) refers to a message, a statement or treatise. These words are solely of the faith (πίστεως; pisteos). The words, message, and treatise solely originate and are solely centered on God’s trustworthy, dependable and worshipful revelation of His person and work of creation and salvation.

Paul also referred to these words of the faith as “the good doctrine that you have followed.” Good (καλῆς; kales) means praiseworthy and morally fine. Doctrine (διδασκαλίας; didaskalias) refers to biblical instruction and teaching. Timothy followed this good doctrine and the words of the faith. The word followed (παρηκολούθηκας; parekolouthekas) is a perfect, active verb. This means a past completed action with continuing results. To follow means to faithfully conform to sound, biblical doctrine. Timothy did this and so should we.

“The words” are the ones which embody “the faith” and “the excellent teaching” of the church, true Christian doctrine. The apostle may be thinking of certain summaries of doctrine which (perhaps in the form of current “reliable sayings” and other fixed formulations of truths) could be considered good spiritual nourishment. Timothy had been and is still following this excellent doctrine or teaching. If he is to remain a highly qualified minister of Jesus Christ, he must be constantly nourished by (or “on”) this kind of food. A minister who neglects to study his Bible and the doctrine based upon it atrophies his powers by disuse.^[1]

“The good servant must be continually nourished by true doctrine in order to nourish others in the same truth,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.  

For those of us who teach God’s Word, in whatever setting it may be, are we nourishing ourselves by the biblical truth by which we nourish others? Are we ourselves growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)? The preacher and the teacher must never stop being a student.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 149–150.

^“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.” (1 Timothy 4:6 (ESV)

What does God promise for believers in Christ who seek to glorify the Lord by using all things God created for His glory? What results when followers of Christ reject their own self erected altar, which is being the master of their own self-importance?

The Apostle Paul shared encouraging words to Timothy. These self-same words are also for our encouragement. They are explicitly formed and fashioned into three precious promises but they include an implicit warning.

The apostle began with the phrase “If you put these things before the brothers.” If you put…before (ὑποτιθέμενος; hypotithemenos) means to presently and personally make known or give instructions. These things (Ταῦταl tauta) refer to an entire previous discourse. The brothers (ἀδελφοῖς; adelphos) refer to fellow believers in Christ.

If the faithful steward of God continues to present to fellow believers the truth God reveals in His written Word, especially concerning His creative goodness, then the Lord stated such an individual will be a good servant of Christ Jesus. The phrase you will be (ἔσῃ; ese) is a future, middle indicative verb. To hold to the truthfulness of God’s word results in a personal promise from the Lord to be realized in the future.

This future promise is the individual in question will be a good servant of Christ Jesus.  Good (καλὸς; kalos) means to be praiseworthy and fine in God’s sight. Servant (διάκονος; diakonos) refers to a servant minister who helps believers. The English word deacon originates from this Greek noun. The phrase of Christ Jesus (Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ; Christou Jesou) refers to the servant belonging solely to the only Savior and Anointed One.

“Timothy must warn against coming danger. He must point out what will be the outcome of certain errors which in their initial form were manifesting themselves even now but which as to their further development belonged to the future. He must make plain to the leaders and to the people of Ephesus and surroundings what the Spirit has distinctly revealed as to the nature of the approaching falsehood and as to the way in which it should be combated. Hence, the expression “these matters” refers to the things touched upon in verses 1–5. Timothy must submit these things to the brothers, that is, he must place a firm foundation under their feet (note the verb ὑποτίθημι only here and in Rom. 16:5),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.^[1]

“The apostle writes that these things must be submitted to “the brothers” (cf. 5:1; 6:2; 2 Tim. 4:21). Paul is fond of this term (see 1 Thess. 1:4). Though he is never afraid to assert his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ, nevertheless, he places the emphasis on love. Believers in the Ephesus-community are brothers, members of Paul’s (and of God’s!) spiritual family. Paul loves them. God loves them.^[2]

