1 Timothy 4 - Beware When Someone Says, "Thus Sayeth the Lord!"

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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.

Note that the Holy Spirit speaks through people in the church. We often call this "prophecy" or "words of knowledge". We need to be very careful when we say, "Thus sayeth the Lord", or, "The Holy Spirit is giving me these words to say." There are some in the church who will purport to be teachers, but will be led by demons, not the Holy Spirit. This is why we need to test anyone who purports to be a teacher, before they teach. Importantly, their teaching should always be in alignment with the Word of God and orthodox Christianity. 

Paul then gives some examples of their teaching. First of all, they don't practice what they preach. Like the Pharisees, they lay heavy burdens on the people and don't lift a finger to help them. And, in fact, they don't follow their own teachings. They don't walk the talk. The bible calls this "hypocrisy", which literally means to "wear a mask". 

Another aspect of their teaching is legalism. They claim to be "super spiritual" and add to God's commands like with marriage. It is obvious the bible is "pro-marriage", but these false teachers are forbidding marriage, as if would make people more holy. Whether this is what the Catholic church teaches by forbidding their priests to not marry, would be up for debate. 

Paul does mention in Corinthians it would be better off for the apostles not to be married. The reason being so that the pastor or teacher will not have to be caught up with the concerns of the world. 

They also place dietary restrictions on the people which is like the dietary restrictions of the Jewish people in the Old Testament. Paul says everything is created good for believes who give thanks for God's provision. Mean there is nothing morally wrong with we eat or drink, but how we use it and if we give thanks for it. 

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 advises Timothy to teach this to the church. Correcting errant teaching is part of what it means to be a shepherd over God's flock. Shepherds need to watch for "sheeps in wolves clothing". Timothy had been trained to know the basic truths of the faith, and this was important as a spiritual leader of the church. It reminds us that before people preach or teach, they should be trained to know theology and the basic tenets of the Christian faith. We call this "orthodoxy", which means correct doctrine. 

Seminaries are a good place for young pastors to be trained. I know my studies at Fuller Seminary gave me a great foundation for being a pastor. 

Paul equates training in godliness with physical training. While not denigrating working out and keeping in shape, he contrasts spiritual training with benefits BOTH in this life, and the life to come. Our hope is in the living God. We don't worship dead idols or listen to wives' tales. Jesus is the exact representation of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15

Our hope is grounded in these teachings, especially how we are saved by grace through faith based upon what our Savior has done for us. Our hope is a living hope. Our hope is sure and certain because of Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. Our faith is grounded on actual events in history. 

1 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.

Though Timothy was young he should be respected because of the authority he had as anointed pastor of the flock. The apostle Paul had ordained Timothy to be a pastor of the people in Ephesus. Not also the others in the church prophesied about his gifts and the elders of the church laid their hands on his as part of his ordination to ministry. As such it was imperative that Timothy watch his life and set an example to the flock. People would be watching him and if he was guilty an immoral fallout it would greatly affect the church. 

Timothy, "like any younger pastor", would grow and progress in his pastoral leadership. Every leader needs grace and patience as they grow. They will not be perfect. They are not Jesus. Leaders need the help and encouragement of their churches. Most pastors, and I know this from experience, are really hard of themselves and know of their shortcomings more than anyone.