1 Timothy 4 - What Type of Listening is Required When You Hear A Sermon?

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4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

Paul says, "The Spirit clearly says." Although we primarily rely on the written Word the communication of God's will, He has also given us the Holy Spirit, which guides and leads us. The Holy Spirit has predicted that in later times some will leave the truth and listen to deceiving spirits. Notice the difference between "Spirit", and "spirits". In the spiritual realm there is the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of God, and of Christ. But there is also the demonic realm of "spirits", who are enemies of God and His people. There job is to tempt and deceive the saints about the truth of God's Word. 

Note it says, "taught by demons". Demons actually try to teach things, which is why we need to be grounded in the truth of God's Word, especially the Word about Christ! 

There can be many ways this can happen. Usually it is a pastor or teacher, who veers from biblical truth knowingly or unknowingly. 

"A June 1997 article in U.S. News and World Report described a Virginia pastor who “Would rather preach on ‘Bosnia, justice, or world peace’ than on Bible stories or personal salvation.” This is an example of a man who departed from the faith and followed his own direction." - Guzik

In this case, the teachers know they are teaching false doctrine, but their consciences are so hardened (seared) that it doesn't even bother them. The source of their false doctrine is focused on works of the flesh rather than life in the Spirit. They laid down rules the bible doesn't teach like forbidding marriage and teaching certain foods could not be eaten. As we think about how legalism rears its ugly head in the church, we must remember this verse, 

"Which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth." 

This issues of marriage and food need to be understood by the fact that God created both of them. There are ways in which we can handle both of these gifts in unhealthy or healthy ways. But we know if we give God thanks for them and handle them appropriately there is no moral issue with them.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

Paul tells Timothy that this is at the heart of what it means to be a faithful pastor. He calls what Timothy teaches, "the truths of the faith" and "the good teaching" his has received. 

Notice that the pastor’s job is primarily instruction of the brethren. If the minister does not instruct the brethren in these things, then he isn’t really a good minister of Jesus Christ.It is also important to say that instruction should be understood in a broad sense, not only as classroom-style teaching or Sunday preaching. Jesus instructed His disciples, but with His presence, His life, and His practice as well as with His words. - Guzik

Paul teaches Timothy that in order to be a good pastor he needs to be trained to be a godly leader. Becoming a godly pastor or leader doesn't happen by accident. Although a pastor is called by God's grace, it does not mean he doesn't need to be trained in God's Word and holy living. Having a more mature pastor to work with can be very important here. Hopefully a person who has been a pastor for a long period would embody what Paul is talking with a younger pastor. But unfortunately this is not always true!

Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Pastors not only teach but also, "command". A better word might be "challenge" or "exhort". Importantly it means doing so in the "office of pastor".  When pastors teach and preach they do so in the authority of God's Word and in the power of the Holy Spirit. As members of the church it is not for you to focus on whether you liked the pastor's sermon or not, but ask the question, "What is God commanding me to do as spoken through the pastor?" A good sermon should cause you to apply some aspect of God's Word. Because the pastor speaks in the authority of His office as appointed and ordained by God, members of churches need to not only listen to the sermon but obey it.

As for the pastor, Paul charges Timothy to be an example to believers in everything they do. Though they are not perfect, one consider not preaching you are not endeavoring to live a life worthy of your calling. Paul says Timothy should equally watch both his LIFE and his DOCTRINE closely! 

As I often say, "Doctrine Matters!" Doctrine means the right teaching about who Jesus is, why He came, and how we are saved not by works but by faith in Jesus. This is why Paul wanted to make sure Timothy was not buying into the legalism and what the false teachers were teaching, who concerned themselves with foolish myths and wives' tales. 

When you listen to a sermon do you take into consideration the pastor is preaching God's Word in the full authority of his office as the pastor of your church? Why is it not to get too caught up in the personality of a pastor, or focusing more on how entertaining his or her sermon is?