Now, by submitting these things to the brothers, Timothy will prove himself to be “an excellent minister of Christ Jesus.” For “minister” the original uses the term “diakonos,” from which we have derived the word “deacon.” In 1 Tim. 3:8, 12 its meaning is “deacon.” But in 1 Tim. 1:12 the closely related “diakonia” does not mean deaconate but ministry, and it is probable that the related verb, wherever it is used in the New Testament (see 1 Tim. 3:13), does not mean “to function as deacon” but “to minister,” or “to supply by ministering.” “An excellent minister” is one who, in loving devotion to his task, to his people, and above all to his God, warns against departures from the truth and shows how to deal with error. Such a man truly represents (and belongs to) Christ Jesus.^[3]

God calls each believer to this task: pastors and lay persons. No believer in Christ is exempt. We all share this responsibility and the resulting praiseworthiness from God.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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^[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 149.

^[2] Ibid., 149.

^[3] Ibid., 149.

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 53:1 (ESV)

As one author has written, “Naturalism has now replaced Christianity as the main religion of the Western world and evolution has become naturalism’s principal dogma.”  The causes for Naturalism, or Atheistic Secularism, are appropriately described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:18-23.

¹⁸ “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. ¹⁹ For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. ²¹ For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Claiming to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:18–23 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul gives four reasons why humanity in general denies the existence of God. Even though today’s text affirms that God has revealed Himself, not only through creation but also through His Word (Ps. 19), unrighteous mankind suppresses this truth. How, and why, do they do so?

First, sinful humanity rejects God by refusing to honor Him as God. Fallen mankind refuses to honor and praise Him as the One, True God. Mankind would rather honor and praise itself instead of the Creator who is responsible for their existence.

Second, sinful humanity refuses to be grateful to God for its very existence. The fallen world has no desire to thank God for anything. It is characterized by ingratitude. This results in worthless thinking, emotions and decisions.

Third, sinful humanity, even though it does not want to worship or be grateful to God, must worship and be grateful to something. Worship is an ingrained impulse within the heart of man. Therefore, fallen man chooses to make its own objects of worship. In other words, idols.

By doing so, the fallen world believes itself to be rather sophisticated and wise. The truth is, they become foolish. The Greek word for fools is from where we derive the English word moron. These are not unintelligent people, but rather they are impudent, thoughtless and irrational.

²⁰ Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. ²² For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:20–25 (ESV)

Upon such individuals, God sets His holy and righteous judgment and wrath. He will judge those who refuse to honor Him, thank Him and seek to replace Him.

In his book Death in the City, theologian Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer writes, “A holy and a loving God really exists and He works into the significant history which exists. He works in history on the basis of His character; and when His people and their culture turn away from Him, He works in history in judgment.”    

We are witnessing God’s work in history in judgment. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4–5 (ESV)

 “The Bible never sugarcoats the painful realities of living in a fallen world. Sin is portrayed in all of its dark hues, and the best of men are acknowledged to be at best, mere men. Similarly, the church is portrayed as in a constant state of conflict until the Lord Jesus returns. The church in the world is the church militant—always engaged in warfare, under attack and advancing doggedly onward through enemy territory. As is true with any army, the church is not immune to the loss of some of her members. In fact, the skill and tenacity of our enemies are intent on destroying as many as they can.” – Dr. R. C. Sproul

The Apostle Paul set forth a significant biblical truth in I Timothy 4:4. It is a major doctrine or teaching from Scripture. The truth is God created everything good. Therefore, nothing He created is to be rejected. This applies to the relational or physiological areas of life and living. All God created the believer in Christ should receive with thanksgiving and praise as long as what He created the believer in Christ uses for the Lord’s honor and glory.

^“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36 (ESV)

 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

^“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

¹⁰ “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)

When believers in Christ use for His glory the physical and relational gifts God created for His glory, then these items are consequently set apart. In other words, they become holy.

To be made holy (ἁγιάζεται; hagiazetai) is a present, passive verb. To be made holy means to become dedicated, consecrated, and sanctified. An object is no longer common but becomes uncommon. It is no longer secular or earthly but becomes spiritual. It is no longer profane and blasphemous but becomes holy and sacred. This applies to marriage as it also does to food. It also applies to the believer.

