Mentorship: 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4English Standard Version (ESV)

Some Will Depart from the Faith

4 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. 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.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6 If you put these things before the brothers,[a] 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. 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. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive,[b] because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 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. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,[c] so that all may see your progress. 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.

Paul has talked about praying for people (especially kings), false teachers and what they look like, qualifications for deacons, qualifications for elders/overseers, Christ coming to save sinners, the mystery of God, and warning some will depart from the faith. Not everyone will pursue truth and Godliness. While that is disappointing, we Christians need to be aware of our own hearts and the hearts of others. We all long to be seen as prestigious people and as smart aka. "teachers of the law". Being aware of how our own hearts can get caught up in "silly myths" and "vain discussions". Paul's solution is to focus on the truth of God and exercise the truths of God in our minds. As a weight lifter works out everyday, I should be working out the truths of God every day and preaching the gospel to my self and others. 

       Dear Father, I thank You for the protection of Your law. I thank You for the promises we can look upon, both fulfilled and unfulfilled. Please use these to preach truth to my heart and the gospel to my heart. Enable me to share the gospel with those around me. In Jesus name, Amen.