This consecration of godly, created relationships and foods is not left up for believers to figure out by their own ideas and instincts. Consecrated marriages and physical appetites come from a knowledge of God’s Word on these matters and the resulting prayers to be obedient and to use all God created for His glory.

One author writes, “Weeks after my conversion to Christ, many of my friends had questions for me, particularly related to what this meant for my nightlife moving forward: Would I still be going out? Was I “allowed” to drink? One question that stood out in those early days came from my friend’s father. He approached me and asked, “What is it like knowing that for the rest of your life, everyone will be out having fun and enjoying life while you are stuck going to church?” Looking back now, I chuckle at such a question, but at that moment it made me quietly ask: Was I ready (and able) to give up my “party” life? Was I ready to spend Sunday at church? Was I, paraphrasing the Apostle Paul, willing to forget what lay behind and strain forward to what lay ahead? (Phil. 3:13).”

“When we truly encounter God’s holiness, we are changed. Consider Isaiah 6. Isaiah is overwhelmed by the display of God’s holiness. He is completely undone, crying, “Woe is me!” (Isa. 6:5). Encountering God’s holiness humbles us, exposes our sinfulness, and reshapes our minds and hearts, compelling us to align our desires and will with His desires and will. And God’s desire and will for us is to be holy because He is holy: “Be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16). Recognizing our need for Him, we are set apart for His purposes and transformed into His likeness”

“A growing knowledge of our holy God in and through Christ derails that drift, puts us on the path to holiness, and promises us a life of lasting pleasure and delight. So, the next time someone asks you, “What is it like knowing that for the rest of your life, everyone will be out having fun and enjoying life while you are stuck going to church?” smile and say: “If you only knew my holy God, if you only knew Jesus, you wouldn’t ask that. Going to church to worship Him is my delight, for He alone can fill my heart with gladness and an overabundance of joy!” (Ps. 16:11; Isa. 35:10; John 16:24

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

^“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,” (1 Timothy 4:4 (ESV)

“The Bible never sugarcoats the painful realities of living in a fallen world. Sin is portrayed in all of its dark hues, and the best of men are acknowledged to be at best, mere men. Similarly, the church is portrayed as in a constant state of conflict until the Lord Jesus returns,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“The church in the world is the church militant—always engaged in warfare, under attack and advancing doggedly onward through enemy territory. As is true with any army, the church is not immune to the loss of some of her members. In fact, the skill and tenacity of our enemies are intent on destroying as many as they can.”

Apostates depart from God’s truth and desire to control others with their lies. To control means to govern, regulate, and rule. They reject and seek to supplant the Lord’s sovereign rule and replace it with their own. Not only do they want to rule their own lives, but also the lives of individuals with whom they come into contact.

Manipulation is their ministry philosophy. This extends to the basic necessities of life and living. Apostates not only regulate the marriages but also what food and drink may be consumed by the members of their congregation (I Timothy 4:3). Nothing is off limits. While denying others God’s goodness, apostate leaders rarely deny themselves anything.

“Apostates are people who have been deceived. They have been duped into believing lies rather than the truth and, as a result, are not standing firm but are falling away,” explains Dr. Sproul.

However, what apostates reject are God’s many blessings for which humanity should be thankful. Rather than asceticism, believers in Christ should partake in thanksgiving for the Lord’s relational and physiological blessings. Thanksgiving to God and devotion to His Word is the antidote to apostasy.

The Apostle Paul stated “For everything created by God is good.” The word for (ὅτι; hoti) means because. Paul’s words in today’s featured text stems from what he previously stated to Timothy in 4:1-3. The reason why believers are to be thankful to God for everything is because God created everything. Everything (πᾶν; pan) means all, of every kind, and the whole. Created (κτίσμα; ktisma) refers to all God spoke into being from nothing and sustains (Gen. 1-2; Psalm 33:6-7; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:1-3). God alone created everything good. Good (καλόν; kalon) is what is beautiful, pleasant, orderly, and moral excellent.

Consequently, nothing God created is to be rejected. Rejected (ἀπόβλητον; apobleton) means to throw away. It means to view what God created as worthless. Rather, instead of rejecting what God created believers in Christ to receive God’s provision with thanksgiving. Received (λαμβανόμενον; lambanomenon) is a present, passive participle. Believers are to constantly be thankful for what God has graciously given.

“This sentence confirms the preceding passage. Foods that were created for consumption with accompanying thanksgiving are excellent,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“The false teachers’ asceticism contradicted Scripture, which teaches that since God created both marriage and food (Gen. 1:28–31; 2:18–24; 9:3), they are intrinsically good (Gen. 1:31) and to be enjoyed with gratitude by believers. Obviously, food and marriage are essential for life and procreation,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

“The antidote to apostasy, then, is a rigorous devotion to the truth of God’s Word. It is in the Word that the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ is revealed. Becoming increasingly grounded in the gospel is what gives stability to a believer. As Psalm 1 says, the blessed and stable man is the one who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates in it day and night (vv. 2-3),” concludes Dr. Sproul.

“Pastors must be radically committed to teaching the Word of God in all of its fullness and simplicity. This is why Paul repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine in his letters to Timothy and Titus on pastoral ministry (1 Timothy 1:3, 10, 4:6, 16, 6:3; 2 Timothy 3:16, 4:3; Titus 1:9, 2:1). This is also why no Christian should settle for anything less.”

I encourage you to memorize Psalm 1. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“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, ² through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 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.” (1 Timothy 4:1–3 (ESV) 

Thus far, the Apostle Paul instructed his protégé Timothy concerning the reality of apostates, and the character of apostates. The apostle then explained to Timothy about the teachings of apostates. Close to 2,000 years of church history has not changed the nature, behavior and doctrine of these false teachers.

What exactly do apostates teach and why. Paul did not provide an exhaustive list but he did focus on two primary needs of humanity: family relationships and physical nourishment. Without these, humans struggle to survive and eventually die.

Paul began by saying apostates forbid marriage. To forbid (κωλυόντων; kolyonton) is a present, active, genitive, plural participle. What this means is apostates continuously, actively, possessively, and collectively hinder, prevent, and restrain those they teach from certain behaviors and covenants. In this case, they prevent people from getting married.

Marriage (γαμεῖν; gameo) is a spiritual, moral, social, and physical covenantal relationship between a binary heterosexual husband and wife. It is a covenant God created (Gen. 1:26-27).

However, apostates not only seek to prevent people from marriage, but also from enjoying certain foods. They require abstinence from foods. To require abstinence (ἀπέχεσθαι; apechesthai) means to continuously, personally, and infinitely keep people from eating certain foods. Why do apostates seek to invoke these man-made restrictions?

“How a person lives is determined by what he believes. Those who fall away do so because they become devoted to the “teachings of demons.” This does not mean that they get caught up in the occult. Rather, they come to believe notions that originate in hell and are consequently led away from the faith,” explains Dr. R.C. Sproul.

“This is what causes people to make up rules that God’s Word does not teach (“Do not get married” or “Do not eat”) and to become convinced that by following them they are spiritually safe. In reality, they have fallen prey to “deceitful spirits” who use liars with seared consciences to spread their spiritual poison (1 Timothy 4:2).”  

“A sample of the false teaching at Ephesus typically contained elements of truth, since Scripture commends both singleness (1 Cor. 7:25–35) and fasting (Matt. 6:16–17; 9:14–15). The deception came in making such human works a prerequisite for salvation—a distinguishing mark of all false religion. This ascetic teaching was probably influenced both by the Jewish sect known as the Essenes, and contemporary Greek thought (which viewed matter as evil and spirit as good). Paul addressed this asceticism in Col. 2:21–23. Neither celibacy nor any form of diet saves or sanctifies,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

“Principles bear fruit. The false teachers who are here described, probably accept as one of their starting principles the thesis: Anything physical or sensuous is contaminating. It is not difficult to see how such a principle would in course of time cause the errorists to frown on marriage. Foods, too, would be condemned, though, of course, not absolutely. Fasting would be praised,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

The problem Paul said with this type of apostate thinking is God created both marriage and food (Gen. 1-2). The apostate’s anti-God thinking conflicts with proper godly theology. Both created concepts, marriage and physical nourishment, are to be received with thanksgiving; along with everything else God created. This thankful attitude is possessed by those who truly believe the Lord and understand His biblical truth (Rom. 1:18-23; I Cor. 1:18-25).

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“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, ² through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,” (1 Timothy 4:1–2 (ESV).

The Scriptures do not teach a departure from the Christian faith might happen sometime in the future, but rather it certainly will happen. The Apostle Paul affirmed this truth by invoking the person of the Holy Spirit. Paul said the Spirit expressly says (ῥητῶς λέγει; rhetos legei), which means the Spirit explicitly, presently, actively and singularly stated a departure from biblical faith would occur. 

To depart from the faith means to fall away, to forsake and to turn away. The root word is aphistemi, from which we derive the English word apostasy and apostate. Faith refers to what believers in Christ are to trust in, commit to, depend upon and worship according to Scripture.

To fall away from biblical teaching results in individuals falling into apostasy and heresy. They become personally committed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. This does not mean apostates necessarily teach about deceitful spirits or doctrines of demons, but rather deceitful spirits and demons influence their heretical teaching.

What becomes of the character of these individuals of whom Paul speaks? Having expounded on the godly character of elders and deacons, what does the apostle say about the ungodly character of apostates?

To begin with, they are insincere liars. Insincerity (ὑποκρίσει; hypokrisei) refers to hypocrisy, pretense and play-acting. It is the word used to identify theater actors in the ancient world who pretended to be someone, or something, they were not in reality. Our English word hypocrisy and hypocrite comes from this Greek word.

These individuals pretend to be committed Christians. However, in reality they are nothing of the kind. They are merely playing a part rather than truly living the Christian life. The adjective Paul used for these people was liars (ψευδολόγων; pseudologon) meaning lying and speaking falsely. They literally are hypocritical lie-speakers.

“As Satan made use of a serpent to deceive Eve, and this by means of an insincere utterance (Gen. 3:1-5), so these seducing spirits or demons make use of men who speak lies and who talk piously and learnedly in order to cover up their own arrogance and immorality,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

Additionally, these people possess seared consciences. They possess such a conscience because demons possess them. Conscience (συνείδησιν; syneidesin) refers to an individual’s moral and ethical thinking and understanding. In other words, one’s sense of right and wrong.

The apostate’s conscience is seared (κεκαυστηριασμένων; kekausteriasmenon). The word is a perfect, passive, plural participle. The word means a branding or scarring. This means the damaging of the apostate’s moral and ethical thinking occurred in their past, and continues to impact their present life.

“By constantly arguing with conscience, stifling its warnings, and muffling its bell, they at last have reached the point where conscience no longer bothers them. Grieving the Holy Spirit has led to resisting Him, and resisting Him to quenching Him. Then, through their own rebellion and obstinacy, their conscience will have been rendered seared. It will have been made callous. A good example is Balaam (Num. 22:12-32; 25:1-3; 2 Peter 2:15; Rev. 2:14),” states Dr. Hendriksen.

“To be seared is “a medical term referring to cauterization. False teachers can teach their hypocritical lies because their consciences have been desensitized (cf. Eph. 4:19), as if all the nerves that make them feel had been destroyed and turned into scar tissue by the burning of demonic deception,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.  

Do you know of such individuals? These are they who once professed love for the Lord and His Word, and who walked away from their faith, friends, and family. I remember one such individual. I’m thinking about him as I write this blog. I wonder where he is and what he is doing. I wonder if he is even alive.

Dear heavenly Father, I pray for those in are lives who have walked away from faith in Christ resulting in their consciences becoming callous and scarred. May you rescue them for your glory and the honor of your name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!